SINGAPORE — December Rains made waves when it was staged in 1996 as the first local Chinese musical, created by noted songwriters Liang Wern Fook and Jimmy Ye, as well as theatre director Alec Tok and celebrated producer James Toh.

Subsequently, theatre company Toy Factory staged it in 2010 — this time helmed by director Goh Boon Teck and starring Singapore’s doyenne of song Kit Chan, and actors George Chan and Jeffrey Low in the lead roles. This year’s restaging by Toy Factory is part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

One of the best loved musicals in local Chinese theatre, December Rains is performed in Mandarin with English subtitles and tells the story of a pair of young lovers who get separated during the social unrest in the 1950s. It then follows what happens to their entangled relationship, as revelations occur when the protagonist encounters the family of her daughter’s beau years later.

The creative team behind the musical has delivered a refreshing art direction, staging, costumes and music. The minimalist yet effective stage design of layers of tilted backdrops add depth to the stage, while an ominous pendulum clock as the centrepiece and a dangling giant lock are symbolic of embedded secrets and lost loves.

The beautiful costumes designed by Tube Gallery bring the theme of water to life. The white, blue and green palettes and watercolour-toned dresses accentuate the characters and story development. The original songs composed by Liang and Ye are beautiful, memorable ballads that remain endearing through the years. But there are updates: Audiences can look forward to a wistful new song What Am I Waiting For and new music arrangements; and the dramatic scenes — particularly in the finale — have also undergone new stylistic treatment.

In terms of the main cast, Andie Chen is competent in his first foray from television to theatre as the righteous, idealistic student leader, although the role is reminiscent of his character in Channel 8 drama The Journey. Chriz Tong has colossal shoes (or killer heels) to fill, given that Chan was the titular female lead in the musical’s last staging, but she manages to hold her own. Supporting cast Abby Lai (as Wang Mei) is entertaining as the vivacious buddy with good comic timing; while the morose Ming Li (played by Sugie Phua) renders touching moments as the unrequited companion.

For new or young theatregoers, there is not a better baptism and induction of Chinese musicals than December Rains. Its themes are easy to follow — without being dumbed down — and the music is easy on the ear. As for seasoned audiences with high expectations who have watched past versions, this restaging is worth watching, as it will satisfy with its artistic reinterpretation and quality staging.

December Rains remains an icon for local Chinese theatre. One can only wish that, in its wake this time, there would be a burgeoning of new audiences and, hopefully, many more original local productions that tell our own stories will spring forth.

December Rains runs until Sept 6 at The Esplanade Theatre. Tickets from SISTIC. Visit www.toyfactory.com.sg/dr-microsite for more details.