{Review} The Phantom of the Opera is Here....Inside Your Mind...

"In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name
And do I dream again?
For now I find
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside my mind"

~ The Phantom Of The Opera

 

We knew this song before we watched The Phantom Of The Opera.  This song itself is captivating and we wonder how the musical will be.

 

 

This is not the first time The Phantom Of The Opera is performing in Singapore.  I have heard of people attending all the previous productions.  And I wonder why.

 

The Phantom Of The Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous and successful musical is the longest-running show on Broadway, winning more than 70 major theatre awards and has been seen by over 145 million people across 30 countries.

 



Photo credit : Base Entertainment





It tells a tale of a disfigured musical genius, The Phantom.  Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of young soprano Christine, the Phantom does all that it takes to lure Christine as his protégé.  However, his obsession with her soon leads to a series of dramatic events and this musical depicts the story of love and jealousy.

 

Photo credit : Base Entertainment

With a 37 strong international cast joined by a full 11-piece live orchestra playing some of Lloyd Webber’s most memorable music, including The Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me and Music of the Night, this musical is simply phenomenal.  Each act ends with thunderous applause.

 

We were told that some costumes of the soprano artistes weigh as heavy as 10-12kg.  Imagine that weight and singing at the same time.  It makes me appreciate the musical more.

 

 

I brought D to this musical because he was introduced to the book and has been listening to the songs.  Contrary to many comments on the dark emotions of the story, D actually felt that the story is romantic.  He sees more of the love the Phantom has for Christine compared to the jealousy and betrayal.  And for me, I feel sadness for the Phantom. 

 

Watching a musical lets one feel the story through beautiful voices and stunning costumes and that is what makes a musical successful.  The Phantom Of The Opera is all of that and now I understand why it is the longest-running musical on Broadway.

 

 

The Phantom Of The Phantom is here till 8 June 2019.  Tickets are available on Sistic website.

 

Event Date

Wed, 24 Apr - Sat, 8 Jun 2019

Tue - Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Sun: 1pm & 6pm

 

Venue

Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands

 

What a production!!!

 

 

 

Disclosure: We were invited to The Phantom Of The Opera.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

 

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{Review} Sit Tight, Laugh, Clap and Cheer at The Great Moscow Circus

Hello Singapore!  

If you have watched the short clip by the Ringmaster and his friends, you will know that The Great Moscow Circus is in town.  Till 2 Dec.

We hardly have a circus.  So this is one good chance to catch it.  Family-friendly, mind-blowing, and full of fun.  Not forgetting times you will be sitting at the edge of your seat.  Trust me, you should really watch it - I have been telling friends and people around me to go watch it.

Why?!

Because it is really that good.  With about 1,650 seats, no matter which seat you choose, you will be able to enjoy the Circus (I saw that a lot of the ringside seats are left with single seats for many dates).  Ringside seats are those that are nearest to the ring, and the performers are literally in front of you - not a must, but good if you can get those.

The boys love this act the most.  Colourful, funky and fast, these Fast Track Acrobats make cartwheels and flips look so easy.  But, I am pretty sure they are not.  

I would really love to tell you all the acts.  But no, I shall not.  Because, to be able to see and hear it is a thousand times (and more) better than just reading it.  

Juggler?  Yes

Clown?  Yes

Acrobats?  Yes Yes

Daredevils?  Yes Yes

Audience Interactions?  Yes Yes Yes

With more than 16 sensational acts, featuring over 45 circus stars, The Great Moscow Circus preserves the fun and thrills of the Circus of yesteryears, yet injects in the heart pounding experiences of today's Circus.  You will be glad to know that there are no animal acts.

One of my favourite.  The Aerialists.  At each turn and spin, the elegance and strength of the performers make me love them so much.  No safety net, no safety wires, the duo displays their acrobatic gymnastics in such an artistic, yet thrilling way.  Their fitness and daring acts are all that I admire.

