The Return of Mama Mia! The Musical

 The hit global musical, “MAMMA MIA!”, would be returning to Singapore this October. It features ABBA’s evergreen songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island. The musical was last staged in Singapore in 2018.

 The hugely successful English-language International Tour premiered in Dublin in September 2004 and, to date, has visited 41countries, performed more than 3,500 shows and has been seen by over 7 million people. In 2011 MAMMA MIA! became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China and became the 8th longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. 

For fans of the music of ABBA, you would be treated with hits such as “Dancing Queen”, “Take A Chance On Me”, “The Winner Takes It All”, “Does Your Mother Know” and of course “Mamma Mia”. The use of songs in the musicals was clever. 

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, “MAMMA MIA!” is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting designby Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch. 

Ticket information

Performance Season: 19 October to 5 November 2023 

Performance Venue: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Performance Times : Tuesdays to Fridays - 8pm; Saturdays- 2pm & 8pm; Sundays; 1pm & 6.30pm Performance Duration: 150 minutes including 20 minutes intermission 

Ticket Booking Links: 

Marina Bay Sands: https://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/mamma-mia.html

SISTIC: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/mammamia1123 

Presented By Base Entertainment Asia

Sound of Music The Musical opens at Marina Bay Sands 22 Nov!

 

If you love the movie, don't miss the musical that is coming to Singapore.  Featuring an international cast and children played by our own talents!

Review: Cats The Musical at Marina Bay Sands

Cats the Musical has been staged three or four times in Singapore since it landed on our shores in the early 1990s.  It was the first long run musical playing in Singapore, held at the Kallang Theatre.  The show last played in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Theatres in 2015.

It would be my third time watching the musical.  For some reasons, I did not enjoy my first encounter of Cats in London West End.  This could be because I prefer musicals with a strong storyline.  I did have a change of opinion when I saw it again in 2015 at the MBS Theatre in 2015, due to a good cast and staging. (Review of 2015 Cats The Musical)

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical took place in a junkyard where on one special night of the year, the Jellicle Cats would tell their stories to the wise Old Deuteronomy, who would then choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn.

The problem with, or uniqueness of, Cats the Musical is that it does not have a strong narrative.  It is made up of different segments of tales related by the Jellicle cats. It is thus left to the director and cast to deliver each individual segment.  Fortunately, the cast did not disappoint.   Joanna Ampil’s Grizabella had both the emotions and the voice for an old and outcast cat.  Her rendition of “Memories” was touching. (However, her costume still looked glam to me!).   I also like the segments by Skimbleshanks (the railway cats), Gus the Theatre Cat, and Mr Mistoffelees.  The set design extended to the auditorium and the Jellicle Cats appeared among the audience at times.  While it added some fun to the audience, I did not feel it was necessary.

The bad acoustics of the MBS theatres did not occur this time, and it thus made a pleasant theatre going experience.

Overall, this production has strong production values and the cast is enthusiastic.  Good night out for families, and for those who want to find out more before catching the movie version.

The show runs till 5 Jan 2020.   Tickets available at sistic.com.sg.

Aladdin the Musical review: Genie stole the show in Slick Disney Production

An excited crowd gathered at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands on 25 Jul to attend the gala opening of Aladdin the musical, the only performing stop in Asia.  Still running in both Broadway and West End, Singapore audience was fortunate to catch a recent production performing in Singapore

Most people would be familiar with the story, or through the 1992 animated musical movie featuring the voice of Robin Williams’ voice as the Genie.  And of course we have the 2019 movie starring Will Smith.  Thus, what could the stage version offer to the live audience?

This production managed to strike a balance between catering to the family audience and to the young at heart.  Some slapstick scenes were aimed at the children, which drew laughter from the young ones.    

Graeme Isaako and Shubshri Kandiah have good chemistry as Aladdin and Jasmine, and both have good singing voice.  A lot of applause was given to the carpet flying scene where they delivered the song “A Whole New World”.

Kurios has arrived : Raising the Big Top!

A sunny Saturday afternoon, and we gathered at Bayfront Avenue to witness the raising of the Big Top, signalling the official arrival of the spectacular show KURIOS by Cirque du Soleil.  The photo above was before the tent was raised.

Cirque du Soleil returning to Singapore with KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities

After thrilling the Singapore audience with Kooza, Cirque du Soleil would be returning to our shores with another production KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities from 5 July to 4 August.  Tickets are available via Sistic, cirquedusoleil.com/kurios, or over the phone at +65 6348 5555.

