Actor and singer Jing Wong recently celebrated the successful conclusion of his musical run, Café I Do – Dedicated to Leslie, performing for seven nights to enthusiastic audiences. The production, which saw Wong singing and dancing with acclaimed passion and meticulous dedication, garnered exceptional word-of-mouth praise, with many fans describing the stage presence as captivating and “always worth seeing again.” The final performance not only marked the end of the theatrical run but culminated in a high-spirited “Thanksgiving Gathering” immediately following the last matinée.
The event, arranged as a combined celebration and fan appreciation session, allowed Wong to connect intimately with his dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as the “Kimchi Family,” at the evening’s celebration. The gathering also drew a significant number of “Gor-mei”—the devoted followers of the late superstar Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing—due to the musical’s focus on preserving and reinterpreting Cheung’s artistic legacy. The festive mood was heightened by Wong’s heartfelt renditions of several of Cheung’s timeless classic songs, creating an electrifying and emotional atmosphere.
Connecting with the Audience and Honoring Support
Reflecting on the final curtain call, Wong expressed a mix of melancholy and deep satisfaction. “It’s difficult to say goodbye, but the joy and fun we experienced were immense,” he stated. Wong noted the growing synergy among the cast members, which allowed for increased spontaneity and creative freedom with each performance. He emphasized that the greatest reward was witnessing the audience’s happiness and hearing their positive feedback, calling it the ultimate validation of the artistic endeavor.
Wong explained that the unique celebration was specifically organized to express profound gratitude for the years of unwavering support from the Kimchi Family. “No matter how taxing or busy the rehearsals and performances were, I felt it was crucial to personally thank everyone,” he noted, underscoring the sincerity behind the special arrangement.
A particularly poignant moment occurred when Wong introduced Mama Qiao, an elder supporter whom he affectionately calls “Auntie Jo,” to share her perspective. Wong was visibly moved to learn that Mama Qiao, who is in her early nineties, had made the effort to attend the fifth performance, believing he had already left for Seattle. Her determination to support the show deeply impacted Wong, fueling his resolve to deliver a powerful performance. In response, Mama Qiao shared a sentiment that resonated powerfully, admitting she “would truly regret it” had she missed his performance.
Passing the Torch: Leslie Cheung’s Enduring Spirit
This inspiring interaction solidified Wong’s commitment to his craft. He articulated a future goal: to channel this profound emotion and inspiration into subsequent stage projects. Through the medium of musical theatre, Wong is committed to safeguarding and extending the enduring legacy and artistic ethos of Leslie Cheung for new generations. The success of Café I Do illustrates the continuing vibrancy of classic Hong Kong entertainment and the deep public desire for meaningful performances that honor cultural icons.
The success demonstrates the enduring power of musical theatre to both entertain and connect audiences with important cultural heritage.
