{Media Invite} The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey|A Night of Stunning Vocals

I was so looking forward to go to The Great Wall Musical at the Drama Centre Theatre with the hubby on Thursday night (especially since the kiddo was finally done with his Math Mini- Test).  Date night finally! Away from the crazy homework and mini-tests schedules!

Part of the excitement was also because it’s been such a long time since we’ve hit the theatres, and what a good one to start with. A brand new original musical based on a beautiful love story with a stellar cast! I was excited to get to see Nathan Hartono sing live on stage too! It was no wonder then that even on a week night, this musical was playing to an almost full house!

Set in the time of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, who wants to create a new history, a new One China united under his rule, the musical is based on the legend of Meng Jiang Nü (played by Na-Young Jeon) whose devotion and love for her husband Fan Qi Liang (Nathan Hartono), sends her on a long and arduous journey in search of him after he is captured by the Emperor’s guards to work at The Great Wall.

Behold the Great Emperor of China

The opening scene with Emperor Qin(played by George Chan) is grand and sets the tone of the times~ where fear of this great tyrant prevails throughout the new One China. The dramatic effect was perfect, with the Emperor perched up high against the dark backdrop.  We were transported immediately into those fearful tyrannical times where everyone’s existence is for the pleasure of one man- the Emperor.

The Emperor commands that all males be conscripted to build his Great Wall and all scholars be killed!

I think it safe to say that every single person in the audience was moved by the singing of Na-Young Jeon. She was amazing. Her voice crystal clear and beautiful. Her singing lifted our spirits as she found love and fell sweetly and deeply in love to runaway scholar Fan Qi Liang. We felt her misery, her helplessness and desperation when her beloved was arrested and taken away by the Emperor’s Guards. We wanted to run with her and journey with her as she went in search of her husband to see him again. Na-Young Jeon made Meng Jiang Nü real… our sister in a desperate situation. (I hear Ethel Yap’s performance as Meng Jiang Nü is equally enthralling)

The beautiful lovebirds

I really enjoyed watching the two well matched lovebirds on stage. Nathan Hartono did not disappoint. Handsome as he sang away to melt our hearts (hahah) but a pity I felt he didn’t seem to have as many singing parts as I had hoped. In fact, I have a nasty suspicion that his air-time was far lesser than the Women in the Village!! But then again that could be just me? If only there was more of Nathan and Na-Young… the night would have been perfect! haha..

Even so, every song in this 2.5 hour long musical was delightful with stunningly good singing.

The Women in The Village / Mother / Women of China take up quite a fair bit of the musical, unfortunately.

The set and costume were simple yet beautifully designed and each scene was an artistic visual treat.

I especially remembered a scene of Meng Jiang Nü’s journey which required an amazing display of precision and teamwork, as the villagers laid out the wooden planks for Meng Jiang Nü, who walks and climbs on each plank. As her journey progresses, it is a stunning visual.  Perhaps, through this repetitive act of laying out the pathway for Meng Jiang Nü, the audience also experiences the difficulty and the long journey she took.

Truly a great display of No wall too tall. No Journey too long… Meng Jiang Nü’s arduous journey in search of her beloved.

The Great Wall Musical is a powerful love story of one woman’s undying love and determination to be with her beloved against all odds. But it is not just a love story, it is an amazing story of human strength and tenacity despite immense suffering … A story about bravery and courage to stand up for what you believe in, and remain unyielding in spite of ruthless tyranny.

The Great Wall Musical runs from 14 -30 July 2017 at the Drama Centre Theatre, so there’s only one more week before it ends, next Sunday. Do catch it even if it’s a week night show.

The hubby gave it a thumbs up and has been telling everyone (who has asked us) that it’s a must watch. I agree 🙂 This is truly a Must – Watch Musical for 2017. Take a well deserved break from the mundane and be transported into another time, another world, another love. Book quickly at SISTIC https://www.sistic.com/events/cwall0717 before tickets are totally sold out! Have a lovely time with The Great Wall Musical!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Glowtape Production’s The Great Wall Musical for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Crispi I Photography & Glowtape Productions and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey

When  : 14 – 30 JULY 2017 | Tue – Sat 8pm |Sat & Sun 3pm

* Please note that the role of Meng Jiang Nü will be played by Ethel Yap for performances on 16 Jul 3pm, 19 Jul 8pm and 26 Jul 8pm.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes  (15 minutes interval)

Who : No admission for infants in arms and person below 8 years old.

