After first collaborating in 2017, Malaysian entertainer JessC reunites with Marcus Choot after three years in the new musical theatre production Glow.
JessC revealed a surprising on-stage dynamic, saying:
“He looks very gentle in real life, but in this musical he’s not gentle at all. I get hit by him—but this time it actually feels quite satisfying. It’s different from before; this time I’m willing.”
A Theatre Journey Built on Emotional Impact
In recent years, JessC has developed a strong passion for stage theatre. She shared that she began performing at the age of 13, initially focusing on English-language theatre overseas.
After transitioning into Chinese-language musical theatre, she found herself deeply drawn to it.
“Besides raising funds for cancer patients, I’ve also received a lot of positive and encouraging feedback,” she said.
She recalled emotional audience reactions, including a couple who said their relationship improved after watching her show. “They were planning to divorce, but after watching the play, they decided not to. Some patients also told me they became stronger emotionally. I never imagined theatre could heal people’s hearts.”
A Cast of Directors, Musicians, and Actors
Produced by Symphony Theatre (SPAC), Glow is directed by Jeffrey Beh and Terry Lim.
The main cast includes JessC, Marcus Choot, John Lee, Paul Lee, Lily Lim, and Chong Huifang.
All eight main participants attended the press conference, sharing insights about their roles.
Exhibition-Style Theatre With Real Artworks
A key feature of Glow is its integration of visual art into storytelling. Because the story is centered around a gallery, each cast member and director created original paintings to be exhibited during performances.
At the press conference, the artworks were unveiled, and two pieces were immediately purchased by donors:
- JessC’s painting Homecoming sold for RM10,000
- Marcus Choot’s painting Dreamscape sold for RM2,000
All proceeds will be donated to the JessC Cancer Fund to support cancer patients.
Marcus Choot, who plays a gallery owner in the story, admitted painting was more challenging than expected, joking that it took him five hours to complete his work.
Music Collaboration Between Two Brothers
American-Taiwanese brothers John Lee (elder brother) and Paul Lee (younger brother) have been contributing music to Symphony Theatre productions since Meant To Be.
John Lee, an award-winning musician in both Taiwan and the United States, shared that he is more emotionally experienced in love compared to his younger brother.
Paul Lee added that performing songs within a play allows for deeper emotional immersion, saying that purely imagining emotions without being on stage can feel less authentic.
Closing Note
With Glow, JessC continues to expand the boundaries of theatre—merging performance, visual art, and charity fundraising into a single immersive experience where even the artwork on stage becomes part of the storytelling and healing journey.
