A sensational 1960s espionage musical mystery that blended high-fashion intrigue, Broadway-calibre choreography, and Malaysian wit.
Producer
Enfiniti (M) Sdn Bhd
Premiere & Venue
2011 • Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya
Genre & Format
Original Musical Theatre
Bilingual Espionage Comedy
Full Orchestra & Big Band
Accolades & Honors
9 BOH Cameronian Nominations & Wins
Best Director • Best Original Score
Best Costume Design
The Story: Glamour, Espionage, and A Prima Donna Undercover
Set in 1960s Penang and Kuala Lumpur during the glittering height of the cabaret era, the story follows Nora, a glamorous prima donna singing sensation at the exotic Cabaret de Paris. Behind the sequins and spotlight, she is unexpectedly recruited by suave British intelligence agent Roger Foss to embark on a perilous undercover espionage mission to infiltrate a ruthless international crime syndicate.
Seamlessly weaving together English and Bahasa Malaysia, vintage swing, mambo, big-band showtunes, and traditional keroncong rhythms, The Secret Life of Nora captured the imagination of Southeast Asian audiences with its witty script, lavish couture tapestries, and exhilarating choreography that proved Malaysian musical theatre can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the West End and Broadway.
Watch Trailer & Performance Highlights
Visionary Creative Team & Iconic Cast
Creative Leadership & Stagecraft
Director: Steven Dexter (UK / West End)
Executive Producer: Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina
Music Composers: Mac Chew & Wouter Van Den Bosch
Lyrics: Alfian Sa’at
Set Designer: Raja Malek
Costume Designer: Dominique Devorsine
Choreographer: Pat Ibrahim
Principal Cast & Ensemble
Nora: Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina
Roger Foss: Ryan Silverman (Broadway)
Betty: Adibah Noor
Mr. J: Datuk Aznil Nawawi
Tan Sri Robert: Tony Eusoff
Ensemble: Stephanie Van Driesen, Aaron Khaled
Box Office Triumph
18 Sold-Out Performances
Premiered to thunderous standing ovations at Istana Budaya across October 2011.
International Calibre
Broadway x Malaysian Cast
Paired Broadway star Ryan Silverman with Malaysia’s most celebrated theatrical icon.
Critical Honors
9 Cameronian Nominations
Swept top honors at the 9th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Direction, Score, and Costumes.
Critical Praise:
The Star Malaysia
"A dazzling, witty, and gorgeously staged musical extravaganza that elevates Malaysian theatre to international heights."
Artistic Impact:
New Straits Times