Ticket Pricing :  Check SISTIC for discounts applicable.

14 & 15 JULY	$68 – $98
FRI 8PM, SAT 3PM & 8PM	$68 – $98, $128 (VIP)
TUE – THU 8PM, SUN 3PM	$58 – $88

(Ticket prices excludes $4 SISTIC Booking Fee)

Tickets available through: Get Your Tickets Now
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Giveaway} Glowtape Productions’ The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey| 14 – 30 JULY 2017

Glowtape Productions presents The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey from 14 – 30 July at the Drama Centre Theatre.

The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey is a spectacular musical adaptation that transforms Meng Jiang Nü’s tale into a soaring musical odyssey. Raw emotions are laid bare in a dazzling display of vocal showmanship as the characters come to life in a beautiful contemporary setting detailed with traditional design influences.

Captivating and profoundly moving, this production weaves a gripping tale of love and courage against an epic backdrop of imperial China. In the face of insurmountable odds, a young everywoman does not yield to her fate. What unfolds is a passionate display of a woman’s resolve as she stands alone against the ultimate symbol of unbridled hubris and power.

Join the phenomenal Na-Young Jeon’s Singapore debut, multi-talented George Chan and homegrown singing sensation Nathan Hartono as they team up this July for The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey.

No wall too tall.
No journey too long.
The legend of Meng Jiang Nü.

Behind the imposing façade of The Great Wall lies one of the most enduring legends in Chinese folklore – the story of Meng Jiang Nü, whose tears brought down the Great Wall.

This original musical with brand new script by acclaimed Singaporean playwright Jean Tay, who won best original script for Everything But The Brain and authored Boom, both literature texts in schools, is led by an international team of artists – featuring composer David Shrubsole (National Gallery Singapore’s Opening Festival, London Road) from the UK, helmed by Australian director Darren Yap (Man of Letters, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia!), and starring talents from the West End – Dutch-Korean actress Na-Young Jeon (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon) and Monique Wilson (Miss Saigon, The King & I), along with George Chan (Chicago, December Rains) and homegrown singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono, fresh from his stint on Sing! China.

The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey is a musical not to be missed! We can’t wait attend this amazing new musical in July. Book your tickets early at SISTIC and get the best seats before it is a Sold Out performance!

GIVEAWAY : 

WIN a Pair of Tickets worth $144!  

We’ve got great news for our loyal followers and fans of Nathan Hartono!

Glowtape Productions has kindly sponsored a pair of Cat 3 tickets worth more than for the 16 July, Sunday 3pm performance! Do follow ALL the instructions below to take part for your chance to win! 

To take part and qualify, please make sure all the following steps are completed:

1) COMMENT on this blog post stating your Facebook Name and Email address.

2) LIKE SAys! Happy Mums  and The Great Wall Musical on Facebook.

3) LIKE and SHARE this Facebook post on your Facebook Wall with the caption “Tag @Friend A Tag @Friend B Tag @Friend C Tag @Friend D Tag @Friend E, I want to watch The Great Wall : A Woman’s Journey with @Says Happy Mums ”. DO set your post to PUBLIC so that we are able to verify your entry.

