MAMMA MIA! Is Not To Be Missed

Hi Huneybees,

Remembering back then, it was the end of exams and us girls all gathered in the school's hall to watch the movie - Mamma Mia, to celebrate the end of school terms. We stashed all our textbooks aside and enjoyed the movie with lightened hearts. We fell in love with the idea of falling in love, getting swept off our feet and even the lovely friendship between the female lead - Donna, and her friends - wisecracking author Rosie Mulligan and wealthy multiple divorcée Tanya Chesham-Leigh. We even had the idea of growing old together and gathering in times of happiness, just like the characters!

"MAMMA MIA!" - a story about Love, Friendship and Ambitions, surrounding the beautiful tunes of the 70's iconic ABBA songs like "I Have A Dream", "Money, Money, Money", "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia"; was actually based on a musical of same name back in 1999.

And now Singapore has the pleasure of catching the musical back on its second run, telling the story of Sophie as she prepares to get married at a young age of twenty, she decides she wants to know who her father is, and so invites the three potential men from her mother’s past through her diary to the wedding in the Greek islands, unbeknownst to her mother Donna. Being a jukebox musical, the characters break into a slew of ABBA’s best and most iconic songs.

This is one of the happiest, sunshine musical I've seen before, and it was so meaningful to have caught it with my BFF. The flamboyant costumes complete with platform boots wide-legged pants, and glitter, paired witha good mix of slapstick and sexual innuendos got us tickled pink and laughing through the night.

We walked out dancing and singing to the tunes, speaking of so much childhood memories. I bet girls, ladies of all ages would love this musical as much as us and even the guys too! It was definitely a first for me to see the audience dancing and singing to the tunes all the way till the curtain call "encores".

I'm happy that I finally caught this musical and soaked up some of the ABBA vibes with this feel good performance. So, do catch MAMMA MIA! before it ends this 18 November at Marina Bay Sands. You can get tickets here.



Image Credits: MAMMA MIA! 2017-18 UK Tour Cast Press/Publicity Photos by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

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A Sweet Deal To Catch Kinky Boots Before They Strut Out This Sunday

Hi Huneybees,

The night was glaring red when we attended Kinky Boots Media Night, glitz and glitter to celebrate this long-awaited musical to arrive at our island. It was an exceptional musical that was entertaining and uplifting, giving us a contrasting storyline that 'sings' out to me.

Based on the 2005 British film of the same name, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price (Lance Bordelon) as he inherits ownership over his late father’s shoe factory. But times are hard, and Charlie is forced to either sell the business or find a miracle. So, there comes the fabulous Lola (Jos N. Banks), a larger than life drag queen who just may be the answer to all his problems, as the factory innovates and works to create a new line of boots that are comfortable for drag queens. Racing against the clock as they rush to complete a full collection to show at Milan, both Lola and Charlie are also forced to confront their own personal demons as they’re haunted by memories of their late fathers and pressures at the workplace. All falls into place at the end and the musical ends on a high note.

The stage design and high energy dance choreography, got me immersed in the world of shoemaking and I find myself tapping and dancing to the songs, every scene brought out emotions, tugging our hearts. 

I love the message behind such a fun musical too, being open-minded, accepting those around us without judging and bringing us into the inner world of the LGBTQ is applaudable. With Kinky Boots being such an iconic piece and strong message to bring across, I find this is a musical that everyone has got to watch and the world will just be a much better place with more big hearts acceptance.

My favourite scene has got to the part where everyone gets together to perform “Everybody Say Yeah”, where they celebrate the construction of the very first pair of the red glitter kinky boot. The creative use of the conveyor belt, each Angel and Lola being able to shine and strut their stuffs on the belt. It left us on a high note before heading off to a break for Act 2 and that left us wanting to the break to end quickly and continue with the story-telling...

This has been one of my favourite musical this year and I hate that you will have to miss it when they end the round this Sunday. So, here is a special promotion for you priced at S$200: 

• 2 for $200 (A Reserve tickets)
  http://entertainment.marinabaysands.com/cms/events/index.html?specialCode=kinky1018E9&contentCodeBE=kinky1018

• 4 for $200 (B & C Reserve tickets) - Open on all ticketing channels + promo link
  (http://entertainment.marinabaysands.com/cms/events/index.html?specialCode=kinky1018ED&contentCodeBE=kinky1018)

I hope you will enjoy Kinky Boots as much as I did. Kinky Boots plays at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from 5th – 14th October. Tickets available from SISTIC and for more information, go to www.MarinaBaySands.com.

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A Roaring Ovation For The Return Of 'The Lion King' Musical

Hi Huneybees,

I missed it in London and I missed it when it came to Singapore the last time. Thankfully I caught it when it's back this time around. What am I talking about? Of course, it's the hit Broadway musical 'The Lion King'! It has had nothing but good ratings and finally my "roar" for it has been heard and they are back for another round!

After catching the musical, I finally understand why The Lion King is the 3rd longest running show on Broadway, having celebrated its 20th-anniversary last year. It's not like any traditional Broadway productions, the backdrops were carefully thought out to match the storytelling and the actors were all so different, other than singing and dancing, they even have to work with masks and puppetry.

