Alicia Tan
This musical is helmed by founding artistic director of W!LD RICE, Ivan Heng, whose past directorial efforts include the very popular Dim Sum Dollies, the adaptation of Animal Farm and, most recently, The Campaign To Confer The Public Service Star On JBJ.Heng, who was part of the original cast of Beauty World as Frankie Wong, alongside Jacintha Abisheganaden and Margaret Chan, will this time be behind the stage and sharing his experience with a company of 40 new and stunning performers.
Revival
This will be the 1st time in 20 years that Beauty World is given an overhaul. Expect different scenes with new dance routines and 6 new songs written by composer Dick Lee. The set will also be completely transformed to the vibrant hues of the swinging 60’s by Canadian set designer John Dinning and cast members will be donning revamp outfits of that decadent era.
Cast and Crew
Set to be one of the most highly anticipated musicals of 2008, Beauty World will feature a mix of fresh faces as well as some of Singapore’s most renowned theatre and television personalities as well including Denise Tan (Lulu), Neo Swee Lin (Mummy), Irene Ang (Wan Choo) and Dwayne Tan (Frankie Wong). Elena Wang, a graduate from LASALLE College of the Arts, will make her debut playing young and wide-eyed Ivy Chan Poh Choo,
Poh Choo’s knotty adventures
Beauty World takes place in Singapore during the 60’s and tells of a young and innocent Malaysian girl, Ivy Chan Poh Choo, who comes from Batu Pahat in search of her long-lost father.
Her jade pendant is the only viable clue which links Poh Choo to her father and this is her only source of encouragement to endure a series of tribulations as she stumbles into a cheery, yet somewhat seedy, cabaret in Singapore.
Her adventure continues as she soon becomes part of the cabaret family, and struggles to find her own identity amidst tackling relationship issues and perplexing confrontations with cabaret members who are jealous of her growing popularity among clients.
Michael Chiang’s plays have been known to communicate a strong local flavour portraying various situations, issues and expressions that Singaporeans can relate to. And these factors have strongly contributed to the commercial success of his plays and Beauty World will be a hearty comedic drama for all to enjoy.
Beauty World has previously seen soldout performances from their past theatre viewings, and this time it’s not going to be any different. With a vast array of new performances to choose from at the Esplanade this 2008, Beauty World, Singapore’s timeless masterpiece, promises explosive display of their own to kick start this new year with an extra bang!
Production Details:
Running Time: Approx 3 hrs with 20 mins interval
Cast: Denise Tan, Neo Swee Lin, Alemay Fernandez, Irene Ang and Elena Wang
Director: Ivan Heng
Playwright: Michael Chiang
Beauty World will be staged at The Esplanade from Jan 3 to 19, 2008
Tickets are being sold at Sistic at the following prices:
Previews Jan 3 & 4, 8pm and Jan 5, 2:30pm
$25 – $95
Tue, Wed, Thu, & Sun, 8pm and Sat & Sun, 2:30pm
$30-$110
Fri & Sat, 8pm
$40 – $125
For more information, visit Sistic.