Sunday, December 15, 2013

'Crazy Christmas – Ting Tong Belles' in Review


It was a laugh out loud sketch comedy variety show that includes a dazzling display of song-and-dance. The show ran on a tight ship with segments nicely syncing into each other, topical topics explored first with a comedic monologue and then with a song.




The show literally started with a resounding bang – the three Dim Sum Dollies dressed in huge bell costumes, descending from the rafters as three 'jingle bells', performing a mash-up/medley of songs that include Christmas carols, English pop and English-translated Chinese and Hokkien oldies.

Throughout, the large cast of talents from Dream Academy danced and sang in smartly written comedy routines, decked out in loud, colourful costumes. Without giving too much away, some of my favourite routines were the SPG who married Santa, the three wise men (one Chinese, one from Middle Earth and another from a galaxy far far away) who came to Singapore in search of The Messiah, Kumar with his ability to turn any topic into a sexual innuendo, the TCM Joker/Doctor and the Singlish versions of Beyonce, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.


A live band accompanied the singing and also provided sound effects to the comedy. Without hyperbole, this is truly a laugh-a-minute show that also includes some very well-rehearsed harmonies and dancing (hats off to a cappella group Vocaluptuous!). As far as entertainment value goes this show definitely ranks high on the list.

What also impressed me was the complementary programme booklet, styled like a fashion magazine with three poreless models on the cover. In it are short interviews with cast members, fun stories about Christmas and of course, ads from sponsors. It is quite an entertaining read on its own.


On a more sombre note, the company is also raising funds for the Emma Yong Fund, a trust that hopes to provide financial aid to cancer-stricken theatre performers. I am myself a fan of the late actress since watching her for the first time in the SLO's 1999 production of Fiddler on the Roof, so I'm glad to see the company keep her memory alive through this worthy endeavor.


Crazy Christmas - Ting Tong Belles runs till 22 December 2013. I highly recommend it if you are in need of a good laugh. Check out the Events Page for tickets!

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