Bonus entry:

1. Follow us on Instagram {@sayshappymums}
2. Repost this photo on IG and tag @sayshappymums @thegreatwallmusical #TheGreatWallMusical  + 3 Friends 

Terms and Conditions:

• Giveaway ends 30 June, Friday at 2359 hrs.
• Collection will be at the Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3, 45 minutes before show time. Do note that children younger than 8 years old will not be admitted.
• Winner will need to produce their IC to claim their tickets.
• Prize is fixed and cannot be changed to a different day or time.
• Tickets are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
• The Winner will be notified by the email provided under the blog comments and must reply within 48 hours, failing which, a new winner will be drawn, without notice.
• This giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.
• The Sponsor reserves the right to request for a redraw if the drawn winner on our blog has also won tickets to the show from another giveaway.
• Incomplete / Half-completed entries will be disqualified without notice. Decisions are final and no changes/disputes will be entertained.
• All information is solely collected for the purpose of this giveaway and we will not send unsolicited emails to your inbox unless you have opted to subscribe to us (on the right of this page!).
• This giveaway is in no manner associated with any social media accounts except our blog.

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

About The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey

When  : 14 – 30 JULY 2017 | Tue – Sat 8pm |Sat & Sun 3pm

* Please note that the role of Meng Jiang Nü will be played by Ethel Yap for performances on 16 Jul 3pm, 19 Jul 8pm and 26 Jul 8pm.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes  (15 minutes interval)

Who : No admission for infants in arms and person below 8 years old.

Ticket Pricing :  Check SISTIC for discounts applicable.

14 & 15 JULY	$68 – $98
FRI 8PM, SAT 3PM & 8PM	$68 – $98, $128 (VIP)
TUE – THU 8PM, SUN 3PM	$58 – $88

(Ticket prices excludes $4 SISTIC Booking Fee)

Tickets available through: Get Your Tickets Now
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Review} Poultry Tales |’Pokei Pokei’ Good Ole Family Fun Day

Over the long Labour Day weekend, we had a treat to go watch I Theatre’s Poultry Tales at the Drama Centre Theatre, despite the pending exams coming up. Seeing how my almost 8 year old (and his classmate plus 5 year old sister) laughed and squealed, I was assured that it was a well worth 1 hour spent away from mugging. The books can wait for a wee bit of fun.

Taken after the show, his face says it all. It’s a good one!

I Theatre’s Poultry Tales runs at the Drama Centre Theatre from 27 April to 14 May 2017. Book your tickets quickly for the remaining available dates at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/cpoultry0517

Poultry Tales was warmly familiar, with all-time favourite stories coming to live on stage. The children enjoyed every bit of the goings-on onstage and laughed wildly at almost every moment.

Impromptu Chicken Licken anyone?

Poultry Tales achieves quite a lot in just 1 hour. We were given 3 stories, namely, Chicken-Licken,  The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs and The Little Red Hen. All well loved Aesop Fables that are so enjoyable. I liked the clever scene changes between the 3 stories which cleverly reused props as the young audience were transported from being ‘backstage’ to being on  2 farms later on.

Although the stories are familiar, I Theatre cleverly engages the audience from a different perspective. What I liked most for this rather unusual production is that it really gave the young audience a glimpse of the backstage.

The show opens with a backstage scene, and you immediately wonder why… But this clever opening means the children get to learn so much more about what goes on in a ‘real life’ backstage. “What is a prop?” “What’s a costume? What’s a scenery?” “What does a Stage Manager do?” Go to Poultry Tales and find out what is a ‘Fly-bar’ or what are ‘Legs’ in theatre lingo! All the endless whys and whats from your curious little buddies about theatre, is QED within half an hour 🙂

Wey also particularly liked to point out that the ‘stage crew’ were actually actors and they were acting out the backstage for us… Somewhat proud of himself that he knew that. Oops! haha.

Bravo to the actors who made everything just so funny! Simply loved the ‘interns’ Zebedee and Charlotte, who gave us stitches from all the laughter!

“This is my hand, I have a prop … erh! A hand-prop”

My soon to be 8 year old, so got this joke…”This is my hand, I have a prop … erh! A Hand-prop”. It’s been his thing at school… He comes back from school everyday with some combination of this, eg.”I have a hand, I have a phone… Handphone!!” (Roll eyes? hahha)

If I thought anything was slapstick humour, my son loved it and so did his friend. At their age, funny is just funny, so I am happy to savour every moment of Wey’s innocent glee at the humour onstage. We laughed together, along with the entire theatre. Such happy moments at the theatre with my little boy! Good family fun together. 🙂

Oh wow! someone conquered the swing doors and found … … Those eggs!!! GOLD GOLD GOLD! 🙂

I could tell that Wey absolutely loved the production, not just because he was laughing out loud almost all the time, but because as the cast was finishing the presentation of  The Little Red Hen (the last story), he kept pestering me to ask if this was the end and refused to believe me when I said yes it was. There was genuine dismay on the boy’s face awww…. LOL!

