Review of W!ld Rice's Hansel & Gretel 2012

What happens when you mix 6 great actors, a bunch of talented kids, the literary wit of Alfian Sa’at, the directorial talents of Pam Oei, a heaped spoonful of wonderful music, a full-cup of lovely food …. stir … garnish with 69g of basil ?????? .. you get W!ld Rice’s 2012 : Hansel & Gretel.

As mentioned in my preview several weeks ago, Hansel & Gretel is W!ld Rice’s 9^th annual pantomime. I caught it on Sunday evening and I really had a good time (and some lovely, yummy goodies too). It was a sold-out show that evening at the National Library Drama Centre .. full of excited kids with their parents / grandparents.

To start off, the script / lines / lyrics were expertly written with much hidden meaning (some were obviously OBVIOUS… LoL) .. every scene, every song had some message interwoven in it that only the adults would understand. Even the selection of “Queenstown” as a location meant more than just being a town-with-a-queen. The musical number at the end of Act 1 was arranged from a former National Day song. All these little titbits just make you go .. “Ahhhh… yah hor …” The best part of it all was they were all very subtle without any detraction from the storyline making the writing so much more wicked. If you understood the jokes .. great … if you don’t .. it doesn’t matter …

The cast was good. Vernetta was funny with her strange accents and “rubber-faced” expressions, Dwayne Lau is the usual super dependable .. playing out his role full of enthusiasm. I very much like the beard/sideburn combo (REAL!!!) which makes his role of the children’s dad a lot more believable. Denise and Dwayne Tan played their roles well as both Gretel and Hansel. You could just feel the little spark between the two of them as brother and sister. There was also a very good blending of their voices during their duets. The only minor gripe was that Denise is a natural and showed a very relaxed poise throughout the show while Dwayne (Tan) tended to get a bit stiff during some of his scenes. He seemed a bit less relaxed when next to Denise. I am not sure but this may be artistic direction.

Sebastian Tan yet again showed why he is one of the top local Divas. When he sang, it was totally different. The depth of his singing and his tonal range … and all in long dresses and high heels. It is remarkable how he can be running around .. dancing around … swirling … in high heels and pantyhose .. while singing !!!! Sebastian .. YOU THE MAN !!!

If Sebastian is the Singapore’s top Diva .. then Siti Khalijah is definitely Singapore’s queen of Comedy. She was excellent in her role as the maid and as the assistant .. before and after the “makeover.” Her delivery of lines were perfect with the right amount of attitude. She definitely had us all rolling in laughter. She raps pretty well too … siol !

The “seventh” cast member was the lovely First Stage! Kids. In Hansel & Gretel, they did a lot more than just dance around in their costumes. They had some acting to do and lots of singing. Their exuberance and joy could be felt as they danced, sang and acted throughout the show.

I suggest that if you go watch the show … also buy the CD. Why? There is a lot of action happening on stage ... it will be hard to catch the lyrics of the songs while focusing on the action and all the audience noises (children laughing and screaming … adults clapping …). It is for a good cause as well.

Overall, I could not think of a better way to spend a lovely Sunday evening or any other evening for that matter. As with each and every W!ld Rice pantomime, it is a wonderful way to start the Xmas season (albeit this year is a bit more like going for a Malay wedding).

Next Change : Hansel & Gretel by W!ld Rice

I remember a couple of months ago .. when I did my preview for the Hossan Leong Show (version 2012), I was reminiscing about how the 4^th quarter of 2012 is coming and we are heading towards the tail-end of 2012. Whoosh … time has passed and we are entering the penultimate month of 2012. Schools will break for the year-end holidays in two to three weeks time … the rush of parents spending quality holiday time with their kids … the mad rush to buy Christmas presents for loved ones … the crawling traffic along Orchard Road as people slow down to enjoy the decorations and the lights … Christmas Carols being played everywhere … but most importantly … it is time for another W!ld Rice Christmas Pantomime… Hansel & Gretel. This is the 9^th edition of the W!ld Rice Pantomime and I think it is the first time that it is going to be based on this popular German fairy-tale(by the Brothers Grimm).

