Review on St. Petersburg Swan Lake Ballet @ Mediacorp MES Theatre

1 Stars Avenue Level 1, Mediacorp Campus, Singapore 138507

Tel: 6333 3888

Website: https://www.vizpro.sg/en/event/dance/the-st-petersburg-ballet---swan-lake-9455032

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MESTheatre.Mediacorp

Period: 8 May to 13 May 2018

Duration: 2.5 hours with 2 intermissions

Ticket Pricing: $175 / $145 / $115 / $75

I was excited when Swan Lake was returning to Singapore, and had been torn between the performance by ABC Troupe (American) or St. Petersburg (Russian). In the end I decided to go for the latter, since the origins of Swan Lake seems to come from Russia, dated back to the year 1875.

The much-anticipated ballet performance was held at MES Theatre at Mediacorp Campus; it was also the first time I attended a performance there. Service crew was polite but I didn't like that the seats were so cramped - minimum leg space and I was so close to the people sitting beside me I could smell their odours!

What to expect from Swan Lake performance itself? A tragically romantic story by Tchaikovsky's - of sorcery, beauty and gorgeous settings (mainly the haunting lakeside and stunning palace). It involves Prince Siegfried's love story with beautiful Swan Princess Odette, and his infidelity with Odile - daughter of evil sorcerer Baron van Rothbart. Prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova herself took center stage, mesmerizing the audience with her ethereal moves.

Music was fabulous and the ballet dance moves were of course, graceful and fascinating to look at. Coordination was good, and costumes were gorgeous as well.

Overall, I enjoyed the Swan Lake performance and it was certainly a great start of the weekend for me.

Review on Evita (Musical) @ Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue, #B1/F, The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands  Singapore 018956

Tel: 6688 8826

Website: http://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/evita.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/104137663737373/

Period:  23 February 2018 - 18 March 2018

Duration: 140 minutes (including 20 minutes'  intermission)

Ticket Prices: SGD$55 / SGD$75 / SGD$95 / SGD$125 / SGD$155 / SGD$185

Those who are familiar with Madonna's famous songs "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and "You Must Love Me" from the movie "Evita" would be excited when the musical was coming to Singapore.

Photo Source: http://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/evita.html

Well, I was. When I heard news of this original Broadway and West End production with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, I booked my ticket immediately.

To share a little on Evita's synosis, it outlines the life story of Eva Peron, 2nd wife of Argentina President Peron. Her rise from poverty to fame, her involvement in political matters and the charity work contributions. There were oppositions and speculations.

Sadly, she died at age 33 from cancer. Overall, I found that the performance was an exciting plethora of touching funeral scenes, militia acts and sizzling romance, coupled with beautiful songs. However I did not feel the same connection or immersion into the scenes as I did for previous plays watched.

Review on "Flying Through Time" performance @ Resorts World Theatre

8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269

Tel: 6577 8899

Website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/shows-and-events/flying-through-time

Period:  9 December 2017 - 21 January 2018

Duration: Approximately 75 minutes with no intermissions

Ticket Prices: SGD$118 / SGD$98.00 / SGD$78.00 / SGD$48.00 / SGD$38.00

It was our first visit to Resorts World Theatre, and we must say that the service was impeccable. The 1,599-seat theatre was done in plush red, designed by Michael Graves, with a huge stage and sub-stage suitable for musicals, concerts and live performances etc.

We were honoured to be sponsored to catch "Flying Through Time", a local live action performance characterized by comedy, romance and exciting series of acrobatic moves, directed by Korean Director Choi Chul Ki. The performance features local home-grown talents Joshua Tan and Melody Low, as well as a horde of martial artists, gymnasts and ex-national athletes from China, Taiwan, Mongolia, South Korea and Malaysia.