If you are those who like that "heart in the throat" moments, this is for you.  For the first time in Singapore, the biggest Globe of Death will be one of the acts that make you remember and talk about The Great Moscow Circus for a long time.  With up to 5 speeding motorbikes in the steel globe, one wonders how they can speed together at the same time.  It takes an open minded, strong hearted individual to challenge this death-defying circus act.

We watch American Got Talent and British Got Talent quite abit and we saw familiar faces!  If you are a fan of this talent show, then you will be happy to see 2 of the acts in The Great Moscow Circus. 

Not forgetting the adorable and funny clown, who never fails to bring laughter to all those under the Mighty Big Top.  So, remember, it's a show not to be missed.

Not to be missed.  Indeed.

The Great Moscow Circus

25 Oct - 2 Dec 2018

Tue - Fri: 7.30pm
Sat: 12pm, 4pm & 7.30pm
Sun: 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm
Public Holiday: 12pm & 4pm

Tickets can be purchased at all Sistic outlets or online.

Just a friendly reminder.  No food and drinks allowed.  There are popcorn, candy floss, drinks available for sale there.  And the Circus merchandise too if you are interested.

Disclosure: We were invited to The Great Moscow Circus.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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Nordic Adventures with Sanrio Characters at Changi Airport

B.C.D.E like hanging out at Changi Airport.  Lots of walking space, lots of aeroplanes to see and lots of eateries.  Sometimes, we even do our supermarketing there.

During the school holidays, we love going there.  Even if we are not travelling, we love the events that Changi Airport puts up quarter after quarter, year after year.

For the June school holidays, the theme at Changi Airport is Nordic Adventures with you know who?!  Sanrio characters!  Cute to the max.

Though Hello Kitty is the first character that most people think of when speaking of Sanrio, there are much more characters then just her.  And it is not just a girl thing (as what most people or most boys have the misconception).  Sanrio has characters like Pompompurin and Gutedama that appeals to the boys too.

While I love the many photo opportunities with all-time favourite My Melody and friends, the boys have something else on their minds.

The boys love the Snow Fun House!  If you are like us, with no plans to travel this June holidays, this will be a treat for the children.

Some of the things to note for the Snow Fun House:

- A minimum spend of S$60 (S$80 for supermarket purchases) in a maximum of 2 same-day receipts is required to redeem one activity pass that entitles you to one session of Snow Fun House for twenty minutes for two persons.
- Redemption for entry starts from 11.30am (for first session at 12pm) and ends at 9pm (for last session at 9.30pm) or when all the sessions are full; whichever is earlier.

- Participants must be appropriately attired in winter jackets and boots.  Shorts and traditional costumes are not allowed.
- Admission passes include complimentary use of winter jackets, boots and gloves.  Participants are allowed to bring their own winter wear.  
- Wearing of long pants is compulsory as the temperature in the Snow Fun House is subzero.  For hygiene purposes, wearing of socks is required when using the provided boots.  Optional winter wear is available for rental or purchase.

So, please remember to wear long pants and socks!!!

Take the chance to also walk through the Nordic exhibition and explore the various attractions.  Read about the history and heritage of the give Nordic countries, or dance on the ABBA Interactive carpet. Kids can also let their creativity flow at the Lego play corner.

The nearest I could get to the Northern Lights!

Last but not least, the Meet and Greet sessions with Sanrio Characters!  Who are you planning to take photos with?

Disclosure: We were invited to the event at Changi Airport.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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#PokemonAtChangi - Get Ready to Catch Them All!

The boys are all into Pokémon these days.  And I believe many children are too, judging from the turnout at the Pokémon launch at Changi Airport yesterday.

The three new characters from Nintendo's new Sun and Moon series - Rowlet (left),  Litten (middle) and Popplio (right).

These not-so-little cuties have turned the world upside down, especially this year with the launch of Pokémon Go.

Whether you are travelling this holiday season or not, I bet Changi Airport will be one of your must-go place.  Not only because of Pokémon but also because of the pretty decorations, such as the Gingerbread House at Terminal 3 (T3) Departure Hall where one can catch a glimpse of Santa's workshop and Mrs Claus' Confectionery which are filled with children's toys and yummy goodies.

