After more than a month of nationwide and international auditions, the search for Jia Baoyu has officially concluded. The role will be played by Terry Lim in the upcoming stage adaptation of The Dream of Red Mansions, starring JessC.

A Choice That Fits the Classic

Director Brian Choot expressed strong confidence in the final selection:

“Terry Lim matches the original character of Jia Baoyu in terms of appearance, height, and overall presence.”

He also acknowledged the high caliber of the audition pool. While several candidates demonstrated impressive acting skills, some did not fully align with the physical or interpretative qualities required for the role.

“There were many talented performers. Some had excellent acting ability but didn’t quite match the character’s look, while others lacked the necessary physical presence. It was a difficult decision, and we had to make some tough calls.”

Full Cast Confirmed, Rehearsals Begin

With the casting now complete, the full lineup for The Dream of Red Mansions stage production is officially in place. The team will move into an intensive phase of training and rehearsals, scheduled to run for one month.

The production is expected to premiere by the end of the year, marking a major theatrical milestone as the classic novel is reimagined on the Malaysian stage.

Closing Note

The conclusion of the “Searching for Jia Baoyu” campaign signals more than just a casting decision—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for this ambitious production. With Terry Lim stepping into one of literature’s most iconic roles and JessC portraying Lin Daiyu, anticipation is building for a stage interpretation that aims to honor tradition while bringing fresh emotional depth to a timeless story.

Source: Sin Chew Jit Poh & China Press