Christmas 2024: The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Sometimes, it's the unexpected challenges that reveals where your strength truly lies.

For me, it took a cast, crew, and a few steadfast friends to keep me grounded.

I served as Joseph in the Christmas drama production "The Boy Who Cried Wolf!" and after several months of preparation, we've finally completed the run.

This show gave me purpose and helped to keep my mind occupied during a rough final 2024 quarter.

The final show was the best run out of 3 and though there were some hiccups along the way (like my repeated failed wood choppings during other runs), ultimately it was a fun and entertaining experience for many.

But what truly stood out were the quiet moments of resilience off-stage that you weren't aware of.

I don't have the liberty to talk about it in detail but there were those who have suffered personal losses and they still chose to serve in spite of their difficulty.

It was a humbling reminder of resilience.

It's not about pretending that everything is fine, it's about moving forward even though there's an overwhelming weight to carry.

Through their example, I was reminded that in all circumstances, God remains in charge.

Reflecting on God brought me calm amid my own struggles and helped me to shift my focus away from my challenges to the author and finisher of my faith.

Even though some of my closer friends weren't directly involved in this production, they still chose to come and support in their own ways.

Their presence really made it much better.

Years ago, I thought I could handle any challenge life throws at me but this production really let me experience an important truth: with friends, I don't have to face it alone.

Just being with them eases the burdens I've been carrying.

If you're struggling, surround yourself with people who uplift you - it really can make all the difference, as it did for me during this production.

Who are the people keeping you steady this season or year?

Take a moment to appreciate them --- they're not mind readers!

Tell them about it. Whether it's a quick text or a coffee catch-up, let them know they matter.

Small gestures go a long way.

This Christmas, may you find peace in your connections and strength in the people who make your life brighter.

Here's wishing you a Meeeehhhh-ree Christmas~

Post Event Update (Aug 2026)

Since I’ve revived my blog, I decided to add a little bit more into this post.

Wilson and I both auditioned to play the role of Joseph. Getting the role would be an interesting casting choice because those in church would recognise me as Jesus.

So… that explains the facial similarity? Haha

Prepping for the Silhouette Action Scene

The short few seconds where I fought the wolf in the shadows wasn’t all me, the jumping parts were done by Wee Lee.

Though I practiced with the jumping over several sessions, I wasn’t able to get to the same height he did - so the jumping in the silhouette was him.

Wilson also practiced this as well because the directors weren’t sure who to cast so we both had to jump and roll around on the Suntec carpeted floor. Bruises were a natural occurrence from the practices.

I can’t recall if it was during the recording or the rehearsals but we were supposed to grab a rock or stick and to strike the wolf.

Instead of throwing the stick away, I stood up holding the stick against the wolf until it retreated.

That take was good, so subsequent attempts again just kept that in.

I guess it stick-ed.

One of the Hardest Roles I’ve Done

As an avoidant, I tend to avoid calling out situations like this but since it’s been a while and I have a feeling the person whom I’m referring to is never going to visit this site (I’d be VERY surprised), I’ll mention it.

Throughout the years, I’ve acted on stage with many people. And when there’s definitely going to be interaction between myself and another lady for non-Easter roles, I do try to make it a point to spend time off-stage to get to know the other person better.

I’ve acted with Sarah, Ruth, Lingual, Sheila, Veracia, and now, Chloe as Mary.

Truthfully, I was looking forward to acting with Chloe because she’s a good actress, we’ve been on the leadership team, we’ve served together in the old church video announcements, and she was always amazing at every thing tasked to her.

That said… I kid you not, this was the HARDEST role I’ve had.

Mostly because whenever I’m having rehearsals with her, I get a “walled out” vibe. Every rehearsal was so difficult because I could not build any kind of chemistry with her.

I recall it was so bad that when Sun came to watch the preview, she remarked that she didn’t feel any chemistry. That Chloe was a lovely young lady and that I shouldn’t friendzone her.

I’d say, I’m not even at friendzone, I’m at the ick-zone.

I tried to improve things. Even told the bosses. Didn’t work.

So, eventually, it just became mechanical acting.

Though not to the same degree, I could relate to how Ian McKellen felt when he couldn’t act in-person with others.

She’s a private person and I can understand that. We’ve never really had that “click” whenever there was small talk but it was obvious on multiple levels that nothing goes further beyond “the job” of our roles.

Since then, she’s moved to NYC and I wish her all the best.

Joseph Doesn’t Appear in Jesus’ Life?

Ever wondered why Joseph doesn’t appear in Jesus’ adult life?

While this is a fictional story, I created a plausible reason for it.

I “died” from the wolf bite.

Usually a bite wound would just be lots of bleeding but because the make up crew added a lot of red on the bite area, it looked like I got infected.

And as Joseph, I toughed it out and brought Nathan to see baby Jesus.

But… without getting medical attention, it grew into a bigger problem and eventually, I died too early.

Of course, this isn’t true because he was around to bring Jesus to the temple at age 12 and taught Him carpentry.