Little Red Hen and her very helpful friends 😛

As usual, stay on for a little while after the show and get a nice family photo at the Meet and Greet that is absolutely free for everyone at the show. Unfortunately, we missed out on this Meet and Greet photo opportunity as I was caught up in conversation with Director Brian Seward.

If you haven’t gotten tickets to I Theatre’s Poultry Tales yet, please do so now (Click http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/cpoultry0517), as this may very well be the last I Theatre production for the entire 2017 unless there is somehow an angel sponsor stepping up to fill the shoes of I Theatre’s long time sponsor. 😦

Yes, I was totally shocked at the end of the 1 hour production, to hear from Director Brian Seward, that all planned productions for the second half of the year have been put on hold. Quite sadly, I Theatre will no longer benefit from the National Arts Council’s Major Grant this year!!

This is such a sad day for Children’s theatre in Singapore! My son has grown up with I Theatre productions since he was a wee boy of 3, which have undoubtedly sealed his love for the arts and theatre. It is such a major loss not only for I Theatre, but for our children who will most definitely miss the wonderful fun and educational experience of local theatre! 😦

I hope that in the months to come, some thing might be worked out for I Theatre and its wonderful team of people, so that its loyal little fans can continue to enjoy great local theatre again.

If you are able, do spread the word #SupportITheatre #SupportLocal #ChildrenTheatre #NeedSponsor and maybe there will be an angel sponsor coming in to help soon so that I Theatre may make a comeback next year!

If not, perhaps we all can chip in to support this wonderful theatre company that has kept ticket prices low with affordability for all kept in mind. Donate at http://itheatre.org/index.php/donate_sponsor/ . 

We at SAys! Happy Mums would really like to say a big “Thank You” to the people of I Theatre for the many years of wonderful drama for the children. Thank you Brian and team!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

~ SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend ITheatre’s Poultry Tales for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of I Theatre and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About I Theatre’s Poultry Tales

 

 

 

 

 

When: 29 Apr – 14 May 2017 | Saturdays & Sundays : 10.30am & 2pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Who: 4 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Standard $32 (excludes SISTIC booking fees)

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

TICKET PRICES (Not including SISTIC Fees):      

	Standard Ticket
Adult/Child	$32.00
Family Package (4 Persons)	$121.60
Big Family Package (5 Persons)	$144.00
Corporate Groups (min 20 persons)	25.60

15% DISCOUNT         

Friends of I Theatre	Ikea Smales and Family Members
OCBC Baby Bonus Card Holders	NTUC Card Members
OCBC Platinum & Arts Platinum Card Members	eXplorerKid Members
OCBC Credit & Debit Card Members	Toys’R’Us Star Card Members
Bank of China Card Members	Civil Service Club Members
PAssion Card Members	LITTLE STAR Ticket Stub Holder

10% DISCOUNT

Students (Local & International)

Senior Citizens (above 55 years old)

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Purchase a minimum of 20 tickets and get 20% discount

GROUP/SCHOOL BOOKINGS

Contact team@itheatre.org or 6341 5960 for group/corporate/school bookings.

Going Mad about Music with Sid Bowfin |25Feb- 12Mar 2017

This was the very first time we’ve gone to the theatres not for a drama but for a musical treat and the kids loved every minute of Crazy Classics with Sid Bowfin at the Drama Centre Black Box last Sunday.

 

All set for Crazy Classics with Sid Bowfin!

You may be thinking, really? Can classical music really be fun… and for kids?? Well, I had my doubts before going this weekend and the children were the best judges. Every little one was enjoying Sid’s fun easy going way with the Classical pieces. He fiddled on his violin to the delight of the small audience who were clapping ,tapping along and having pure 60minutes of fun.