This family-friendly live show is also the first collaboration between Resorts World Sentosa and local tertiary institutions such as Nanyang Polytechnic and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

Audience would find themselves transported back to ancient Korea with visual treats of impressive martial arts moves, and then back to modern day Singapore amongst sassy cheerleaders, fancy footwork and stunning gymnastics acts.

We were not very impressed with the predictable and (somehow silly) storyline, but I did enjoy very much the hoola-hoop and ball performance by a certain female artist clad in red. Some parts were rather funny as well, so if you are catching the performance, simply sit back, relax and let the artists keep you entertained.

Thank you Resort World Sentosa for the interesting performance!

Review on Giselle Ballet at Mastercard Theatres @ Marina Bay

10 Bayfront Avenue  #B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore 018956

Tel:  6688 8868

Website: http://entertainment.marinabaysands.com/events/giselle0417

Facebook: https://goo.gl/PgIOf0

Dates: 26th April to 29th April 2017

Duration: 120 minutes (including 20 minute intermission)

Tickets: SGD$65.00 / SGD$85.00 / SGD$115.00 / SGD$145.00 / SGD$175.00 / SGD$225.00

Straight from the oldest theatre in the world - the San Carlos Theatre of Naples and Ballet Company, an Italian troupe brought the tragic romance of Giselle alive on haunting stage settings.

What started out as an endearing romance depicting a happy and beautiful peasant girl, Giselle (played by Ekaterina Oleynik), slowly unfolded toward the darker edges.

Not only was her lover Lord Albrecht (played by Giuseppe Picone) not a peasant as he pretended to be, he was also betrothed to someone else. Giselle died of a broken heart.

The settings transformed into a dark, beguiling forest haunted by the Wilis vengeful spirits of abandoned brides, who danced men to death. The ghostly backdrop was inspired by poet and author Theophile Gautier.

Passionate, stunning and graceful, accompanied by lovely music by French composer Aldolphe Adam, this was an immensely enjoyable performance.

Chicago the Musical at Mastercard Theatres @ Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue  #B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore 018956

Tel:  6688 8868

Website: http://entertainment.marinabaysands.com/events/chicago0217
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1803491026589131
Duration: About 140 minutes (including 20 minutes' intermission)
Date: 8 February 2017 to 26 February 2017
Ticket Prices: $65 / $95 / $115 / $145 / $175

It is 8.00pm on the evening of 9th February 2017, a Tuesday night, and we are seated in the theatres. People are still streaming in from the various doors - pretty odd and disturbing, since the play was supposed to have started at 8.00pm sharp! Despite the fact that this is the Opening Gala Night, and despite the very friendly ushers, I still find MBS Theatres to be utterly disorganized. Update - it is 8.12pm now.

Don't get me wrong - the theatre may not have lived up to its standards, but Chicago the Musical was amazing. This Broadway musical has snagged a slew of awards including 6 Academy Awards, still holding the record for the longest-running America musical in Broadway and West End history. The beautiful cast is from United Kingdom, with characters such as Roxie Hart played by Lindsey Tierney, the role of Velma Kelly taken on by Genevieve Nicole and smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn played by Jason Danieley.

The plot dates back to the 1920s, and revolves around murder, greed, corruption, passion, treachery and exploitation, all the things that we hold dear to our hearts. Expect a little humour injected into this vibrant play, good vocals, meaningful songs as well as fancy footwork as the crew dance to the tunes.

Tremendously enjoyable and darkly realistic, Chicago the Musical fascinated the audience who laughed and applauded along with the characters, feeling their joys and sorrows. Stage settings were filled with lots of bright colors and colorful neon lights - my only complaint is that some of the lightning was a little too glaring and tended to hurt the eyes.

Take the opportunity to catch it before it leaves town in 2 weeks, and immerse yourself in an exciting plot created by the musical talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse.

