JessC and Marcus Choot Reignite On-Stage Chemistry in Glow, Blending Art, Love, and Charity
“Symphony Theatre’s newest production transforms the stage into an art gallery.”
Symphony Theatre (SPAC) returns with its latest stage production Glow, marking its fourth theatre work following Meant To Be, The Dream of Red Mansions, and Tearless Sky, all staged during the pandemic period. After a total of 29 performances across earlier productions, Glow is set to premiere this weekend at Symphony Theatre.
Adapted from a classic romance novel, Glow features a strong ensemble cast led by JessC, alongside American-based actors John Lee and Paul Lee, as well as local theatre veterans Marcus Choot, Lily Lim, and Jessica Chung.
JessC & Marcus Choot: A “Subtle Relationship” Rekindled
JessC and Marcus Choot reunite on stage after their 2017 collaboration in Music Box, marking their first joint performance in three years.
Marcus Choot teased the audience by describing their on-stage relationship as “very subtle and ambiguous,” leaving interpretation open to viewers.
JessC, in her signature playful tone, revealed that she “willingly gets hit by Marcus in the play—and actually enjoys it this time.”
During the press conference, a male fan jokingly shouted, “Marry me!” when JessC asked the audience who her character would end up with, sending the room into laughter.
With three male leads appearing on stage, audiences are left wondering whether JessC’s character will face a complicated emotional triangle.
A Theatre Built on Emotional Healing
JessC shared that she began performing at the age of 13, initially in English-language theatre. After transitioning into Chinese-language stage productions, she developed a deep passion for the art form.
Beyond fundraising for cancer patients, she emphasized that theatre has become a form of emotional healing for audiences.
“Some couples told me they became closer after watching the show. Even patients who were emotionally down became stronger afterward,” she said. “I never imagined theatre could heal people’s emotions like this.”
JessC also explained that she is highly selective with scripts, often rejecting film and theatre offers that do not align with her values.
“I only choose stories with positive energy that can move and inspire people,” she said.
Directing Challenges and Unexpected Painting Tasks
Marcus Choot noted that live audience interaction is what makes theatre powerful, calling it the true charm of stage performance.
He also shared that director Jeffrey Beh is extremely detail-oriented, pushing actors to fully immerse themselves in their roles.
During rehearsal, the director unexpectedly asked the cast to paint. Marcus admitted he struggled with the task, spending over five hours completing his artwork.
Meaning Behind Glow
Director Jeffrey Beh explained that “Glow” symbolizes a faint light of hope in Japanese interpretation, also representing the inner conscience within every person.
Through the production, he hopes to awaken that inner “glow” in the audience.
Assistant director Terry Lim added that the production uses 3D LED technology to enhance realism, creating a more immersive theatrical experience.
The soundtrack is composed and performed by the Lee brothers:
- John Lee
- Paul Lee
Songs include Don’t Be Afraid, Complicated, and Love Love You, all integrated into the narrative.
Paul Lee explained that music in theatre enhances emotional expression far more effectively than dialogue alone.
John Lee added that performing in theatre requires full physical and emotional immersion, making it more demanding than concert performances.
Because Glow is set in an art gallery, each actor and director created an original painting, which will be displayed and sold during the performances to raise funds for cancer patients.
At the press event, two paintings were immediately purchased:
- JessC’s Homecoming sold for RM10,000
- Marcus Choot’s Dreamscape sold for RM2,000
These proceeds will be donated to the JessC Cancer Fund.
Marcus Choot, who plays a gallery owner in the story, joked that painting was unexpectedly difficult, admitting it took him more than five hours to complete.
Closing Note
With Glow, JessC continues to merge theatre, visual art, music, and charity into a single immersive experience—turning stage performance into both emotional storytelling and meaningful social impact.