I liked that the show  was held at the Blackbox Theatre, a small cosy setting that made it all the more intimate and interactive. It didn’t feel intimidating (even though it was classical music haha)! Before midway, Sid Bowfin had already gotten the children on their feet and dancing to the classics he was belting out.

Sid Bowfin seemed to make classical music accessible even for the littlest one or the most clueless one that had zero musical background. He talked to his audience, interacted and told us stories of each piece he was about to play. He made everyone laugh easily with his funny expressions, crazy antics and jokes. The audience participation was unending and there was no lack of volunteers as hands waved up and down to be picked.

Wey enjoying his 15secs of fame onstage with Sid Bowfin! Lol! 😛

I was happy to see Wey very enthusiastic throughout the performance. He was trying his best to be picked as a volunteer. LOL! It has always been a big regret for me when Wey stopped music lessons last year because we just couldn’t quite find the time; with him being in the afternoon session in Primary school. Although I’ve heard him tell me that he wants to restart music once he gets to morning session, I was not sure that he meant it. And yet last weekend, I saw the twinkle in his eyes as the music played on, and yes perhaps, next year, he will go back to music again, when time permits. 🙂 In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of the children at the show are already asking for violin lessons, thanks to Sid Bowfin (aka Adrian Garratt).

Even though the theatre is small, do note that it is free seating so get there early to get better seats. In any case, Sid does make an extra effort to go to his audience, even those seated behind got to be up close and personal with him so no one gets left out. Also, if you care to stay on after the performance, you can have family pictures taken with Sid Bowfin for that precious keepsake.

Our groupie with the crazily hilarious Sid Bowfin! Yay!

If you have a budding musician at home or just want to introduce and inspire the little ones, Sid Bowfin will certainly be a fun way to do it. Crazy Classics with Sid Bowfin is presented by Act 3 International and runs at The Drama Centre Black Box Theatre from 25February – 12 March 2017. Tickets are available from SISTIC, http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/ccrazy0317  more details at the end of the post.

 

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

About Act3 International presents Crazy Classics with Sid Bowfin

When: 25 February to 12 March 2017| Mon – Fri: 9am | Sat & Sunday : 10.30am & 2.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Black Box

 

Who: 4 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Standard $28 Weekdays, $38 Weekends (Excludes Booking Fee)

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

*For School Group Bookings, please call ACT 3 International at 6735 9986

{Review} I Theatre’s The Magic Paintbrush | An Amazing Full Circle

If you haven’t booked your tickets to The Magic Paintbrush yet, please do! This is a most amazing production by I Theatre as it is the finale production for their 15th year Anniversary Celebrations!

Super happy Trio – They love the theatres!

We went to the Drama Centre Theatre on Saturday with no clue what it would be like since it was an entirely new remake, redesigned play from its first staging. And we were totally blown away by the scale of the production!

The Magic Paintbrush was first performed 16 years ago in 2000 and was the inspiration for creating I Theatre as a theatre production company. How apt it is for this year’s 15th Anniversary celebrations to end on a high note with a reworked version of The Magic Paintbrush– I Theatre has come full circle and continues to bring so much joy and inspiration for local children’s theatre.

The play opens with what every parent and school going child would be able to relate to. A young girl preparing for exams and told to study hard, and not just do her best but “Be the Best”!

Shocking revelations indeed for every Singaporean parent to see themselves on stage perhaps? And then the magical journey begins …. when the girl Toni wishes she was someone else, wishes she was Ma Liang who is a poor but talented orphan. She thinks it’s way better not to have parents… and the inexplicable Magic Paintbrush grants her wish…

From there the audience is transported to another world in ancient China, where Toni is now (as she wished) Ma Liang, and she has to fend for herself, to work hard in order to survive and yet having no opportunities to explore her talent in painting because she has no money.

But Ma Liang is given an opportunity of a lifetime to do good, when he is given a Magic Paintbrush ~ Whatever he paints comes to life! Will he use this power to do good or to bring selfish benefits?

Wonderful lively cast that kept the audience excited!