Wicked the Musical @ Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue  #B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore 018956

Tel:  6688 8868

Website: http://tinyurl.com/jnbk9oh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WICKED-The-Musical-Singapore-213362912047231
Duration: About 165 minutes (including 20 minutes' intermission)
Date: 29 September 2016 to 20 November 2016
Ticket Prices: $55 / $95 / $125 / $145 / $165 / $230

The moment that I have been waiting for - Wicked the Musical! I always enjoy watching plays at Mastercard Theatres @ Marina Bay Sands because the service staff there is so nice, and they allow you to bring drinks (and food, if you must) in. The only drawback I dislike is the fact that they allow late-comers to enter the performance even though it is in progress, thus blocking views and disturbing the full enjoyment of other audience.

Moving on to Wicked the Musical - a bewitching performance which swirls its audience into a colourful world of witches, wizards and Wild West, acclaimed as "one of the greatest musicals of our time", has captivated 50 million theatre-goers of all ages, and all over the world. Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and directed by Joe Mantello, this musical has won over 100 international awards over the years, and has returned to cast its spell over Singapore from 29 September 2016.

An interesting take and alternative creation based on the original Oz Books by L. Frank Baum and later, Gregory Maguire's "Wicked Witch of the Wild West", this musical centres itself on the friendship and adventures of 2 very unlikely good friends - the beautiful Glinda and the "beautifully tragic" (to quote the play) green witch Elphaba.

Besides unfolding the fantastical tale emitting happiness and sadness, this musical has also injected some rather humorous conversations sending the theatre into peals of laughter. I especially loved the fanciful dance moves and footwork, as well as some of the catchy songs. Effects were pretty enchanting as well - expect a lot of glitters and neon props as background, especially when it comes to Emerald City.

Overall, I rather enjoyed the musical and look forward to their return to Singapore again, where I'd once more lose myself in the mind-whirring world of sorcery and witchery.

If you are in the United States or plan to catch Wicked the Musical there, good news. Book your ticket through Main Event Specials (link here) - a platform dedicated to provide detailed, quality information about concerts and other theater performances, as well as offering tickets at jaw-dropping prices. What a lovely way to enjoy performance arts without breaking the bank!

Review on Annie The Musical at Mastercard Theatres @ MBS [Sponsored]

Photosource: http://www.eventfinda.sg/2016/annie-the-musical/singapore/marina-bay

10 Bayfront Avenue  #B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore 018956

Tel:  6688 8868

Website: http://goo.gl/6by8et

Annie the Musical is a broadway hit and all-time favourite, especially among families. An adaptation from a popular comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" that first ran in The New York Daily News in 1924.

Since it's first and original production on 21 April 1977, this musical has won the hearts of many, winning itself 7 Tony Awards that year.  Some of the well-loved hits include "Tomorrow", "I Don't Need Anything But You", "Maybe", "The Hard Knocks Life", and "Easy Street" etc.

A heart-warming story of a hopeful, optimistic red-headed orphan - growing up in a hard-knock orphanage at the mercy of Ms Hannigan, and then found herself landing amongst the love and riches of billionaire Oliver Warbucks and company.

Finally making its way to Singapore, directed by Martin Carnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, with a cast of 25 talented individuals, this musical runs in Singapore from 24 September 2016 to 11 September 2016, at Mastercard Theatres @ Marina Bay Sands.

Ticket prices are priced at SGD$65.00, SGD$95.pp, SGD$125.00, SGD$155.00 and SGD$175.00.  Be prepared to be entertained by stunning and realistic settings, dazzled by the talent of the performers (especially the kids) belting out fabulous tunes, while being lured through unfolding scenes of rags to riches.

I enjoyed myself tremendously. And having been to several theatres in Singapore, I must say I enjoy MBS Theatres very much - from the relaxed ambience to friendly staff to the fact that there's a refreshment stand right outside the theatre (not that I condone eating in theatres).

I am already thinking of watching "Annie" the musical once more, reliving in the warmth beauty of the performance, while they are still in town!