Credit for this goes to the creative vision of the director Julie Taymor, who came from avant-garde and experimental theatre background. While many musicals feature high-tech gimmicks to wow audiences, she took a more traditional theatrical route of making use of lighting, stylized backdrops and detailed costumes and puppetry on stage.

She has cleverly blended African elements with traditional Broadway techniques to create an African Savannah on stage that is so beautiful and easily translated visually that even little kids can easily understand. For example, to depict a scene of drought coming, the backdrop of flowing blue silk, got "sucked" through a hole on the stage floor, leaving the ground bare and dry, was so cleverly executed and easily explained.

The puppets and masks are highly detailed and gorgeously made, even from afar, you can see the silhouette of the animals depicted. It's so easy to forget that we are watching human acting in front of us. BTW, the man backstage in charge of all the puppets is our very own Singapore’s Tim Lucas.

Watching the theatrical version brings a deeper story to life. I got to see the "human" side of the cartoon animal characters as we follow Simba on his journey to become King. There was quite a bit of African language (Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana and Congolese) used on stage, but that doesn't stop us from understanding the story simply just by the body language of the characters.

Last time when watching the story in animation form, I was too absorbed in the beautiful drawings and caught the story on its surface area. Now seeing these characters coming to life in humanized forms, not only stirred up emotions in me, but also made me see the story in a more literary form, seeing the Hamlet reference within.

All the actors have amazing vocals and each of them has a little animal cheekiness in them. My favourite has got to be Zazu (André Jewson), Timon (Jamie McGregor) and Pumbaa (Pierre van Heerden). They bring on so much comic relief on stage with their acting and lines. Keep your ears "open' too for the comically timed Singlish and Singapore elements that they just might interject in between their lines.

The principal cast of THE LION KING also includes Ntsepa Pitjeng who returns to the role of ‘Rafiki’, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End is Jonathan Andrew Hume who returns to the role of ‘Simba’ having played the role in 2011 in Singapore, Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of ‘Mufasa’, and also from the United Kingdom is music theatre performer Antony Lawrence as ‘Scar’. 

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers and up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as ‘Nala’; Candida Mosoma returns to the role of ‘Shenzi’; Björn Blignaut as ‘Banzai’; and Mark Tatham as ‘Ed’. Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba are Julien Joshua M. Dolor Jr., Gabriel P. Tiongson, and Omar Sharief L. Uddin; sharing the role of Young Nala are Sheena Kirsten Bentoy, Uma Naomi Martin and Felicity Kyle Napuli.

So, you ask, is it worth it? Definitely! I am super stoked I finally caught the musical and is definitely not to be missed.

The Lion King plays from 27 June to 23 September at Sands Theatre. Showtimes are 7.30pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, as well as 1pm and 6pm on Sunday. Tickets are $65 and above, you can book them via Marina Bay Sands or Sistic.

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Cyndi Lauper's Kinky Boots: JUST BE Campaign Comes to Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

Kinky Boots is all about embracing who you are, and they've taken it to the next level with the Just Be Campaign. Check out the video below to learn more...


Such a positive message to go with a high number of musical - Kinky Boots. Who do you think will be the next Just Be ambassador?
Anyway, have you gotten your tickets to Kinky Boots already? It will be in Singapore this October and for more details, go to - http://huneyzworld.blogspot.com/2018/05/kinky-boots-is-kicking-into-singapore.html

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Legally Blonde - The Musical Has A Hidden Message For All Of Us!

Hi Huneybees,

If you have enjoyed watching Legally Blonde, the 2001 Hollywood comedy movie based on a novel of the same name by Amanda Brown, you will surely enjoy the Legally Blonde - The Musical, with all its singing and dancing, on top of a romantic but equally hilarious and heart-warming story line.

From now till 20th May 2018, Legally Blonde - The Musical will be delighting theater lovers at the Mastercard Theatres in Marina Bay Sands with a New York cast of over 25 performers and two dogs, as well as an updated version with contemporary choreography, lighting, costumes, sets and exciting video elements.

Learn from Elle Woods (played by Maris McCulley) who never takes no for an answer as she worked hard to enroll into Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington (played by Mark LaDuke), after he broke up with her for not being "good enough" for him.

Follow Elle Woods' rollercoaster journey, mired by stereotyping and no faith in her by others, to becoming a great lawyer for successfully defended a exercise queen (Brooke Wyndham) in a murder trial, credit to her new-found knowledge in law, perky personality, and more importantly an integrity for keeping her promise to her client!

Cast of Legally Blonde - The Musical (L-R): Jayson Speters (as Emmett), Mychal Philips (as Paulette), Maris McCulley (as Elle), and Mark LaDuke (as Warner)

I truly enjoyed watching this musical and would recommend all Huneybees to catch it as it is not only perfect for lightening everyone's mood and bringing joy, but also comes with an invaluable hidden message: Be true to yourself!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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Kinky Boots Is Kicking Into Singapore This October

Hi Huneybees,

Razzle, Dazzle this October with the TONY® Award Winning smash-hit musical - KINKY BOOTS at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. Presented by Base Entertainment Asia, Broadway Entertainment Group and TROIKA Entertainment,  KINKY BOOTS will begin performances on October 5 and tickets are now on sale through SISTIC and Marina Bay Sands ticketing.