What will he do when faced with personal danger? Will Ma Liang succumb to the threats of the greedy Emperor and his wicked schemes? What happens to Ma Liang?

Loved the beautiful costumes!

The new Magic Paintbrush is extravagant and grand, it is so big scale that even the adults will be captivated. The sets were beautifully designed and so impressive that you may not think it was for children’s theatre. I loved the upbeat music, the beautiful life-sized sets and the amazingly detailed costumes! WOW!!

Impressive stage set

Expect a visual treat from colourful sets and intricate costumes, to puppets and even a segment with black light theatre (which is always a hit with the children).

We enjoyed every bit of the 1.5hours at the Drama Centre Theatre and I think everyone in the audience would agree with me that I Theatre has outdone itself this time! The theatre was lit with laughter through out the play!

Our take way from the play was more than just the theatre fun. I asked Wey what he thought was the moral of the story… and was amazed that he told me “If you have the power to do good, do it. Make someone else happy. Don’t use it just to get more money or be rich, like the wicked Emperor!” Such valuable life lessons delivered in a beautiful play, I hope he keeps forever.

The Magic Paintbrush is indeed a fitting climax to a celebratory year for I Theatre! Once again thank you I Theatre and Congratulations! Thank you for bringing beautiful theatre to brighten the lives of the littlest ones and enchanting yet another generation with music and drama!

And don’t forget to stay behind for the special Meet and Greet photography session which is always a highlight at all I Theatre productions! Loving our keepsake photos!

Love these photo keepsakes of our theatre fun together

The Magic Paintbrush runs at the Drama Centre Theatre at the NLB from 27 October – 12 November 2016. Do make your bookings asap before tickets are sold out! Click http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/paint1116?cid=itheatre-HLI-paint1116 and have fun at the theatres with the amazing cast! We hear that there are lots in store coming 2017 and we’re very excited for the new season, do follow I Theatre’s facebook for the latest updates.

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey 🙂 

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend ITheatre’s The Rainbow Fish for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of I Theatre and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About The Magic Paintbrush

 

 

 

 

 

 

When: 27 October to 12 November 2016| Mon – Fri: 10am | Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre

Who: 3 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Standard $32 (Excludes Booking Fee)

Duration: 75 minutes plus 15 minutes interval

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Review} Pangdemonium’s RENT! | A Broadway Musical Treat

After a most touching and wonderful production of Falling, Pangdemonium surprises yet again with a stellar cast and an amazing production of RENT at the Drama Centre Theatre from 7- 23 October 2016.

Indeed this new production of RENT in Singapore is a fitting round off for Pangdemonium’s 2016 Season of Love! Simply not to be missed if you are a musical lover. We had a wonderful Sunday matinee filled with beautiful singing that left our souls recharged, thanks to Pangdemonium’s generous media invite that opening weekend.

RENT premiered in 1996, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Although, I have not watched this overseas, I think I can quite safely say that Pangdemonium did no disservice to this well loved musical.  This year’s production of RENT in Singapore is spectacular and it showcases amazing local talent!

RENT is set in NYC amidst social unrest, drug abuse, prejudice, same-sex relationships and HIV AIDS. A group of young talented adults searching for hope, for love and for meaning in life  despite uncertainty, rejection and fears. The narrator Mark (Benjamin Chow who last saw in The LKY Musical and The Three Billy Goats Gruff) is a struggling film-maker and is room mates with doomed musician Roger (Cameron MacDonald). Roger feels depressed and haunted by the suicide of his HIV AIDS girlfriend but inevitably finds love again in a young beautiful but troubled club dancer, Mimi (Tabitha Nauser) who also suffers from HIV AIDS. And then, there is the same-sex relationship between Tech wizard, Collins (Juan Jackson) and drag queen Angel (Aaron Khaled), which is a beautiful giving love that ends in tragedy as Angel dies from HIV as well. This very loving relationship is perhaps starkly contrasted against a more disastrous explosive same sex relationship between wild-child performance artist Maureen (Mina Kaye) and Joanne (Frances Lee), a hot-shot human rights lawyer.  These few friends struggle against all challenges with broken hearts, some fractured friendships, love and loss pushed to the limits and come out perhaps stronger, together.