I think I must be very privileged to catch the last three pantomimes (starting from Beauty & the Beast in 2009, Cinderel-lah in 2010 and Aladdin in 2011) and have always walked out of the auditorium full of Christmas-ey spirit and joy. These pantomimes are made for audiences of all ages. The children will be loving all the bright costumes, special effects, big colourful sets, catchy music as well as the young kids all dancing on stage. The adults will love the great acting and singing ..(Sebastian Tan this year .. WOO HOO!!!!) .. the overall feel-good ending as good triumphs over evil, the jokes (the adult ones if you can catch them) .. and just a bloody good way to spend your evening with the kids.

I am very excited in anticipation of Hansel and Gretel because I think two of Singapore’s funniest actors will be in it, namely Sebastian Tan and Siti Khalijah. If you guys have seen them on stage, you will know they will have you in stitches .. RoLF-ing. I have yet to see them together but I can just imagine the riot they are going to cause on-stage. They are very, very good singers and actors too. Sebastian is going drag (you should see his legs in the promo photos .. talk about a teaser!!!) and playing the role of “the Witch / the Chef” and Siti is his / her maid. (.. just the premise of that is giving me the chuckles). Hansel and Gretel will be played by Dwayne Tan and Denise Tan respectively. Dawne Lau and Vernetta Lopez will play their parents. A very accomplished all-star line-up indeed. The lines were written by the renown Alfian Sa’at and will be directed by one of the stalwarts of the Singapore Arts, Pam Oei.

A W!ld Rice pantomime is never complete without  the young kids dancing on-stage in their identical costumes, singing along and just having a whole lot of fun. This year, the First Stage! Kids will be performing at Hansel and Gretel. These children are actually trained performers under the W!ld Rice umbrella and are from the ages of 5-16 years.

For those who have never been to a W!ld Rice Pantomime before, this will be an excellent opportunity to catch one for the first time. But be warned … something so sweet tends to be extremely addictive … I am already an addict … stay tuned for my review !!!

 

Hansel and Gretel will be showing at the Drama Centre Theatre (National Library) from the 22^nd November 2012 to 15^th December 2012. Tickets are very reasonably priced and more details can be found at Sistic website. GET THEM NOW !!!!

Coming Soon : Company by Dream World Productions

Akan Datang : “Company” by Dream World Productions

‘There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.’

 

This production that I am previewing today is Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Company’. The tag line of ‘Company’ is a “Musical Comedy about Being S!ngle.”  ‘Company’ is a multiple Tony awards winner and has won a Grammy for Best Score in 1970.

From what I understand, ‘Company’ revolves around Robert at his surprise 35^th birthday party. At that party are 5 married couples … all trying to convince him to get married to one of his 3 girlfriends. <Maybe members from the Social Development Network (SDN … formerly known as SDU) can watch this to learn new ideas as to how to boost marriages in Singapore.> Just from the above premise you can imagine how this play is going to turn out and the potential it brings. As it is a musical I assume that all the “convincing” will be done in song and dance routines. This is one play which I can already imagine in my mind and cannot wait to see it in real life.

The cast for the local adaptation of “Company” feature a mix of the local stalwarts of the Singapore Arts such as Tan Kheng Hua, Karen Tan, Brendon Fernandez, Petrina Kow and Candice de Rozario with the really talented young up-coming stars of Rebecca Spykerman, Hui Xuan, Mina Kaye and Glory Ngim. However, the lead role will be played by someone who is relatively unknown (at least in Singapore) .. Peter Ong. He is from across the causeway and has already taken the Malaysian Arts scene by storm with his almost 10 year experience singing and acting in many, many musicals and operas. This is not his first time showcasing his fine skills in Singapore but it will be the first time I am seeing him perform live after hearing of his many accolades. The last I saw a star from Malaysia perform here was recently at La Cage Aux Folles featuring Tony Eusoff who was superb and whose singing brought tears to my eyes.

‘Company’ is going to be directed by Singapore Arts Scene’s own Energizer bunny .. Hossan Leong. Fresh from his Hossan Leong Show .. and straight into directing ‘Company’ … can someone make him take a break !!! Before that he was also in La Cage. If the directing going to be anything like himself, get ready for a whole load of laughter… tongue-in-cheek jokes … and generally a hi-octane ride.

