base entertainment Archives

WICKED The Musical Is Coming To Singapore @ Marina Bay Sands

By delta September 2, 2016

As a kid, I have always been a fan of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a children’s novel written by L. Frank Baum and I was really intrigued when I stumbled upon Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the alternative novel by Gregory Maguire which is also set in the Land of Oz.
Having read both novels, it was a pity that I didn’t have the chance to watch WICKED The Musical when they came to Singapore 5 years ago as I was serving my National Service. Fast forward to today, I am really glad that WICKED is back and the award-winning Broadway and West End Musical will be coming to perform live in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands from 29 September 2016 to 16 October 2016.

Will there any difference between this coming stage show and the last one that was here 5 years ago?

Yes, there will be and I found out about it when I had a one-to-one interview with Elphaba, the green-skinned witch (played by Jacqueline Hughes).

Me: What Inspired You To Take On The Role of Elphaba?

Jacqueline Hughes: Elphaba is hopeful and she’s a dreamer and she’s young and she’s got all these hopes and dreams; which I suppose is quite like myself, you know we are all dreamers; and essentially being Pisces; it’s sort of like my traits. But she’s misunderstood by everyone because of her green skin. She’s fiery, she’s feisty, she’s powerful, and she’s an incredible character to play and she’s also incredibly complex; which is why I love playing the part so much because there’s so many layers to it.

Me: Would You Think That It Is Extremely Hard For You To Get Into The Character As Opposed To You Being Yourself?

Jacqueline Hughes: You almost bring a part of yourself to the character and it has definitely helped me to portray the role. I’m originally from Scotland so I have a bit of fire in my blood and the determination like how Elphaba does. She’s incredibly tough and she’s thick-skinned; she has to be, and I really admire her for that.

Me: Is There Anything That You Hate About This Character At All?

Jacqueline Hughes: No, I just love playing the character. She has such an incredible journey from being a young hopeful university student to being this powerful woman who’s constantly faced with battles and she tries to overcome them and do good. She never wants to do wrong, she always want to do right but unfortunately, the propaganda around her has made her wicked; so by the end of the show with “No Good Deed”, which is actually my favourite song to perform; she said she’s had enough and she said ok, this is it, you want me to be wicked then so be it, I’m going to be wicked.

Me: Do You See Any Challenges Taking On This Role?

Jacqueline Hughes: Oh yeah. Lots of challenges. The role itself is so demanding; vocally, physically and mentally. I really have to look after myself. I need to make sure that I get enough sleep, enough rest, lots of water, and lots of vocal maintenance just to make sure that I can portray this role at every show. It is highly demanding but it is also rewarding as well; it’s sort of a love hate relationship.

Me: What’s Your Perfect Sunday Afternoon Like?

Jacqueline Hughes: My perfect Sunday afternoon is to be at home with my husband. We live out in the country so we take our jog, lots of walks. A walk in the park with my husband and my dog, sitting in the park, having a lovely Sunday lunch.

Me: What is one thing that fans of the WICKED can look forward to in this coming show? Is there something that will catch them by surprise?

Jacqueline Hughes: Yeah, firstly, it is an entirely British cast and we have never been to this part of the world before. There’s 72 of us that are bringing the show over. Fortunately, we have the American creative team to come and work with us and they have actually added some magical bits to freshen up the show. There’s more magic and more flying, and lots more to catch the audiences’ eyes.

Me: What is one fact about WICKED that fans may not probably know about?

Jacqueline Hughes: The Wicked Witch is not named in the original L. Frank Baum novel. Gregory Maguire invented the name for her using Baum’s initial; L.F.B. (Elphaba), that’s where the name Elphaba comes from.

Having concluded the interview with Jacqueline Hughes; I am definitely excited about watching WICKED The Musical and I really can’t wait to watch their coming performance here in Singapore.

If you’re keen, tickets to the musical can be booked via Marina Bay Sands Online or via SISTIC Online.

Ticket prices start from SGD$55 to SGD$230.

Don’t miss this chance to catch WICKED The Musical live at the Marina Bay Sands!

