CHRISTMAS 2011: Home For Christmas
CN PHOTO: Koh Meng Kwang.
Nelson Tong donned on a 10-kilogram bear suit to play Bobo, the oldest toy in the room.
“The suit’s made of synthetic wool so it’s extremely warm when you wear it. Our Costume Ministry workers worked tirelessly to cool me down whenever I came off from stage. They would hydrate me with lots of water and use their mini-fans to lower the heat. It was hilarious to see them using those tiny fans to cool such a big bear! The costume was also cumbersome—it was not easy to move around in, especially when we had to dance!
“But still, if I was a toy, I would love to be a teddy bear! Every bear is like a guardian angel sent to protect its owner from harm.”
It was Bobo’s “big baby” voice that won the hearts of the audience. “I watched children’s programs to study how puppeteers speak and move. I tried speaking animatedly during rehearsals, and asked my directors and fellow actors to see whether it suited Bobo’s character. I wanted to portray a cute bear—and not sound too childish and high-pitched and irritating! I guess it had worked well, wouldn’t you agree?”