Musical theater is an intricate art form where storylines come to life through the perfect fusion of acting, visuals, and, most crucially, music. One such production that has taken the Asian market by storm is “No Longer Human,” a musical theater that has captivated nearly 200,000 people across 30 cities and earned over one million dollars in its first tour. Aside from the composition, acting and directing, this massive success cannot be without a meticulous blend of music engineering and programming by Shaochen Jesse Cai ’s team.
“No Longer Human” draws inspiration from classic Japanese literature, bringing its themes of human despair, social struggle, and redemption to the stage in an emotionally charged way. The production's intricate sound design has played a vital role in creating this immersive experience for audiences. With a background in classical music and expertise in producing tracks across various musical genres, Shaochen Jesse Cai and his team became the driving force behind the sonic architecture of “No Longer Human.”
With a pit band that lacked brass and woodwind players and a limited number of string musicians, creating a full, dynamic sound required an extraordinary approach to sound design. Cai, a skilled music producer and recording engineer, meticulously crafted all the synthetic percussion and string arrangements to elevate the production. Cai’s team then used remote controllers to help the keyboard players switch seamlessly between more than 70 different sound sample banks during the live performances, turning a small pit band into a full-sized orchestra. This technical feat enhanced the emotional weight of the show’s most poignant moments, ensuring every note resonated with the audience.
Cai’s journey to this level of expertise began early on, rooted in his classical music training with piano and guitar. As a composer and producer, he drew inspiration from legendary music engineers who have mastered the craft of translating artistic vision into sound. His career took off in the 2010s, leading him to work on film, TV, and theater projects, but his crowning achievement to date is undoubtedly his work on “No Longer Human.”
The production’s success has not only set a new benchmark in the asian musical theater landscape but also garnered critical acclaim. In 2023, “No Longer Human” won the Performing Arts World Awards. Cai’s tireless efforts helped “No Longer Human” stand out in a competitive market, solidifying its position as one of the largest and most successful productions in the Asian performing arts scene.
As Cai reflects on this journey, he emphasizes the importance of hard work. Recording over 40 songs in a month for the show’s tracking process was no easy feat, but his dedication to his craft is evident in every beat, chord, and transition within the musical. His future is equally promising, with his team currently developing a new musical theater project set to tour the Pacific Asia market in 2025.
Through his passion, precision, and dedication, Shaochen Jesse Cai has proven himself as a visionary in music production. His work has left an indelible mark on the industry while he continues to shape the future of Asia’s musical theater market.
