'Ola Bola The Musical' Is Going On Tour Around Malaysia And Guess What? It's Free!

This writer still clearly remembers waiting for the movie to start – there was a delay – and her brother saying “You know why the movie is starting late? Because it’s all about being Malaysian. So… Malaysian timing!”

The movie finally started and when we left the cinema, everyone was smiling at each other, even strangers, as if to say, "This is what Malaysia is all about".

Lately, it feels as if we’re again becoming jaded by all the politicking happening around us.

It’s quite sad, especially when it's happening so close to our Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day.

Well, if like us, you are also missing the usual excitement this time of the year, you’d definitely want to check out 'Ola Bola The Musical' to bring back some cheer.

For the first time ever, the full show will be performed in Kuching, Sarawak and a condensed version of it in Penang, Pahang and Kota Kinabalu.

We got a sneak preview of the show a few days ago - OK, it wasn't the full show, it was just the final rehearsal - and we must say, even without props and all those fancy lighting and effects, it was pretty impressive.

Several of the original cast who performed in Kuala Lumpur during the show’s previous run will be reprising their roles, while others are new to the team.

The original cast members who will be back included Altimet, who plays Sarjan Ahmad; Brian Chan as “Tauke” Chow Kong Keong; Luqman Hafidz as Ahmad Ali; Lim Jian Wen as Ong Tiam Chai; Iedil Putra as Rahman Ramli; Tony Eusoff as Coach Harry and Nabila Huda in several roles.

If you remember the movie, the story is still similar, but with some new elements to it and definitely more theatrics.

Everyone's favourite song from the original musical, "I Cover You", performed by Altimate, remains the main attraction this time around, but you'll get a special appearance by the popular Malaysian football fans called Ultras Malaya.

We wouldn’t want to give too much away, but be prepared to go on an emotional rollercoaster when you watch the show.

Oh… we forgot the best part – it’s all FREE!

Director and producer of the show, Tiara Jacquelina, told Rojak Daily that the version of "I Cover You" perfectly describes the spirit of brotherhood and unity.

“No one does it better than our Sarjan Ahmad. It’s what the Harimau Malaya team stands for, and what made them the greatest football team Malaysia ever had.

“'I Cover You' is the theme I chose for this Merdeka Tour, and I hope it will inspire Malaysians to always look out for, to celebrate and to support, each other,” she said during the show’s rehearsal.

You can get the tickets for the show at the venue and it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Tickets are limited to only four per person, so be nice and give others a chance to watch too. Don’t take more than you need!

The schedule for the show is as follows:

• 31 August – Majestic Theatre, Penang
• ​6 – 8 September - Stadium Perpaduan Kuching, Sarawak
• 11 September – Kompleks JKKN Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
• 21 September – Auditorium Darul Makmur, RTM Pahang, Kuantan.

For more information, visit Ola Bola’s official page.

For now, get yourself pumped up by watching this behind-the-scenes mini documentary we did during the first run of 'Ola Bola The Musical':