[2 more days only!]- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express @ Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatre

By delta November 22, 2013

If you haven’t caught Starlight Express at the Marina Bay Sands MasterCard Theatre, don’t miss this chance because the last run for it is on 24 November 2013 [Sunday]!
One of the best-loved, longest-running, and most unique musicals in theatrical history, Starlight Express has delighted audiences from its sell-out tour around the UK.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock ‘n’ roller-skates sensation is one of his most successful musicals. Light years ahead of the rest, Starlight Express is a futuristic tale about love, rivalry, and hope in the face of adversity. The show delivers two hours of speed, energy, 3 dimensional spectacle, daredevil stunts and turbo-charged excitement.

Originally conceived as a cartoon story for his own children, Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece tells the story of a child’s dream, in which toy trains come to life and compete to become the fastest engine in the world, while also competing for the affections of the glamorous coaches with whom they must ‘team-up’ with.

With the entire cast of 28 on roller skates, Starlight Express will amaze audiences with its speed and skill, showcasing extraordinary roller-choreography from the renowned West End choreographer Arlene Phillips. The story hurtles along against a backdrop of high-tech staging, 3 dimensional projection, special effects and a pulsating score. The soundtrack by high-voltage team of Lloyd Webber/David Yazbek draws inspiration from numerous music styles, from rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, rap, country and western, and contemporary pop acts.

The challenge of designing and creating costumes that resemble different types of trains, while providing full movement and a degree of protection for the actor, resulted in ground-breaking designs. The show’s dazzling costumes and sets, by the legendary West End designer John Napier, have won numerous awards.

The original West End production of Starlight Express electrified the theatre world in 1984, running for almost 18 years. Since then, there have been a further seven major productions, including Broadway, USA/Canada Tour, Las Vegas, Japan, Australia/Japan Tour, Mexico and Germany, where the show is still running after 25 years. So far more than 25 million people worldwide have enjoyed a thrilling ride aboard Starlight Express.

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch this ground-breaking show that burst onto the theatre scene in the 80s! Not only is the show unique, being performed entirely on roller skates, but the story is a powerful lesson about the triumph of the human spirit. It’s truly an ultimate feel-good show!

The shows for tomorrow and the day after will be held at 2pm and 7:30pm and tickets prices are from $65 onwards [excluding the booking fee of SGD$3 per ticket].

To book your tickets, you can either book online via the following websites: www.BASEentertainmentasia.com or www.MarinaBaySands.com/Ticketing

Alternatively, you can book by phone via the number 6688-8826 or book in person at Marina Bay Sands Box Offices [Museum, Theaters, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 and 3 Lobby]

For VIP, Hotel and Dining Packages, please visit www.showbizasia.com

Corporate and Group Bookings are available via Showbiz so for corporate and group bookings, you can email to the following address at corporate@showbizasia.com or call 6688-1029

The Phantom of the Opera Gala Night @ Marina Bay Sands [Mastercard Theatre]

By delta July 21, 2013

Two days ago, we were extremely privileged and honoured to have been invited to the Gala Night of The Phantom of the Opera at the Marina Bay Sands [Mastercard Theatre] and we really enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

We felt like superstars! 😛

In case you’re wondering, The Phantom of the Opera is a musical that tells a heart-wrenching story of the mysterious, hideously disfigured Phantom who lives beneath the Paris Opera House, and his obsession with the young singer Christine. Disguised as the ‘Angel of Music’ he devotes himself to creating a new opera star, and winning her love from his rival, Raoul, while exercising a reign of terror over the Opera House.

The theatre was packed with people even before the performance commence.

The really beautiful and stunning stage decoration.

The team from The Phantom of the Opera has performed in Singapore at the Kallang Theatre in 1995 and at the Esplanade Theatre in 2007. This year, The Phantom of the Opera will be showing at the Marina Bay Sands, Mastercard Theatre and they will performing here in Singapore till 25 August 2013!

Now, if you haven’t watch The Phantom of the Opera before, you absolutely have to catch it! Even as we’re typing this blog post, recalling our experience certainly gives us the goosebumps because it was our first time watching The Phantom of the Opera and it has left quite a lasting impression on us. In fact, we felt our emotions running high when we were in the theatre watching the splendid performance.

A photo with the suave Anthony Downing whom acted as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera.