Winner of the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, KINKY BOOTS is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled and joyous musical with tracks including Land of Lola, Everybody Say Yeah, Sex is in the Heel, Raise You Up/Just Be, to name a few. 

It will take audience from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan, celebrating the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS is the story of Charlie Price and his struggle to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. Charlie meets and finds inspiration in Lola, and together they discover that it takes a good friend to make a great pair.

KINKY BOOTS has won every major Best Musical Award and is represented around the world
with the Tony Award-winning Broadway company (now in its sixth year), six 2013 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography, has been directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell.

The musical has also seen an Olivier Award-winning production in London, an Australian production that opened in October 2016, and a production in Germany. Other previous productions include a past US National Tour that played in more than 80 cities, an Awardwinning extended run in Toronto, two productions in Korea, and a Japanese language production. The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of KINKY BOOTS is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.

KINKY BOOTS is produced by TROIKA Entertainment and the creative team includes Tony®
Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume
Design), Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony® Award-winner John
Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Brian Strumwasser (Make-up Design),
Joy Dewing Casting and Wojcik/Seay Casting (Casting), DB Bonds (Associate Director), and
Rusty Mowery (Associate Choreographer). KINKY BOOTS features Musical Supervision by
Roberto Sinha, and Arrangements and Orchestrations by Tony and Grammy Award-winner
Stephen Oremus.

The Broadway production of KINKY BOOTS is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L.
Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Independent Presenters Network, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron
Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergere,
Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan
Bantry, Ron Fierstein and Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina
Papagjika, Michael DeSantis/Patrick Baugh, Brian Smith/Tom and Connie Walsh, Warren
Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters.

Be sure to get your tickets early and see you there at the theatres ~

TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION
SEASON: From 5 October 2018

PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00pm
Saturday: 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm and 6:00pm

TICKET PRICE:
From $65*
* Excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket

BOOKINGS:
INTERNET: www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing or www.sistic.com.sg

PHONE: +65 6688 8826

IN PERSON AT: Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatre, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby). For more information please log onto – www.MarinaBaySands.com

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Our Date Back In Time With Circus 1903

Hi Huneybees,

Last week, hubby and I were transported back to 1903, back to the days of decadence, grandeur, and romance when it was the Golden Age of Circus Acts. Musicals and theatre performances aside, the Mastercard Theatre at Marina Bay Sands was transformed into a circus tent on stage.

CIRCUS 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus features death-defying high-wire acts, contortionists, bicycle wheel of death, knife throwers and much more daredevil entertainment. We were gripping tight to our seats as we watched the circus performers "rehearse" and "prepare" (in Act 1) for the grand circus show (in Act 2).

Act: Russia Cradle

Russian Cradle Performers - Marcella Collares de Queiroz Ribeir & Olavo Rocha Muniz.

The danger level was elevated because all these acts were performed within the tight restraint of the stage. Though there were safety mats, but I wouldn't want to imagine if there were any incidents. But not all acts were that heart bursting. Luckily, the Ringmaster (David Williamson) was there in between the acts for some comedic relief as while as interaction with the audience.

I was especially drawn to the Contortionist - Senayt Asefa Amare from Ethiopia. The way she contorts her body was never seen before, she was so flexible, bending her body in remarkable poses. 

Contortionist Senayet Assefa Amare

I've seen several contorting acts before but Senayt really got me freaked, it's as though her body joints do not exist! You have got to see it, to believe it!

Of course, the highlight of Circus 1903 is that there are no live animals. The African Elephants (Queenie and Peanut), you see in the ads and posters are actually a clever, never-seen-before scaled puppetry that requires 4 puppeteers to "animate" the elephant. 

Created by the model makers who created the National Theatre's War Horse, Queenie and Peanut were brought to life on stage through exquisite movements. They move like real elephants, ear flipping and playing with water, demonstrating a mother and child relationship on stage, bringing us laughs, cheers and a little happy tear...

Both hubby and I truly enjoyed the Circus 1903. It was an extraordinary evening Base Entertainment Asia presented and we went home hoping for more. It is a beautiful piece of performance for audiences of all ages and it will be ending this weekend, be sure to catch it before it goes!


CIRCUS 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus
Season: From 18 to 29 April 2018

Performance Times:
Wednesday to Friday: 7:30pm
Saturday: 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday:11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Ticket Price:
Wednesday to Thursday
A Reserve - SGD145
B Reserve - SGD115
C Reserve - SGD95
D Reserve - SGD65
VIP Box - SGD580
Box Seat (4 Seats) - SGD380

Friday to Sunday
A Reserve - SGD165
B Reserve - SGD135
C Reserve - SGD95
D Reserve - SGD65
VIP Box - SGD660
Box Seat (4 Seats) - SGD380

*Prices excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket

Bookings:
Internet: www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing or www.sistic.com.sg
Phone: +65 6688 8826
In Person At: Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby).

For more information, please log onto www.MarinaBaySands.com.

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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