Afternoon Tea at That CD Shop Cafe @ Vivocity

1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-43, Vivo City, Singapore 098585

Tel: 6259 3280

Website: http://www.highsociety.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thatcdshop/about

That CD Shop houses a good assortment of records, audiophiles , and music from jazz to classical to rock and pop, etc. With it, attaches a classy restaurant cafe with elegant Parisian vibes, complete with monochrome tiled floors and stunning chandelier lamps. It is also no surprise that it is tied to the High Society Cafes that I adored (review here).

Currently they have 2 outlets - Vivo City and Wisma Atria.

I love their cafes because of the glamorous vibes and best of all, classy music drifting to my ears from the players. One is prepared to feel as though they are lost in another world, or at least another continent, when they take a seat upon one of these cushy armchairs.

In line with the beautiful settings would be beautiful pastries that look almost too good to be devoured.  I was torn between that shell-like pastry with the blueberries, slices of cakes, or Houjicha Cake; I succumbed to the latter.

Aromatic tea hints in a mochi-like pastry, perfect for an afternoon tea. None of those toothache-inducing sweetness or "trendy" flavours; this one touched on quality and lingering notes that satisfies the palate and makes one feel good eating it.

I want to make this place my favorite hangout,  truly.

Chilling Out at 2MM Talent Hub @ SOTA

1 Zubir Said Drive #01-01 School Of The Arts, Singapore 227968

Tel: 6909 2718

Website: http://www.2mmtalenthub.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2mmtalenthub

Located right at Dhoby Ghaut and a stunning arts campus is 2MM Talent Hub - set up by an entertainment studio where local talents showcase their talents and explore opportunities, together with patrons, over good food and drinks. Expect panel discussions and live band performance alongside very warm personable service when you drop in.

Tonight, I joined them for a "Get Sherious" panel discussion on unconventional professionals by 3 ladies - Joan (hotelier, owner of Lloyd's Inn), Nithiya Laila (culinary anthropologist) and Angjolie Mei (funeral director).

They took turns to share about their respective trades while we wined and dined literally.

I had a glass of Red Wine (SGD$8.00 promo) and Lychee Saketini Cocktail (SGD$8.00 promo). The latter was an interesting concoction and tasted very good - there are many flavours available.

Food-wise, we shared some nibbles such as Nacho Chips, Vegetables with Dips (carrot, cucumber and celery), Calamari Rings and Pizza. Food was good enough, simple fare to munch while we enjoyed the panel discussion and later, live band performance.

There's also one of those self-enclosed Karaoke Box in here so feel free to bellow away, to vent, and practice being the superstar that you are.

Overall, 2MM Talent Hub is a very cool hangout venue, right in the heart of town and cultivating appreciation for local performing arts. You don't have to be a hipster to totally dig this place - most of us came after our work (note the executive-type attire) and had fun networking.

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.

[Poem] Tribute to George Michael

George, 'tis your Last Christmas, 

Have you found angels and peace? 

Your sweet December song, 

A melody that didn't save you 

Are you still praying for time, 

Or setting your soul free? 

I never really knew you, 

Until Careless Whisper stole my heart; 

It was all I danced to, 

With Faith, and Fast Love 

Taking the lead at times; 

These were the days of my life. 

Your voice was soothing, 

Healing the pain felt inside; 

Your heart was generous, 

Like Jesus to a child. 

We thought we knew you, 

Through your songs; we always did. 

You know, my mother had a brother - 

He was a dear, a Father Figure, 

Big-hearted like you, died in October.

It makes me think 2016 is the year 

The angels are all called home; 

To a different corner, away from us. 

You were amazing, 

Your songs touched chords so deep; 

Through our long and winding roads, 

You have been loved (surely); 

And we'd never know where or when, 

We might meet again, at the edge of heaven.

Copyright © Winepoetess 2016

[Poem] The Place we were

Find me, my mind yearns for you

To find me, in this sea of faces.

So I may learn of your touch,

In this bed of laces.

I am at the place you are,

Save for the courage to head in;

The rights are no longer mine,

Can't cave to the flights of fancy.

Find me, my heart yearns for you,

To find me, in the fields of roses.

So I may learn of your taste, I

n the warmth of kisses.

I am at the place we were,

Knowing that we had to move on;

The years have gently stole away,

I guess we were never meant to be

copyright ©  Winepoetess 2016

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!