Michelle Chen To Play Zixia Fairy in Stage Version of A Chinese Odyssey

We rarely see Michelle Chen in the spotlight after she married Chen Xiao and had a kid. However, the actress has kept busy last year and finished filming a drama based on the life story of Teresa Teng. Lately, she is ready to tackle another icon as Zixia Fairy in the stage production of A Chinese Odyssey 大话西游 which is slated to have its first showing on Jan. 23, 2019. 

Athena Chu played Zixia in the two-part 1995 Hong Kong fantasy-comedy film starring Stephen Chow. Although there have been attempts by other actresses to portray the same role either in dramas or movies,  Athena's portrayal is a classic.   

Unfortunately, Michelle Chen is no stranger to criticism when it comes to playing iconic characters.  She played Xiaolongnu in Romance of the Condor Heroes in 2014 which didn't sit well with viewers. Michelle received a lot of flak, mainly due to her appearance being too different from Xiaolongu in the novel.  To be honest, she strikes me more as cute and bubbly rather than a pure and stunning angel. 

Photos of the rehearsal have been posted online and some netizens seem to be casting doubt on whether she can live up to the role. I have to give Michelle Chen credit though.  She isn't afraid to challenge herself.  Hopefully, all her hard work pays off with both fans and critics alike.

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Gillian Chung and Michael Lai Officially Wed in Hong Kong

On Dec. 18, singer-actress Gillian Chung and her doctor boyfriend Michael Lai registered their marriage in a romantic albeit simple ceremony in Hong Kong.  It was reported that about 30 close friends and family attended the event with celebrities like Leo Ku, Kenny Kwan and Gillian's bridesmaids making by her side.  

It can be recalled the couple hosted a wedding banquet in Los Angeles earlier this May which had people thinking that Gillian and Michael were already married. As it turns out, it wasn't official yet. 

On Dec. 20, the couple's actual wedding day, their banquet had 38 tables of guests and among them were Rainie Yang, Michelle Chen, Angela Zhang and Julia Cheung. 

Her bridesmaids include Charlene Choi, Joey Yung and Yumiko Cheng. 

  

At the start of the event, Gillian took to the stage and tearily expressed her gratitude by saying, "I'm so thankful that the heavens allowed me to meet all the people who love me."  Michael, on the other hand, addressed Gillian's mother, "Rest assured and hand your daughter to me."  

Kenny Kwan of the Hong Kong Cantopop duo Boy'z ended up with the bouquet of flowers?

Gillian revealed that she is now getting used to being called "Mrs. Lai" and that her next project would be "to make babies." Gillian took to weibo the day after to thank everyone as the curtain comes down on her multiple wedding celebrations. She admits that she's not particularly fond of flowers, but gushes that the venue was too romantic. 

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