Here are my thoughts - not a review in any way whatsoever - just my heart felt thoughts on going back to the theatre after a long period of restrictions and social gathering by the Founder of Expat Choice Asia.
Sing'theatre's current production "Forever Young" is now playing in Singapore. When I arrived at the theatre the required protocol was in place. First the Trace Together, then the Vaccination verification. It was a great feeling to be back in a foyer of a Theatre, so of course I just had to have a pre- show tipple. A refreshing glass of NZ Sav Blanc from the full-service café at The Drama Theatre which is located in the National library.
When you see the show stop off for a pre theatre snack at the Café as the food coming out of the kitchen looked fabulous. Then there was the 15 minute bell. Show time folks. The anticipation of going into a theatre started to get the better of me as I walked up to the usher and they guided me into the space "this amazing theatre" looked bigger than I can ever recall. Was it the social distancing that made the space look bigger? or was it the simple fact this theatre with a full capacity can hold over 1200 in the audience. Last night the audience was at capacity under the current restrictions.
The lights went down, the voice over announcement welcomed the audience, the scene was set, the music began, the actors - one by one - made their entrances into the space (in character) - The audience discover what we are watching are 7 people - 6 in their very senior years (all well-known entertainers in their youth having forged successful lifelong careers) each going through the motions of their evening preparation before bedtime (presented in song, dance, movement and story-telling dialogue). The 7th character you'll need to see the show to find out...she's one hell of a voice!
What transpires over the next 70-90 minute performance is nothing short of magical, mystical, at time's confronting, insightful, yet poetically sweet and caring. Each character has its own back story to share. The audience experience glimpses of each character's life and career throughout the show "Forever Young".
The music score (a compilations of hummable hit songs from over the past few decades) are performed by the ensemble live on stage with the addition of some awesome backing tracks adding colour to monumental and exquisitely directed full ensemble scenes where all characters come together to perform what I call "dream scenes" - The show is written in a way for the audience to easy follow the story.
If you are new to the theatre this could be your entry point. I appreciated the show for its performances as much as for the theme - yes, we all grow old, while some go to early - hopefully most go gracefully. I have no hesitation in recommending to our readers "Forever Young". Get along and do something different - go to the theatre. Support Sing'theatre
About Forever Young
Hold on to your wigs and dentures as Sing’theatre brings back the hilarious sold-out jukebox musical Forever Young! Written by Swiss playwright Erik Gedeon and adapted by Benjamin “Mr Miyagi” Lee, the Singaporean version of this European cult hit features a star-studded cast of local actors.
Set in the year 2071, Forever Young playing from Wednesday 22 Sept to Sunday 3 Oct 2021 at the Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street Level 3, National Library Building, Singapore 188064 chronicles the life of a group of retired actors living in a nursing home. These zany nonagenarians – former pillars of Singapore’s Arts scene – are determined to prove that it is not all behind them. The residents do as they are told, but, once their no-nonsense caregiver Sister Sara leaves the room, the pensionable performers belt out musical theatre canons, rock classics and more – the way that only old people can!
Directed by Hossan Leong, Forever Young features prominent actors Karen Tan, Julian Wong and Leong himself who will reprise their roles. They will be joined by favourite Radio personality Denise Tan (pictured), Mark Waite, Kimberly Chan and Gurmit Singh, Singapore’s iconic funnyman, who makes a comeback to the theatre scene after a hiatus of 16 years.
Through the cast’s arthritic dance moves and renditions of familiar songs that include Jay-Z’s Forever Young, Amy Winehouse’s Rehab, Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic’s Leave The Door Open and Aqua’s Barbie Girl, this eponymous musical revue addresses dementia and other conditions associated with ageing.
Whatever you make of these issues, you can be sure this gaggle of geriatrics will never go gentle into that good night, but burn and rave and rock and roll at close of day.
w. singtheatre.com/activity/forever-young-2021-2/
s. www.facebook.com/Singtheatre
Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/forever1021