RENT was first performed 20 years ago in perhaps a somewhat different world when social norms and acceptance was not rampant. In today’s modernity, even in our own Asian society, personal beliefs aside, homosexuality does not seem like a taboo subject anymore. It is still a relevant powerful musical, if not, as a window into the souls of those at society’s fringe.

Indeed, the hubs and I had an amazing afternoon with the stellar cast of Pangdemonium’s RENT. Just the dance sequences alone were nothing short of awe-inspiring. And then there is the sensational singing of not just one but the entire cast. Personally, I was amazed at the vocal talent and loved every moment of the beautiful singing on stage. One of my personal favourites was Maureen, played by Mina Kaye, who so amazingly thrilled us with her powerful vocals in Little Voice, not so long ago. She made yet another incomparable performance at RENT and I can’t wait to see what she does when she’s back from her studies in the USA. Tabitha Nauser, who played Exotic Dancer Mimi, was a delight to watch with her melodious lyrical voice and sleek dance moves, she charmed the audience effortlessly.

The 2 hours 3o minutes flew by all too quickly and the theatre was lit with thunderous applause from the audience at the end.

The memorable characters are bound to remain with you even as you leave the theatres and yes, the music will make your heart sing and lift your spirits in this dreary October month. RENT is as powerful and as energetic as it is about friendship, acceptance and love in spite of poverty, hopelessness and rejection.

Do catch RENT if you have been lucky to get hold of tickets which are almost sold out already! IF you still have not gotten tickets yet at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/rent1016, check and check again if they may have returns, and GO!

Pangdemonium 2017 Season Ticket

If you missed getting tickets to this yet another  amazing production by Pangdemonium, you may like to snap up the season tickets for 2017 which is available already! Click Pangdemonium 2017 Season Ticket to purchase at SISTIC and you’re sure never to miss out on any of the great productions next year ~ The Pillowman in February, Tango in May and Fun Home in September 2017!

About RENT

When:  7 to 23 October 2016 | 7.30pm (Tues – Sat)| 2.30pm (Sat & Sun)| Sun, 23 Oct: 7.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre

Who: Rating: R18 Mature Content

• Advisory 16: Mature Content for 12 & 19 October 2016 7.30pm and 15 & 22 October 2016 2.30pm Shows
• No admission for infant in arms and children below 13 years old

Duration: Approximately 2 hrs 30 min plus 15 min interval

Ticket Price : Exclude SISTIC Charges

Preview (7 Oct 2016)

Standard: S$70, S$50, S$30
Restricted View: S$25

Tue – Thu & Sun matinees
Standard: S$85, S$65, S$45
Restricted View: S$30

Fri & Sat evenings
Standard: S$95, S$75, S$55
Restricted View: S$40

For more information, visit http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/rent1016

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Giveaway} Win Tickets to ITheatre’s The Magic Paintbrush Worth Over $192!

We’re all excited to catch I Theatre’s latest 2016 production for their 15th Anniversary Celebrations, The Magic Paintbrush! This latest production will run from 27 October to 12 November 2016 at the Drama Centre Theatre.

Read all about it in our preview here 🙂 and book your tickets early from SISTIC at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/paint1116?cid=itheatre-HLI-paint1116 for fun year end treat!

 

Happy Children’s Day and here’s our little surprise just for SAys! Happy Mums’ lovely loyal readers and the kiddos!

GIVEAWAY : WIN 3 pairs of Tickets worth $192!

We’re really excited to have 3 pairs of tickets to I Theatre’s The Magic Paintbrush, worth more than $192, for giveaway! That’s right! 3 lucky readers will get a pair of tickets each to go to The Magic Paintbrush on 29 October 2016, Saturday 11am. Wow!!

So, get set and start sharing this post on your Facebook to be one of our lucky winners!!

 

To take part and qualify, please make sure all the following steps are completed:

1) COMMENT on this blog post stating the age of your children, your Facebook Name and Email address.

2) LIKE SAys! Happy Mums  and I Theatre on Facebook.