KURIOS will premiere under a brand-new white-and-grey Big on Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. Set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, a scientist (“The Seeker”) is convinced that there exists a hidden world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await. Out of his curio cabinet steps an international cast of 47 artists from 17 countries, a collection of otherworldly characters made up of world-class gymnasts, acrobats, contortionists, hand-puppeteers, yo-yo wizards, clowns, actors and musicians. Together they turn the Seeker’s steampunk world upside-down as they are guided by an energetic gypsy jazz, electro swing soundtrack.

Cirque du Soleil is known for its slick production and daring acrobatic stunts, and it should not be any different for KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities.

Phantom of the Opera: Review

It’s no small wonder that the Phantom of the Opera is still playing after 30 years.  The musical returns to Singapore for the second time this decade, and audience is expected to pack the auditorium.

The set of seemed to be smaller than the previous production but it was more striking.  A smaller staging area allowed for intimate interaction among the cast.  The sound, the main complaints for the theatre, was perfect on the gala night.

The Phantom of the Opera opens 24 April!

The ever popular musical The Phantom of the Opera would be returning to our shores in April.  The production opens 24 April for a limited run at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Tickets are now on sale through SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg) and Marina Bay Sands ticketing.

The Phantom Of the Opera tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House.  Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

Adapted from a novel by French writer Gaston Leroux, Andrew Llyod Webber’s Phantom of the Opera has, since its dubit in 1986, won over 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony’s on Broadway and four Olivier Awards in the West End.  The musical became the longest running show in Broadway history in 2006 when it surpassed “Cats”, another Lloyd Webber’s musical.  It has been in Broadway for over 30 years.

Jonathan Roxmouth and Meghan Picerno would play the roles of the Phantom and Christine respectively.

Kinky Boots at Marina Bay Sands: A review

I was excited to see how Cyndi Lauper come up with words and music for the musical Kinky Boots, with book by Harvey Fierstein.  Being a fan of hers since her debut album "She's So Unusual", I wonder if she could transit well into musicals. Of course, she won the Tony for this musical.....

The storyline was pretty straightforward.  A son trying to keep a shoe factory afloat after his father passed away, and he found an unlikely partner in a drag queen.  Through this, he had to deal with a wedding preparation, keeping the workers employed and coming up with a unique design for the "kinky" boots.   Of course, everything ended well.

The return of Mama Mia!

It seems that Singaporeans could not get enough of this musical.  I believe this should be the third or fourth time Mama Mia! the musical is staging on our shores.  For fans of ABBA, always an opportunity to relive the genius of their music.

Tickets available at SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg)

Kinky Boots hitting Singapore in October

Winner of 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical with song and lyrics by my favourite artist Cyndi Lauper, the musical Kinky Boots will be performing in Singapore from 5 October for a limited run. 

Based on true events, Kinky Boots tells a heartwarming story of two individuals with contrast background.  Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his family business while Lola is a drag queen with some crazy idea. This unexpected pairing learnt to embrace their differences and create a line of unique sturdy stilettos.

Even David Cook, American Idol Season 7 winner, has appeared in this musical.

Tickets available at Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg)

Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus - A review

There were several visits by circus and acrobatic troupes to Singapore yearly, and the latest being Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus, currently playing at the Marina Bay Sand Theatre.  Having caught a glimpse of the production from the TV show American Got Talent, I was keen to see how the production would go.

Set in the year 1903, the production featured the usual acrobatic arts such as juggling, tight rope walking etc.

The acts may not be death defying, but were performed by the acrobats admirably. 

While watching the show, I wished it could be staged in a Big Top setting as the height of the MBS theatre was a bit restrictive.

For a brief moment, the audience were given the impression that live elephants were on stage!  But it was the creative work of the puppeters behind the play War Horse, who came up with the adult and baby elephants.  A highlight of this production, but sadly it did not appear long.  A storyline could be developed around the elephants.

Another highlight would be the Master of Ceremony.  I like his sense of humour, sarcastic and funny. He really lifted the production when at time, the production became predictable.  And of course, the kids who went on stage did steal the show!

This show is more suited for family audience, and to those young at heart.  As a production, it has the chance to expand and grow.

Evita the Musical at MasterCard Theatres: Review

The musical Evita arrived in Singapore for the first time.  The musical charts the rags-to-riches life of  Evita, who moved from an ambitious actress to become the wife of the President Peron.  She died of cancer at a young age of 33.

For better enjoyment of this production, it pays to read up on the history of Argentina, and on Eva Peron, as the pace of story telling was quick.

Overall production standards was good and the cast were generally competent.  Emma Kingston has a good singing voice, albeit lacking the stature of a powerful lady.  Jonathan Roxmouth had a good turn as Che, the storyteller in this musical. 

