Bravo to our English Musical Team! What an unforgettable triumph at the Hong Kong School Drama Festival 2026! Our team harmonized acting, dance, and music to sweep multiple prestigious accolades:
- Award for Outstanding Stage Effects
- Award for Outstanding Cooperation
- Award for Outstanding Performer: Loo Lok Yung, Li Lok Yi, and Ng Ka Chun
As the music teacher, nothing fills my heart more than hearing our students use their voices, melodies, and rhythms to tell a story of profound emotional depth. This wasn't just a play; it was a beautifully orchestrated musical journey that struck a chord with the judges and audience alike.
Overcoming the "Blushing Girl" Syndrome: A Journey of Courage
Our musical this year delved into psychological growth, drawing inspiration from Alfred Adler's philosophy and a poignant case featured in the best-selling book The Courage to Be Disliked.
The story follows Emily, a shy, introverted girl trapped by her own anxieties. Emily suffers from a severe fear of blushing—a physical manifestation of her nervousness that makes her terrified of being mocked. To protect herself, she withdraws into her shell. Desperate to help her break free, Emily's mother signs her up for a high-energy cheerleading program—the ultimate nightmare scenario for someone who dreads the spotlight.
Through delicate, emotional solos and tense ensemble numbers, the music beautifully captured Emily's internal panic and the overwhelming pressure she felt to conform.
Finding Strength in Unexpected Melodies
Emily’s saving grace is her grandmother, who resides in an unconventional nursing home. Unlike traditional facilities, this home is a vibrant, lively ecosystem where each elderly resident has a distinct personality and lives fiercely in their own way.
The musical shift in this section of the show brought the house down! Moving from Emily's timid melodies to the upbeat, quirky, and soulful showtunes of the spirited seniors, the stage erupted with life. With the musical encouragement of her grandmother, the eccentric head of the home, and the supportive residents, Emily learns a profound Adlerian truth: her blushing isn't an unchangeable curse, but a shield she has been using to avoid the risk of rejection.
Finding her true voice, Emily takes her first brave step forward in a powerful, triumphant musical finale.
A Symphony of Cooperation and Effects
An English musical requires immense dedication, where script, song, and technical precision must align perfectly.
- Winning the Award for Outstanding Stage Effects highlights our technical crew's brilliance. They seamlessly synced lighting and soundscapes with our musical score to visually and sonically mirror Emily’s transformation.
- The Award for Outstanding Cooperation reflects the true spirit of Heung To Middle School. From our powerful lead vocalists to the backstage crew shifting sets in perfect rhythm, every student worked as one cohesive unit.
A massive congratulations to our stellar performers—Loo Lok Yung, Li Lok Yi, and Ng Ka Chun—and to the entire cast, crew, and musicians! You have shown us all what it truly means to have the "courage to be disliked" and the courage to sing your own song.
Let's keep the applause going for our English Musical Team when you see them in the corridors!