Les Miserables Singapore @ Esplanade Theatre

1 Esplanade Drive, The Esplanade,Singapore 038981

Tel: 6828 8377

Website: https://www.esplanade.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsplanadeSG

Les Miserables is a blockbuster musical performance that needs no introduction, having enthralled the world since 1980, underwent various productions and dazzled the world despite various versions and languages.

Set in 19th century backdrop during revolutionary France, and based on the life-touching classic by Victor Hugo, this musical brings its audience through an emotional roller coaster - from rage to happiness to heartbreak, portraying the lives and dreams of different people.

The current version by Cameron Mackintosh is made up of the following crew:

Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean

Earl Carpenter as Javert

Patrice Tipoki as Fantine

Cameron Blakely as Thenardier

Helen Walsh as Madame Thenardier

Kerrie Anne Greenland as Eponine

Emily Langridge as Cosette

Chris Durling as Enjolras

Paul Wilkins as Marius

An overview of the inside of the theater from the top

While the story steals one's heart easily, packaging a very moving story that reflects life during that period, I very much loved the settings as well. Effects and props were very realistic - thanks to technological advancement - it was easy to lose oneself in the scenes that unfolded and being transported back in time rather literally. I could easily imagine myself on those streets with the characters, in the woods with Eponine or even witness the barricade in person.

The vocals were quite beautiful as well - crystal, synchronized and moving, pleasing to the ears and piercing the soul so gently. I can definitely understand why this was and still is a hit, and I would love to watch it again.

Def Leppard's Concert at Suntec CIty Convention Centre

Venue: Suntec City Convention Centre, Level 6, Hall 601-604

Date: 24 November 2015 (Tuesday)

Time: 8.00pm - 10.00pm

Tickets price: SGD$108.00,  SGD$128.00,  SGD$148.00 and SGD$168.00

Being a fan of Def Leppard's songs, I wondered for more than a decade why they did not come to Singapore to perform at all, since year 1996.  I was still in elementary / primary school back then, and have not heard of them.

I fell in love with them when I was in high / secondary school, hearing their "Love Bites" on Class 95 FM and then 98.7 FM radio stations.  I loved the song so much because it was so melancholy and haunting, evoking weird feelings in me. So I called into the latter radio station (in the past you could do that, and sometimes the DJs would pick up and chat with you, if they were nice enough) - and asked the male DJ what the song was.  He recited the name to me, which I'd thought was "Deaf Leopard", but a visit to the music store (we did not have much use for the Internet back then) yielded me the right spelling, and I bought a few of their CDs.

It was then I began to fall in love with them and their songs more and more, even though they are a band way beyond my era.  I listened to their songs fervently, and finally in 2015 they returned! The Beau and I bought tickets for the Standing Pen, since I have never been to a concert and had to stand before - he said I would be closer to the rock hand.

The day came and the turnout was not bad - more foreigners.  Anyway the band came only at 8.30pm, but belted out many of their popular hits including my favorite "Love Bites", then "When Love and Hate Collide", "Pour Some Sugar on Me', etc. The concert-goers were all enjoying themselves and rocking to the music, singing along with the band as well.

I was a little disappointed that they did not perform 3 other favorite songs of mine, namely "Too Late for Love"  and  "Foolin' ". Also, their conclusion was very abrupt - they just performed till around 10.00pm and then suddenly paused while fans shouted that they wanted more, and then the band said goodbye and walked away. But oh well, we can't have everything, riight? They sounded better in person, and I had fun.   

Many of them were holding up their phones to record the band's performance blatantly, and I was surprised that the Suntec City Management did not control the recordings. Isn't it an infringement of copyright? Anyway it was a little annoying because their lifted arms were blocking those behind. Mind you, I only started to take some photos when I saw practically everyone was using thier phones to video the performance. 

Overall, I enjoyed the concert and was happy to finally meet Def Leppard in person. They promised to be back more often - well, let's see.

You might also be interested to read about Air Supply's Concert in March 2015 by clicking here.