While recent musicals have relied on elaborate sets and technology, Evita, being a 70s musical, was more song and plot.  A production that stood the test of time.

Cirque du Soleil still surprises with Kooza

Singaporeans are fortunate that Cirque du Soleil returns to the city once every few years to present a production.   The latest show, Kooza, opened in Singapore in July.

The signature Big Top Tent is there, albeit with tighter security this year.

Performance wise, Kooza has less elaborate stage design and props.  It is not a bad thing, as we get to focus on the mastery of the skilled performers.    Not forgetting the excellent backup band, which is always a delight for any Cirque du Soleil show.

Another enjoyable show from Cirque.

Teatro Di San Carlo's Giselle opens 26 Apr at Singapore Marina Bay Sands

One of the oldest Opera houses in Europe would be staging the ballet Giselle at the Marina Bay Sands.  From the promotion website, the production designs look good, and we should expect a good performance from the cast.

Tickets available at SISTIC.

Exciting acts of Singapore International Jazz Festival

The annual Festival will be back at the Marina Bay Sands this coming Friday, and play to Sunday.

There will be different lineup for the 3 days.  Amongst the acts that are performing:

Day 1 will feature artists Corrine Bailey Rae and Basement Jaxx.
Day 2 will see Ray Parker Jr (Ghostbuster), Esperanza Spalding (Grammy for best new artist) and Youssou Ndour taking the stage.
Day 3's highlights would be David Foster and his entourage of Chaka Khan and Brian McKnight.

The acts will appeal to the more mainstream-music audience, and the dance crowd for the latter part of the evening.

For tickets:
http://www.apactix.com/events/detail/the-singapore-international-jazz-festival-2017

For more information on the Festival:
http://www.sing-jazz.com/2017/

Cirque Adrenaline: Catch it before show closes on 25 Dec!

Wicked the Musical: Still Wicked after all these years

Expectations are high for a big musical like Wicked, returning to Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatre after a few years.  A re-imagined of the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical achieved popular culture status as it was name-checked and the song “Defying Gravity” was performed in the popular TV series “Glee”.

It was a strong cast on the Sunday 9 October 6 pm performance.   Jodie Steele and Elizabeth Futter were convincing in the key roles of Elphaba and Glinda respectively, and they were supported by a strong ensemble of actors. Fans for the musical should not be disappointed by the singing from this cast.
 
The performance moved on a brisk pace, and leaned toward the light-hearted side.  In this respect, some of the more somber moments/ themes were not brought out enough, such as the persecution of other races and species.   Some scenes were executed rather hurriedly, such as the scenes where “Defying Gravity” was sung, and the ending sequence, making them less impactful.
All said, this is a strong production with a good cast, satisfying staging and good production standards.  A welcome return to the Singapore stage.

Annie the Musical comes to Marina Bay Sands

We have seen the movie version, let's see how the stage version is like.  The U.S. National Tour of ANNIE, will play at The MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands from 24 August 2016 for a limited season.  The musical is directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time.

Get to re-live those numbers such as “Maybe”, “It’s the Hard Knock Life”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”, “Easy Street”, “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and of course “Tomorrow”.

For this run, six lucky stars-in-the-making were chosen out of 170 children aged 7 to 10 years, to perform alongside the Broadway cast.


TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION

Performance Details
Season: 24 August – 4 September 2016
Venue:  The MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands

PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Tuesday – Friday 7:30pm;
Saturday: 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm and 6.00pm

TICKET PRICE:
From $65
* Excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket

Shaolin - A performance showcasing skills and strength (theatre review)

Five minutes into this performance, the Chinese audience knew that they would be experiencing a different treatment of a show we are familiar with.  Presenting from a Western point of view, the production was like a different version of Kung Fu Panda, the movie.

But of course, no one came for the storyline.  Fans of Chinese martial arts were still being treated to the good pugilistic skills of the Shaolin monks from Henan province.  While the choreography may not be the most entertaining, what we got was real skills on shows: pugilists being lifted aloft on sharpened spears, break marble slabs with their heads, perform handstands on two finger tips, splinter wooden staves with their bodies, break bricks on their heads and fly through the air in a series of incredible back flips.

The most distracting thing in this performance was the music, which was loud and a bit house music.  Even the Chinese music was borrowed from folk tunes, and funeral tunes?

Verdict: second half better than the first.  Go for the pugilistic skills entertainment.


PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Tuesday - Friday 7:30pm
Saturday: 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm and 6:00pm

TICKET PRICE:
From S$45
* Excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket

BOOKINGS:
INTERNET:
www.MarinaBaySands.com or www.sistic.com.sg

PHONE:   +65 6688 8826