Singers Aisha Retno, Mimi Fly praised for commitment to 'Puteri Gunung Ledang' musical

Singers Aisha Retno and Mimi Fly are making their theatrical debut in the "Puteri Gunung Ledang" (PGL) 2026 musical, and director Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina has lauded their exceptional commitment and coachability.

Jacquelina, 59, noted that both artists have shown a high level of dedication and have been receptive to direction throughout the rehearsal process. "Aisha and Mimi are very diligent in rehearsals. We rehearse many times, and they are not difficult or prone to mistakes; they are always trying," she stated.

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Aisha and Mimi are very diligent in rehearsals. We rehearse many times, and they are not difficult or prone to mistakes and they are both always trying.

Describing herself as a meticulous and demanding director, Jacquelina mentioned she set high expectations for the singers from the outset. "When we push actors, they can actually deliver performances beyond their perceived abilities," she explained.

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I am a director who is very meticulous and fussy. From the beginning, I told them that I demand more than usual from both of them. When we push actors, they can actually deliver performances beyond their abilities.

The singers' eagerness to ask questions and learn has significantly eased Jacquelina's task of guiding their characters. "During rehearsals, they are very open, ask many questions, and share their views frequently. They are not afraid to make mistakes, which is a very good thing," she said.

"The advantage of theater is that we can try 20 times in 20 different ways to perform a scene or deliver a lyric. We keep trying until we find what is exactly right, and both of them are very diligent in discussing," Jacquelina added. She praised their willingness to learn from other actors, a trait she values highly. "The more diligent an actor is, the more we feel like giving, and I feel very fortunate to have caliber actors like them," she concluded.

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In the rehearsal process, they are very open, diligent in asking questions, and frequently share their views. They are not afraid to make mistakes, and that is indeed a good thing.

Aisha Retno is set to embody Gusti Putri Retno Dumilah, while Mimi Fly will take on the role of Bayan. PGL The Musical, directed by Jacquelina, is scheduled to be staged from October 31 to November 15 at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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The advantage of theater is that we can try 20 times in 20 different ways to perform a scene or deliver a lyric. We keep trying until we find what is exactly right, and both of them are very diligent in discussing.