The curtains are finally up again for nostalgic old icon, Kallang Theatre. After a hiatus since 2007, it was since renovated and revamped. Many of you may not be aware of Kallang Theatre or the musicals and shows once screened there. Started out as the largest cinema in Singapore in the 1970s, it was converted to be a live performance theatre in 1986, staging classics like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Miss Saigon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chicago the Musical and so on.

When the in2it.sg team checked in at the building recently, we were pleasantly surprised at how nostalgic it looks. The interior is refurbished and the floorings are changed as well. Although of course, we haven’t really been there much. But the new theatre does look good, with the seats looking all so comfy in the big hall.

 
 
However, what is supposed to be the main highlight of the Kallang Theatre re-opening is the upcoming history and cultural musical – Singapura Lion City. The musical consists of actors and acrobats from Yunnan Performing Arts Group of China, one of the best chosen for the performance. Also, there are other local dancers who are part of the vibrant musical extravanganza. Expect a dizzying display of colourful acrobat stunts and dances weaved inside the Singapore story.

Acrobatics is used as part and parcel of telling the Singapore story, where the good old days of stunt-makers would “sell medicine”, hitting their gong on the streets, inviting a good crowd. From the days of Sang Nila Utama discovering “Temasek” to contemporary Singapore, the musical is a blend of history with entertainment and educational elements.

It is an exciting collaboration between Singapore and China, and the musical will be a long-running resident show in Kallang Theatre. Expressing their excitement include Mr. Steven Tham, Chairman of Asia Arts & Culture Pte Ltd, Mr. Jackson Chang, Mr. KC Ang, and the assistant to chairman of Yunan Provincial Performing Arts Group of China, Mr. Jiang Ga.

 
After the press conference, we were shown around the building and got a sneak peek at one of the rehearsal rooms, where the girls were busily rehearsing their sleek dance moves under the firm direction of the choreographer.

 
 
 
The musical is expected to run tentatively for 3 years, with around 30 shows each month. So who will be the target audience? Organisers were saying it will be 50/50 between tourists and locals. Then of course, they were hoping that more locals could catch the show since it is themed around our very own country!

A fusion of colours and breathtaking performances enriched with history, get ready to be pulled into an enchanting journey with "Singapura, Lion City" Singapore's very own maiden musical. Experience key historical events of the Singapore journey re-enacted through a performance like never before with international collaborations and cutting-edge technology that promises to take you on a mind-blowing rollercoaster ride through the hard and proud times of the little dot of the world. Singapura Lion City is a must-watch history & cultural musical for all!

Performance Date: 8 Oct onwards
Venue: Kallang Theatre
Ticket Price Range: $48 - $118
Daily Shows:
Weekdays: 8.30pm
Weekends: 6pm, 8.30pm
Visit here for more info.

BOOK NOW! Call Ticketbooth hotline 6296 2929 or visit www.ticketbooth.com.sg

**SAFRA members promotion: 20% discount for October booking, 30% discount for November and December booking

Article created by Anson Ong