Anywayz … preview night of ‘Company’ is on the 1/11/2012 and it will run until the 11/11/2012. In total there are going to be only 14 shows. As usual, there will be two shows on each Saturday and Sunday and an evening show from Tuesday to Friday. Monday is rest day. There has been quite a bit of a buzz with some really unique publicity events … 3 pretty ladies .. only in towel-esque clothes .. walking around .. taking the bus .. interviewing random people … singing in the MRT .. (damn it .. wish I was there…) .. so visit their FaceBook page to see the photos .. and tickets and other details are available here …..

Review : Nervous Sharks on Preview Night ...

 

Review : Swimming with Sharks by Pangdemonium Productions          

Venue : Drama Centre Theatre
Date : 20 September 2012 @ 8pm (preview night)

As I was walking from my chicken rice dinner (@ Seah Street) to the National Library, I was wondering what to expect from Swimming with Sharks (SwS). It was one of those things where I knew close-to-nothing about .. I didn’t watch the Kevin Spacey movie .. neither did I read up about it on Wiki. All I knew was Adrian Pang, Janice Koh and George Young were in it and directed by Tracie Pang. Also I knew it had something to do with horrible bosses and backstabbing in the world of Hollywood.

As I approached the Front of House (FoH), I was reminded that this was the preview night and to remember that this is their first-est night .. the night before opening night … and not be too critical. It was a pretty full-out crowd .. mainly in the mid 20s to late 30s.

The set was fairly elaborate and detailed .. two levels … reception area and a office/lounge area. The opening sequence on the screen set the tone for the night and was a good light-hearted ice-breaker.

The story is very good and brilliant. As I promised not to provide any storyline spoilers .. I will not talk about it but focus on the overall acting on SwS. Adrian Pang was clearly AHEAD of anybody else on that stage. His acting was sharp and delivery of lines was precise. Janice in her role as Dawn Lockhart was fairly good with lots of emotion in her acting. I could feel her pain and sadness through her voice and body language during parts of the show. I think Janice is a very pretty lady and she suited that role as the “seductress.”

The third main actor was George Young. George could be considered the leading actor in this play as he appeared in almost all scenes from the start to the end. This also meant that he would be up acting with Adrian and Janice most of the time. I felt that George was overshadowed by Adrian and Janice. His acting was very much single-dimension without much depth. He delivered his lines fairly well (though there were a couple of miscues in words) and his emotions only showed on his face and the volume of his voice. He was either happy or sad. Nothing much in between. When he was angry .. he looked sad .. when he was drunk .. he looked happy .. when he was sad .. he looked sad .. I think you get the idea. Even during the “happy” scenes with Janice … he seemed like he was just amused. He seemed better after the interval.  I also felt that it was very strange and unnatural for him to like “bend down” every time he was talking to Janice. I know there is a height difference but you can always maintain eye contact though not at the same level.

The supporting actors / actress were fine though nothing outstanding and their parts were also very small to comment upon.

The set design was nice and looked the part with expensive sofas and furniture. However, the gripe I had was that the video screens at the top half couldn’t be seen clearly from the sides of the theatre. The bottom half of the screens were cut off due to the staircase and the floor of the second level. I do admit that the videos shown were only a tiny part of the play (more for dramatic effect and to cleverly insert a short internal to allow for costume changes). There were certain portions where I could not hear the actors as well. This was especially so when the actors were “upstairs.” When they were downstairs, front and centre I could hear them very clearly. The faces of the actors were also partially blocked when they were upstairs around the table.

Overall, I feel that SwS has a very good storyline full of twists and witty lines thrown in. I especially like the transition in George's character as the story progressed. The direction and choreography of the play was also very well done by having "several layers" of scenes within one (ie. something happening in the background while we are focussed on the foreground)  However, based on what I saw, it could have been slightly better. The acting could be a tad tighter and controlled. I cannot help but compare SwS with Spring Awakenings (also produced by Pangdemonium : earlier 2012). In Spring Awakenings I could feel the story as it grabbed me by the shoulders, slapped me around and spat at me while I was left crying. The acting was powerful and the story came alive and I left feeling in awe. As for SwS, the 3 lead roles were extremely important as they represented almost 90% of the play. It was crucial that these three roles were played strongly .. I left feeling like something was missing .. I left feeling that so much more could be done to make the show more complete and something to remember .. I assume it was down to the jitters and the nerves of “preview night” ….

