Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Review: Sing'Theatre's 'Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris'


Running till 4 June at SOTA Drama Centre

Active promoter of French culture in Singapore, Sing'Theatre's latest production is a musical revue of the songs of Jacques Brel. It was first debuted off-Broadway in 1968 and was revived numerous times in NYC and other parts of the world.

This local production is directed, choreographed and performed by George Chan with Frances Lee, Stephanie von Driesen and Matt Jasper as his cast mates. It is a good example of how to fill up a relatively large stage with simple sets and costumes. Flies that also function as screen projections hide music director Joel Nah's four piece band behind only to reveal them at key moments, while giving the stage a sense of spaciousness. For sets, the performers carry four large suitcases of varying sizes that also function as theatre cubes.

The collective ensemble presented 28 songs without intermission. Each song was presented as a mini-play, with no discernible storyline throughout. Certainly Brel's way of lyrical storytelling, with themes of anti-establishment, personal struggles and the occasional torch song provide meaty challenges for the cast of singing actors.



Sunday, May 22, 2016

Spectrum: 'Maximally Minimal' by Quinnuance - 10 July 2016


10 July 2016 (Sun), 5pm
Esplanade Recital Studio

The Esplanade's Spectrum concert series continue with its exploration of 20th century and 21st century classical music. This time, local ensemble Quinnuance with conductor Clarence Tan will present Maximally Minimal, a setlist of works composed in minimalist style accompanied by film sequences. On the bill are compositions by Bernard Lee Kah-Hong, Alicia Joyce de Silva, Terrence Wong and Lu HengCheck out the Events Page for more information.


Vox Camerata's 'Soulful Soundscapes' - 2 July 2016


Let your tired, weary soul find repose in the Soulful Soundscapes of Singaporean community choir Vox Camerata. This concert marks their return to our local stage after a successful Australian tour last year. Artistic Director Shahril Salleh and new associate conductor Jolene Khoo will be taking the lead. Here are the concert details:

Date: 2nd July 2016
Venue: Chamber at The Arts House (1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429)
Time: 3pm and 8pm

Check out the Events Page for more information.



Thursday, May 5, 2016

The Illusionists - Live at MBS till 15 May 2016


Fans of live magic shows should not miss out The Illusionists, a collaboration by seven on the world's top magic acts (presumably none of them evangelical or homophobic). The show has played a successful run on Broadway and among many stops in its world tour. Expect hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder from the international cast of award-winning magicians from Portugal (Luis De Matos), Australia (Sam Powers), Korea (Hyun Jon Kim), Mexico (Leonardo Bruno), Monaco (Charlie and Sherry Frye) and European countries (Thommy Ten and Amelie van Tass).

The show will run at MBS's Sands Theatre till 15 May. Get your tickets now at SISTIC!