With 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, jaw-dropping scenery, breathtaking special effects, and more than 230 stunning costumes, The Phantom of the Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous and stirring music.

Music of the Night is our all-time favourite music in The Phantom of the Opera.

To be honest, The Phantom of the Opera is a show that you must catch at least once in your lifetime. As for us, we will definitely be catching it the next time it returns to Singapore or if we’re travelling overseas to London/New York.

The Phantom of the Opera is the world’s most successful and popular musical, and the longest-running show on Broadway. It celebrated its 27th anniversary on the West End stage last year, and continues to play to full houses nightly in London, New York and around the world. The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, has been performed in more than 27 countries, has won over 50 major theatre awards, and has grossed more than US$5.6 billion.

The Phantom of the Opera is truly God’s gift to musical theatre.

Don’t miss this rare chance to catch such an awesome production right here in Singapore because nobody knows when The Phantom of the Opera would return to haunt Singapore again. So hurry along and book your tickets fast because it will definitely be a sell-out event!

Here are some details that you might like to take note of.

Showtimes:
16 Jul – 25 Aug 2013
Tuesday – Friday: 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2pm & 8pm

Duration:
Approx 2 hours and 30 minutes [including 15 minutes interval]

Interval:
Approx 15 minutes

Ticket Price [Exclude Booking Fee]:

[Image Credits to Sistic]

VIP [includes drink + programme] – S$230
A Reserve – S$165
B Reserve – S$145
C Reserve – S$125
D Reserve – S$95
E Reserve – S$55
VIP Box (4 Seats) – S$920 [includes drink + programme]
Box Seats (2 Seats) – $250

Restricted Views
F Reserve – S$165
G Reserve – S$145

Tickets can be purchased from the ticketing counters at Marina Bay Sands or via the hotline phone number, 6688-8826. For greater convenience and accessibility, you can also purchase the tickets through Base Entertainment Asia’s Website.

The Phantom awaits your presence..

The Phantom of the Opera Returns to Singapore on 16 July 2013

By delta March 29, 2013

The world’s most successful and longest-running show on Broadway, “The Phantom of the Opera” is returning to Singapore and the award-winning musical is set to take Singapore by storm when the show opens on 16 July for a STRICTLY LIMITED season at The MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands.
[Image Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia]

From The Phantom of the Opera 2013

Previously, The Phantom of the Opera experienced a sold-out season not just in Singapore but also in Shanghai and Seoul in 2007; so if you are planning to catch it, be sure to book your tickets fast as it will definitely be selling like hotcakes.

If you have never heard of The Phantom of the Opera and you don’t know what is it all about, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talent and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

[Image Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia]

From The Phantom of the Opera 2013

The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless, romantic and much-loved musical that has been honoured with seven prestigious New York Tony Awards including Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards and three Olivier Awards. The Phantom of the Opera has also been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has grossed more than US$5.6 billion, and has won over 50 major theatre awards.

With 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, jaw-dropping scenery, breathtaking special effects and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, The Phantom of the Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous and stirring music, including “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Music of the Night”, “Angel of Music” and “All I Ask of You”.

The Music of the Night in The Phantom of the Opera [my personal favourite]

Tickets will be on sale to Mastercard Priceless members from 25 March 2013 and general public ticket sales will start from 4 April 2013. Ticket prices start from SGD$55 for the lowest category up to SGD$230 for the highest category. Prices EXCLUDES the booking fee of SGD$3 per ticket.

Showtimes for Tuesday to Friday is at 8pm. For showtimes on both Saturday and Sunday, there will be two sessions that will take place at 2pm and 8pm.

To book your tickets, you can either book online via the following websites: www.BASEentertainmentasia.com or www.MarinaBaySands.com/Ticketing

Alternatively, you can book by phone via the number 6688-8826 or book in person at Marina Bay Sands Box Offices [Museum, Theaters, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 and 3 Lobby]

For VIP, Hotel and Dining Packages, please visit www.showbizasia.com

Corporate and Group Bookings are available via Showbiz so for corporate and group bookings, you can email to the following address at corporate@showbizasia.com or call 6688-1029

Don’t miss out on The Phantom of the Opera when it returns to Singapore on 16 July 2013 for a limited season!