Award-winning Mandarin musical returns April 2026 with expanded cast addressing mental health themes
ONE of Malaysia’s most emotionally resonant theatrical productions is making a highly anticipated return, with Gou Li Hao Xi 2.0 set to grace stages this April with an expanded cast and deepened narrative focus.
The Mandarin-language musical, which captured hearts during its debut run in September 2025, will return for a limited engagement at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre from April 3-5, 2026.
A Theatrical Response to Rising Mental Health Concerns
Director Ryon Lee, who returns to musical theatre direction after a 15-year absence, has positioned the production as more than entertainment – it serves as what he calls an “emotional safe harbour” for audiences navigating the pressures of modern life.
Executive Producer Ee Lai Cheng; Scriptwriter and Director Ryon Lee came together to witness the return of Go Li Hao Xi 2.0. With a fully upgraded heartwarming lineup, the production infuses deeper resonance into its ‘Emotional Safe Haven’ concept.”
The revival arrives at a critical juncture. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, depression rates among Malaysians have doubled over the past five years, with individuals aged 16 to 29 being disproportionately affected.
“Musical theatre functions as a heightened emotional language that can reach places where ordinary words cannot,” Lee explained. “By creating a shared space where audiences witness their own vulnerabilities reflected on stage, we foster moments of recognition that help dissolve feelings of isolation.”
Producer Crystal Yeo Zhijun emphasised that the production has been crafted not as a conventional theatrical revival, but as an emotional touchpoint designed to reconnect audiences with themselves and others through storytelling, music, and communal presence.
Overwhelming Response Drives Return
The original production’s success stemmed from its ability to mirror contemporary emotional struggles through dynamic musical sequences and nuanced storytelling. Audience members frequently shared that the portrayal of anxiety, exhaustion, and emotional turbulence on stage reflected their own experiences or those of loved ones.
Remarkably, even first-time musical theatre attendees found the production both accessible and sophisticated, experiencing what many described as unexpected emotional clarity through the production’s melodies and choreography.
Strong word-of-mouth across social media platforms and sustained demand from audiences prompted the creative team to announce this upgraded staging.
Expanded Cast Brings Fresh Perspectives
Gou Li Hao Xi 2.0 features a robust returning ensemble including Cheryl Lee, Orange Tan, Rickman Chia, Richard Tan, Loo Aye Keng, Remon Lim, Wayne Cai, Kopi Lim, Reno Lee, Olio Tan, Andrew Lim, JY Lim, Olivia, and KK Wong.
The production introduces four distinguished guest performers from diverse professional backgrounds, each bringing unique dimensions to the theatrical experience:
- Tan Chia Yong, veteran news anchor known for his composed, authoritative presence
- Chiong Pei Pei, experienced host and presenter with extensive emotional range
- Ah Lee (@ahleetalkshit), recognized for incisive social commentary and emotional insight
- Miss Durian (@missdurian4143), whose warmth and humor provide levity to weightier themes
The script has been carefully reimagined to leverage the strengths of this expanded cast, allowing new interpersonal dynamics to emerge within the established theatrical framework.
A Multilingual Experience
Presented in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, the production ensures accessibility across Malaysia’s diverse linguistic landscape while maintaining its emotional authenticity.
Performance Details
The musical will run for four performances:
- Friday, April 3, 2026 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, April 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, April 5, 2026 – 3:00 PM
Venue: Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC)
Ticket Information
Tickets are priced from RM88 to RM228 and are available through onetix.com.my. For inquiries, contact +603-7732 4988.
A limited-time early bird promotion offers discounts up to 25% using promo code EB25, valid from January 8-21, 2026.
Whether experiencing musical theatre for the first time or returning as a seasoned patron, Gou Li Hao Xi 2.0 promises a deeply resonant exploration of emotional well-being in contemporary Malaysian life.