All things considered, I still think that SwS is worth catching and is an excellent way of spending your evening (there is a chance of winning Club Med trips too). It is a very well scripted play with good acting and an excellent storyline. It is definitely something different .. but hey .. Pangdemonium does different very well...

…. Several friends caught SwS on Sunday 23/9/2012 and they felt that it was better but also the sound and set issues still remained … I may go watch it again sometime this week .. *BanG!!!!*

Akan Datang !! "Swimming with Sharks" by Pangdemonium Productions!

Pangdemonium Productions! has been quiet this year with only “Spring Awakening” in February. Their second major production for the year is “Swimming with Sharks” which is going to be staged at the Drama Centre Theatre from 20 Sept – 7 Oct 2012.

In a nutshell, “Swimming with Shark”s is set in Hollywood and promises to portray the seedy, back stabbing and fake world of show business. Not between actors & actresses but between the producer, screenwriter and film maker to be exact. The three main roles will be played by Adrian Pang, Janice Koh and George Young. We all know how talented Adrian Pang is on stage with his unique and strong acting ability and is (in my personal opinion) one of the best ‘English-speaker’ in our local arts scene in relation to his delivery of his lines. I have yet to see Janice and George in a theatre setting but if they are good enough for Pangdemonium .. they must be pretty good !!!

Chk out those teeth .. hahaha..

Pangdemonium Productions! have always ‘dared’ to do the difficult productions and I thank them for bringing these shows to our shores so that we can have something different but yet sprinkled with some local flavour. This is thanks to Tracie Pang who is the producer of “Swimming with Sharks“ as well as the producer of “Spring Awakening” and “Dealer’s Choice”.

I cannot wait to catch this next week and I am pretty confident that my review of “Swimming with Sharks” will be good. This show has been highly publicized across all forms of media and was just highlighted in this morning’s ‘AM show’ and on 93.8FM earlier today. 

I wonder .. was there any back stabbing between the actors during the filming and did Adrian get all power-crazy in real life? We shall never know …

 

Get your tickets here ...

Singapore's King of Comedy !! Hossan Leong Show 2012 !

"You want a bite?????"

As we wind down to the 4^th quarter of the year (and end of 7^th Lunar Month too), we start to get that little tingle of that festive feeling in our stomachs. This is my favourite quarter of the year .. school kids start their exams and then their holidays … lots of us working adults clearing annual leave … time for promotion and increments letters …  expensive holidays during the peak periods … End-of-year Sales … Christmas & New Year .. and most importantly .. The Hossan Leong Show !!!

Yes !! Dream Academy is bringing on “the Hossan Leong Show..” version 2012 !!! From what I have read and found out .. this year’s show is going to be bigger, better, funnier (possible meh?) and yet different from previous shows. The theme for this year is … “HOLIDAY!!!”

.. A Steinway on the beach .. woo hooo....

Singapore’s own King of Comedy will be doing what he does best … singing (really well) and making people laugh (extremely well). For you guys who have seen him at his solo shows you will know what to expect … if you have never been to a “Hossan Leong Show” before .. go and experience it this year … and I am pretty sure it will be an annual event for you as it is for me !!!

So guys .. come all .. young and old … alone and in groups .. and have a roaring good start to the “fun quarter” of the year … best of all .. you may even win an early Xmas pressie .. A PAIR OF AIR TICKETS TO GOLD COAST !!!! PER SHOW !!!! GooD LucK guys !!!! Hope to see you guys !!!!

Venue : Drama Centre Theatre

Dates : 30/8/2012 – 16/9/2012

Timing : Tues – Fri : 8pm, Sat : 4pm & 8pm, Sun : 2pm & 6pm

Ticketing details : http://www.sistic.com.sg/

'Open your eyes' and welcome to La Cage ...

Title : La Cage aux Folles
By : Wild Rice Productions
Venue : Esplanade Theatre, Singapore
Date : Sunday, 29^th July 2012
Time : 3pm
 

I have been waiting for La Cage for weeks. I booked my dates on the first day that the tickets were released to the public. It was going to be Wild Rice’s “headline” production for 2012 and Ivan Heng was in it. Not just directing or producing but having a lead role in it. The last I saw Ivan acting was in “Emily on Emerald Hill” and that was more than a year ago. In the days since ‘opening night,’ reviews have been coming hard and fast. All reviewers had nothing but glowing accolades in their reviews. Standing-ovations after every show !! So now I am faced with this problem .. after watching it so close to “final show” .. how can I make my review seem relevant and not repeat what all the reviewers have been saying … let me try ..