Also be treated to a light show with music and dancing trees amidst falling "snow" from now to 8 Jan 2017 (2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on weekdays.  An additional show at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays) while taking photos with a 7-metre tall Pikachu, the largest character installation at Changi Airport.

Together with the giant Pikachu, Pokémon trainers, like you and I, can have more fun at the Airport by hunting for the 26 Pokémon at various locations across Changi Airport.  Take at least three photos at the Pokétrail sites and share them on social media platforms with hashtag #PokemonatChangi to stand a chance to win a premium.  More information can be found here.

Kicking off the launch of Pokémon at Changi yesterday were 10 life-sized dancing Pikachu.  With a Pikachu Parade, both kids and adults chased them like never before.  Although there will be no more such parades, there will be meet-and-greet sessions on all Saturdays and Sundays (except 3 December 2016) at 6pm and 8pm till 1 January 2017.  So, get your cameras ready!  They are too cute to resist.  Really!!!

Located at T2 and T3 Departure Halls and T1 Departure Transit Hall, visitors can have fun having their faces painted onscreen or show off some moves at the Z-Moves activity kiosks.  

As you can see, the boys really enjoyed themselves!  These motion sensor activities are of course motion sensitive.  Especially for Z-Moves, if your child is not the one playing, it will be much appreciated that he/she stand out of the range of the sensors so that the machines can recognise the correct pair of hands of the player's.

This is definitely going to bring on lots of smiles.  For both adults and kids.  The very cool thing is that videos of these moments can be shared with families and friends through social media platforms!

At T2's Departure Hall are three life-sized Snorlax lounging at the Snorlax Garden.  Of course, this is a photo opportunity not to be missed!

You know what the boys want?  The full set of the limited-edition Pokémon plush toys!  Available exclusively at Changi Airport, these eight characters and the Poké Ball can be purchased for S$9.90, with a minimum spend at Changi Airport.  Details can be found here.

So, time to catch them all at Changi Airport!  I think I will be there almost every weekend.  What about you?

Disclosure: We were invited to the launch.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own.

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Where Your Children can Learn to Handle the DSLR

Have your kids ever said, "Dad, Mum, can I take photos with your camera?"

I get that all the time.  From both boys.

It is apparently a growing up thingy.  They love to explore, they want to try.  Sometimes, they are fascinated with it.

But parents are very beware of it, as some cameras are not cheap!  Some parents pass the older version, or a cheaper version of a compact, snap-away camera for the child to explore.  My boys sometimes use my iPhone, sometimes we give them the older compact camera.  Much often than not initially, we had to try to teach them how to use, where the object of interest should be etc.  And of course, many will agree that sometimes parents are not the perfect people for this job.  :D

So, was I glad when one of the activities at Kidzania Singapore is to be a photojournalist!

Waiting patiently in line for their turn.

Brought to us by Canon, in the 20 minutes, they were taught how to handle a DSLR, where the viewfinder is and what some of those buttons are.  Basically, it is about learning proper camera techniques.

Like a professional!

In the Imaging Academy, there were different backgrounds and objects for them to try taking photographs of.  

They were then brought outdoors, around Kidzania to take some monuments.  Look at how at ease E is handling that DSLR.  And how proud he was, showing me the photos he took on screen everytime he took a shot.

Definitely a good place for the children to learn about handling the camera.  What's more, they were paid (KidZos) and given a certificate each!

Disclosure:  3 of us were invited to check out the Canon Imaging Academy in Kidzania by Canon.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

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{Media Invite} A Paw-Some Time this September Holidays at City Square Mall

Do you have any idea who these guys are?  Well, I did not.  Until probably a year or 2 ago, when the boys started talking to me about Chase and "no job is too big, no pup is too small!".

And so, it began our journey of learning a new cartoon called Paw Patrol.

