Sri Burapha's classic novel that some of us, including me, have read back in university has been made into a TV drama, film and the most recent adaptation, a musical. Directed by Boy Thakonkiat, Khang Lang Phab The Musical takes us back to the year 2475, when Siam underwent a major change as it first adopted democracy. The story kicks off in Japan, where Nopporn, a 22-year-old student, runs into a 35-year-old khun ying Keerati and sparks fly. It's a love at first sight, but the problem is khun ying is already married to a wealthy, influential guy. So while age difference is not a problem, both of them can't express their love for each other (well, not that much) since khun ying has to maintain her picture-perfect "image."

The good: If extravaganza is what you are after then you will love Khang Lang Phab The Musical. The setting is gorgeous as the production team delivers an excellent job bringing the beauty of Japan described in the novel on stage. So you have everything from a romantic boat-rowing scene to a colorful temple fest. The highlight is definitely Mitake scene, where as khun ying puts it "our love was born." Expect stunning waterfall (with actual water flowing onstage) with falling orange leaves adding to the romance.

Costumes is also another selling point. If you went to see Jo-Jo San the Musical and found youself complaining "Why the prince has only two baan-baan outfit" or "Doesn't Jo-Jo San have better kimono than this?" well be ready to be wowed by khun ying Keerati's countless dresses.

The bad: Where should I begin? Well, Bie The Star did sing a lot better than I expected. But he has only one face for all emotions. If you've seen him starring in a TV soap-op before, that's what you get from him in the play. Pat is a good contender for khun ying Keerati. Her voice is great, but her Keerati isn't as poised, composed or sophisticated as I expected. Keerati here (subtly but a bit more too often) flirts and keeps checking with other people "Do I look beautiful now?" And yes, you can expect soap-opera moments like Nopporn climbing up a tree to put a baby bird back into its nest then falling over khun ying (which gained a lot of oohs and ahhs from the crowd). Then there's a dancing in the waterfall scene, which is supposed to be a "genuine" dance before ending up with a kiss.

The first half felt rushed. The pace was too fast as characters just poped in and out, bursting into songs and changing too many dresses. The second half took on a slower pace, allowing you to actually relax and enjoy the play. But then just when I thought the play would end beautifully, Nopporn recited THE phrase of the novel [roughly translated as "Even though I die without the one who loves me, but I am happy that I have the one I love"], which should be the touching peak moment. But the second after he finished that line, he bursted out, yes bursted out, into a song, which kinda ruined the whole thing.

The verdict: Despite all my rants, Khang Lang Phab The Musical is an admirable effort. At least, you can tell everyone work hard to produce the piece. The sining part is better than many other Exact musicals, and the setting is grand. Plus, fans and groupies of Bie The Star would go crazy over his firm body. The girl sitting next to me kept admiring his biceps all through 2.30hr.