Firstly, I have not seen the original La Cage at Broadway but I have seen the movie adaptation of “Birdcage” which starred Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It was a very memorable movie and it really opened my eyes into the colourful and extravagant world of drag and homosexuality. Mind you that was in 1996. In “Birdcage (the movie),” the chemistry between Robin Williams and Nathan Lane was excellent. I wondered how Ivan and Eusoff would blend together considering I do not think they have done much together but yet are very distinguished actors in their own right (and own country). Boy oh boy .. the chemistry was magical !!

The set of La Cage was beautiful with many bright lights and a great use of the whole depth of the stage to create an illusion of space. I felt like I was magically transported to a “cabaret show” during the “showtime” scenes. There was also very clever use of sets to create the living room / powder room / sidewalk / restaurant parts. The costumes were also dazzling and created a greater atmosphere especially those worn by Ivan and the Cagelles.

The Cagelles were very good in their dance routines especially during the “burlesque” routine with the chairs. That was wonderful. They seemed so graceful … twirling around performing cartwheel after cartwheel .. ending in splits all over the place .. ALL IN HEELS !!!!! I can just imagine the amount of hard training they had to undergo to perfect those various dance segments.

The cast of La Cage was star-studded. The main leads were of course Ivan Heng and Tony Eusoff. Major supporting cast included Hossan Leong, Aaron Khaled, Tan Kheng Hua and Seong Hui Xuan. Other cast members were Darius, Karen and Judee (all ‘Tan’s), Andrew Lua and Brendon Fernandez.

 Ivan Heng and Tony Eusoff really blew me away. Their on-stage chemistry was flawless and they made all other cast members just fade away. We have all of course heard and seen Ivan in action and would expect an excellent performance out of him. As for Tony, I have been privileged to see him perform in KL several years ago and he is one of the brightest star in Malaysia theatre. I have several friends in Malaysia who would just swoon whenever his name is mentioned. He can act and he has a rich and beautiful singing voice. Of course it also helps that he is very ‘kacak (malay for good-looking).’ I hope he does more collaboration with Wild Rice so that we Singapore viewers can see more of him. In La Cage he showed his full repertoire. He sang happy boisterous songs, a heartfelt serenade (with a French undertone) and a really soulful piece which brought tears to my eyes.

Ivan was yet again fantastic in his roles as “ZaZa,” as a “mother” and as a “male figure.” His singing was again beautiful and moving especially in his “solo” song .. all alone right in the middle of the stage before breaking down. You could see many in the audience reaching for their tissues at that point. My funniest moment was when Ivan came out and spoke as if introducing a show .. his comments about “needing money to promote his musical career in US” really hit home !!! At the end, when he walked out … all clad in white .. the look on his face as he looked at Tony .. could melt the hardest of rocks !!!

It was all the scenes with Ivan and Tony together which really swept me away. It was as though they were really lovers .. so natural … so non-fussed .. so carefree.

Hossan provided many of the laughs in his role as the butler / maid. Aaron Khaled to me seemed a bit subdued and held back. He could have been a bit more expressive. Tan Kheng Hua was her usual chirpy self however she seemed a bit strained as well. Hui Xuan played her part well .. her dance scene with Aaron was her major scene and she was very graceful. (I have commented in my earlier review of Spring Awakenings about how she stood out as someone to watch for the future) All the others played their minor, cameo roles fairly well.

As mentioned above, the problem (a good problem I guess) is that in the presence of Ivan and Tony working together so flawlessly, everyone else is just there to add that slight amount of “frosting” to an already delectable slice of cake.

I really urge all of you to watch this. The show must end this coming Saturday (4^th August 2012) For those who loved it .. heck .. watch it again. I am trying to find time in my schedule to watch it again. .. watch it and ‘open your eyes’ … see how beautiful love can be between two men … at the very least … watch it and enjoy how wonderful our local theatre can be … you will be amazed .. we have our own “Robin Williams” and “Nathan Lane.”

Wild Rice … you did it again .. you truly deserve your accolades …