3) LIKE and SHARE this Facebook post with the caption “Tag @Friend A Tag @Friend B Tag @Friend C Tag @Friend D Tag @Friend E I want to watch I Theatre’s The Magic Paintbrush with @SAys Happy Mums”. DO set your post to PUBLIC so that we are able to verify your entry.

Bonus entry:

1. Follow us on Instagram {@sayshappymums}
2. Repost this photo on IG and tag @sayshappymums @itheatresg #TheMagicPaintbrush + 3 Friends

Terms and Conditions:

• Giveaway ends 22 October 2016, Saturday at 11.59PM.
• Show date and time is on  29 October 2016, Saturday 11am and cannot be changed to a different day or time.
• The Winner will be notified by the email provided under the blog comments and must reply within 24 hours, failing which, a new winner will be drawn, without notice.
• The Sponsor reserves the right to request for a redraw if the drawn winner on our blog has also won tickets to the show from another giveaway.
• All tickets are to be collected by 28 October 2016, 5pm at I Theatre’s office,  27 Kerbau Road Singapore 219163. Tel: (65)6341 5960.
• This giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.
• Incomplete entries will be disqualified without notice. Decisions are final and no changes/disputes will be entertained.
• All information is solely collected for the purpose of this giveaway and we will not send unsolicited emails to your inbox unless you have opted to subscribe to us (on the right!).
• This giveaway is in no manner associated with any social media accounts except our blog.

Best of luck and we hope to catch you having fun at the theatres with The Magic Paintbrush very soon! Watch for our review post soon too!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

                                                                                                                          .

SAys! Audrey 🙂 

All photos unless otherwise stated are copyright of I Theatre.

About The Magic Paintbrush

 

 

 

 

 

 

When: 27 October to 12 November 2016| Mon – Fri: 10am | Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre

Who: 3 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Standard $32 (Excludes Booking Fee)

Duration: 75 minutes plus 15 minutes interval

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

{Preview} I Theatre’s The Magic Paintbrush

Closing this year’s wonderful 15th Anniversary Celebrations, I Theatre presents a reworked version from their 2000 production of The Magic Paintbrush from 27 October to 12 November 2016 at the Drama Centre Theatre.

The Magic Paintbrush is a musical treat just right for the entire family and a great end of term, after exams treat! Based on a well-known Chinese folk tale, I Theatre’s highly talented cast of established local actors bring to life an amazing magical story.

                                                                                                 .

Toni Lee, a youngster from present-day Singapore is struggling with the pressures and stress of schoolwork and parental expectations. With an accidental wish, Toni quite unexpectedly meets a Magical Paintbrush, and is transported back in time to a Southern Province of China, where, in a series of magical adventures, Ma Liang’’s story unfolds.

Meet the tuneful Phoenix who guides and helps Ma Liang with his quest. Watch out for the comical Palace Guards, Sotong and Shrimp, as they try to capture Ma Liang for the cruel, greedy Emperor and his wicked schemes!

                                                                                         .

Through the fun and laughter, a clear and strong moral message about the value of creativity, friendship, and the dangers of using, or abusing power is presented in this magical, musical family show. Expect madcap characters, lively memorable music, comedy to intrigue your little ones at The Magic Paintbrush .

                                                                                                                               .

We’re really excited to watch this ‘new’ production which promises marvellous music, puppets and lively action against a witty script!

                                                                                                    .

We quite sure that I Theatre must have kept the best to the last after such a wonderful season including The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Rainbow Fish and Little Star!  So don’t miss this chance to have great time of family bonding and fun at the theatres. Book your tickets early at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/paint1116?cid=itheatre-HLI-paint1116

                                                                                                                                  .

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

                                                                                                                          .

SAys! Audrey 🙂 

All photos unless otherwise stated are copyright of I Theatre.

About The Magic Paintbrush

When: 27 October to 12 November 2016| Mon – Fri: 10am | Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm

Where: Drama Centre Theatre

Who: 3 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Standard $32 (Excludes Booking Fee)

Duration: 75 minutes plus 15 minutes interval

Tickets available through:
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide