Singapura: The Musical - Begins in May | PrisChew.com

Playing at the newly refurbished Capitol Theatre, Singapura: The Musical features the struggles Singapore went through on its path to independence. It follows the lives of ordinary Singaporeans who experienced the tumultuous decade between 1955 to 1965.

Credit: Singapura The Musical

Takes audiences on a journey through Singapore history

Conceptualised by celebrated composer Ed Gatchalian, Singapura: The Musical will take audiences on a journey through Singapore’s history via world-class musical numbers and a compelling storyline.

Fascinated with the Singapore Story

Gatchalian’s fascination with Singapore began when two Singaporeans approached him many years ago and briefly spoke about considering the Singapore story as material for his next project. The idea and challenge of embarking on this ambitious project intrigued him so much that it started him on a three-year journey to seek out Singaporeans who lived through the nation’s formative years and conducted extensive interviews with them.

And when he had finished, Gatchalian knew that he had a story that would capture the entire world.

Explained Gatchalian, “You look at Singapore today and you cannot imagine the struggles it went through just 50 years ago. The world knows Singapore as this rich, pristine city. But few know what kind of real life struggles the country’s forefathers faced through historic moments such as the race riots and Hock Lee bus riots. These are the stories of parents, grandparents, great grandparents, who sacrificed (some with their lives) to be able to have what the modern-day Singaporean has today.”

He added, “Good musicals leverage a nation’s history and serve as an exciting backdrop to the personal stories of the characters portrayed. There was Argentina’s intriguing politics in Evita, Vietnam’s useless war in Miss Saigon and France’s passionate revolution in Les Misérables. It is my sincere belief that Singapura will do the same for Singapore.”

Lead role to be played by a Singaporean household name

Jonathan Lim, critically acclaimed actor, director and playwright will be playing one of the lead roles in the musical. A veteran and household name in the theatre industry in Singapore, he will be working alongside an international cast and crew to re-create a series of stories from 1955 to 1965, which was a defining period in the history of Singapore.

Said Lim, “A musical about our history is an amazing opportunity to catapult Singapore onto the world stage of theatre. It’s not just a statistic, or a page in history; all these events and growing pains helped shape the Singapore we have today, along with the pride that comes with it.”

Directed by award-wining director Greg Gankas

Singapura: The Musical is directed by Greg Ganakas, an award-winning New York Director who is the recipient of two of America’s highest honours for Theatre – the Helen Hayes Award and the Moss Hart Award. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having directed many productions such as Ain’t Misbehavin’, Oklahoma!, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum and A Christmas Carol, all of which were well-received by critics and audiences alike. Throughout his career, Ganakas has also collaborated with Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre and has worked with famous international artistes such as Julie Andrews, Sarah Jessica Parker, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

Singapura: The Musical premieres on 19 May 2015 and will run for 6 weeks – at the Capitol Theatre.

Ticket Prices:

$65 – $165 (Weekday evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) $65 – $165 (Weekend matinees: Saturday, Sunday)
$75 – $175 (Weekend evenings: Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
All prices exclude $3 eventClique Booking Fee