Fairly new to many, their first 'Live' Show in Asia at City Square Mall is a hit!  I see so many friends bringing their children to catch it.  If you had not watched it, it is still ongoing till 11 September 16.

Sometimes I wonder if D will outgrow watching such live shows.  Even if he does, I should not deprive E of it since we had been to live shows with D when he was 5 years old.  Just so glad that D enjoyed it too.

Come get a photo with Marshall, Chase and Ryder with a minimum spend of S$50 (terms and conditions apply).  Meet and Greet passes redemption is at the Level 2 Customer Service Counter, one hour prior to each live show.  Limited to 50 passes per session, it is something not to be missed, especially if you are already there for the show.

It seems like Paw Patrol is the favourite cartoon show for children these days.  The crowd at City Square Mall is simply unbelievable.  

I  reached at about 11.45am for the 1pm show and yes, I was already sitting around the imaginary third row.  At 1pm, every little gap was filled up and I see people standing on the second level.  It is how interesting to note what children can do to watch their favourite cartoon characters.  Of course, tablets help.  Thus, if you want a good view, be early!  Very very early.  Don't say I never tell you.  :D

And once the show starts at 1pm, I hear the screams and shouts when Marshall and Chase appear.  And many children gamely stood up and danced when asked to.  D and E did not and sometimes I wonder if it is because they are shy.  

There is a furry fun carnival at the outdoor park.  Till 9 October, bring your cameras for photos with life-size Paw Patrol's vehicles.  There are other activities like the inflatable Dog Pirate Ship and other fun-filled activities.  We did not get a chance to have fun at the carnival as B was not feeling too well.  But I am glad that at least, we manage to catch the live show and had photos taken with the Paw-Some pals!  

Time to make a date with the outdoor park before 9 October.

Paw Patrol Ready for Action 'Live' show
Date: 3 to 11 September
Time: 2pm & 7pm (Tue - Fri); 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Sat & Sun)
Venue: Level 1 Atrium


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{Media Invite} Times Waterway Point - Its Biggest Lifestyle Concept Bookstore

Bookshops are time machines, spaceships, story-makers, secret-keepers, dragon-tamers, dream-catchers, fact-finders and safe places. - Jen Campbell

In the newest mall located in the heartlands of Punggol, a bookstore can be found.  This homegrown book retailer, Times, is located on the 2nd level of Waterway Point. 

I remember going to Times Bookstore to buy books when I was young.  Mum will always bring us to the outlet at Centrepoint then and how glad am I that my boys love going to bookstores these days too.

The children's section, Times Junior, features not only educational books but also educational toys for the young. 

Get ready to cross the bridge and be lost in the world of unlimited knowledge.

With a floor area of 7,335 sq ft and an unprecedented floor space of over 1,600 sq ft dedicated to the children's section, it is pretty obvious that this Times bookstore at Waterway Point is targeting children and families.  I am not complaining.  Being book lovers, we are always on the lookout for different genres of books for the boys and I am really impressed by the sheer number of children's titles over there.

With a conducive and fun area, these lady bug cushions are a hit for the young at heart.  While they sit and enjoy a book or two, parents can always check out the rest of the bookstore.

Parents with strollers will also be pleased to know that strollers are welcome.  Aisles are wide enough for a single standard stroller to pass through.

Another prominent facet of the bookstore is the 600 sq ft island-style Lifestyle section that can be converted into spaces for workshops, activities or educational  classes.  Look out for the upcoming activities on Times website or Facebook.

There is something for everyone in Times Waterway Point.  Gift ideas aplenty, stationery and lifestyle products are just as many.

And if you are a TinTin fan, I think you will be loving this place too.

I love the smell of books.  New books especially.  And I love the feeling of the crisp pages of books.   That is why it is always hard to leave a bookstore empty handed! Are you like me?

Here is a listing of the 7 Times Bookstores in Singapore.  If you have not been to the one at Waterway Point, make a trip there one day and you might find yourself going back for more.

Disclosure: We were invited to the official Opening of Times Waterway Point.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own.

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