DBS Theatre Fantasy

At a press luncheon held at the Shangri-la Hotel on 30 October 2000, the International Management Group (IMG) revealed their DBS Theatre Fantasy, a triple bill of three very different world-class shows set to dazzle Singaporeans at the Kallang Theatre in March, April and May this year.

Buddy, The Musical

Whilst tucking into a variety of bread from the Freshly Baked Bread Basket, we were greeted by the first video clip of the not-to-be missed smash-hit musical Buddy, The Musical, a co-production between IMG and Australian producers, Jon Nicholls and Michael Brereton, which debuts in Singapore from 22 March 2001.

Buddy, The Musical has been running in London's West End for 11 years and enjoying nightly standing ovations. This high-energy musical tribute boasts of 26 performers and is a celebration of the life and achievements of Buddy Holly, the man who began a rock and roll era with songs like 'That'll Be The Day', 'Peggy Sue' and 'Everyday', just to name a few. By the end of the first clip, I was left swaying in my seat, trying hard to contain my urge to stand up and dance. The real treat came when the Australian cast playing Buddy Holly and the Crickets, who had been flown in specially for the preview, gave us a live performance on stage of a selection of songs from the show. It was fantastic - a great testimony to the quality and energy level of the show! I felt as though I had been transported back into the 1950s with their rendition of classic Buddy Holly hits. This brief 'sample' of the show left everyone cheering, clapping and raving for more.

Slava's Snowshow

After the excitement had died down, a sumptous Marinated Salmon Carpaccio with Scallop Cerviche and Coriander Vinaigrette was served. Following this delicate appetiser, our attention shifted to the next video presentation: Slava's Snowshow, which consists of a series of comic vignettes and is a unique mix of alternative clowning and visual theatre. Direct from Russia, it has played to sold out houses from London to Broadway and St Petersburg to Spain. This is something completely different, a magical and unique piece of theatre which has been described as 'utterly breathtaking'. We were told that the show was not aimed specifically at children and would probably not appeal to children below eight years of age. However, I was stunned by the spectacle of beautifully crafted comic images, which were unlike anything I have ever seen. It has been said that 'Slava's Snowshow is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to the circus.'

Slava brilliantly creates a world of wonderment and fantasy that brings out the child in everyone. One image melts into the next … the bed becomes a boat; a woman wrapped into a bouquet of cellophane is placed in a vase; Slava boards a train and then becomes the train, his Victorian chimney top hat billowing smoke; a web of unspun cotton literally envelopes the whole audience. The stunning finale sees a letter turning into snowflakes, the flakes turn into a snowstorm which fills the whole auditorium, leaving the audience knee-deep in snow. One can best describe this show as a visual feast and an interactive delight for audiences. Limited season begins at the Kallang Theatre from 10 April 2001.

Carmen

On cue, as if meticulously rehearsed, the final video presentation and the main course (Provencale Marinated Chicken Breast with Red Bell Pepper Coulis Broccoli and Garlic Potatoes) were both introduced at the same time. The spine-tingling sound of bugles and drums of the Andalusian opera Carmen greeted our senses. Produced by IMG, International Concert Attractions and Hocking and Vigo, Carmen is scheduled for only eight performances, starting on 15 May 2001, this dramatic and fiery Spanish love story performed by the acclaimed La Cuadra de Sevilla company has played to sold out houses around the world. Created and directed by bullfighter turned director Salvador Tavora, this production created from the original legend as told by the old cigar makers of Triana is colourful and its frenetic movement captures the soul and essence of the Andalusian region of Spain.

Trilling singers, dazzling guitars, erotic dancers full of passion and a magnificent white stallion makes Carmen a spectacular production not to be missed!

At the end of the fabulous presentation by IMG, whilst sipping coffee and relishing the delectable dessert of Tropical Fruit Tart with Mango and Coconut Flakes, I could not help but count down the days to the start of the season for this triple theatre treat and found myself mentally booking seats for all three productions. Time to save up!

Booking Details

Tickets are available through SISTIC outlets, hotline 348 5555 and website www.sistic.com.sg

Saranjeet Kaur-D'Silva
Senior Editor, Butterworths Asia