"SINGAPURA" THE MUSICAL
SINGAPURA: THE MUSICAL
19 MAY 2015 - 28 JUNE 2015
CAPITOL THEATRE
"It is not a political piece, nor are we trying to make a political statement."
With those words, the creative team behind Singapure: The Musical put to bed any suspicion that this latest work was merely propoganda for the republic's ruling party.
Composed by Fillipino songwriter-arranger Ed Gatchalian (pictured left), it has been three years in the making. It is a journey that has taken him around the globe, interviewing Singaporeans who lived through the days of our formative years, and experienced the uncertain days of the seperation from the Malaysian Federation.
Together with librettist Joel Trinidad, Gatchalian embarked on a tedious process of writing and rewriting the storyline, ensuring that it was as faithful as possible to the real-life experiences of those who had lived through the formative years of Singapore. From the Hock Lee riots to the uncertainty over Singapore's departure from the Malaysian Federation, it tells the story of the unsung heroes, the people whom you do not read about in history books.
The creative team behind this production reads like a who's who of the musical theatre industry: Director
Greg Ganakas hails from New York and has been awarded the Helen Hayes and Moss Hart Awards, Set and Costume designer Gregory Gal has garnered Tony Award Nominations, Lighting and Projection Designer Driscoll Otto has worked on major venues in the USA, Sound Designer Emily Adams has worked on sets such as The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Jersey Boys, Voice Coach Kevin Kern needs no introduction, and our very own theatre veteran Jonathan Lim serves a dual-role as Dramaturge and Performer.
At the press preview held at the Fullerton Hotel, a selection of songs from the musical and a brief prologue by Lim introduced various scenes. As Lim explains, the Singapore story is a unique one that fascinates the world and it's no shame to let foreigners tell our tale.
With a cast comprising of talents from both Singapore and the Phillipines, as well as a multi-national creative team, it is perhaps an apt representation of our multi-cultural society.
Gatchalian explains that the launch coinciding with our nation's SG50 celebrations was not planned, but rather the result of several delays. "I had written 40 songs originally, but not all were included in the final script."
Will Singapura: The Musical follow Les Miserables and Miss Saigon in being international hits? There's only one way to find out.
SINGAPURA: THE MUSICAL
DATES : 19 MAY 2015 - 28 JUNE 2015
TIME: 7:30PM (TUESDAY-SUNDAY), 2:30PM (SATURDAY-SUNDAY)
VENUE: CAPITOL THEATRE, 17 STAMFORD ROAD SINGAPORE 179907
PRICES: $65-$165 (WEEKDAY EVENINGS TUE-THURS)
$65-$165 (WEEKEND MATINEES)
$75-$175 (WEEKEND EVENINGS, FRI-SUN)