The UrbanWire

After unsuccessful attempts to persuade his childhood friend, King Polixenes, to stay longer in his kingdom, Leontes sends his queen, Hermione, to convince him. Shocked to discover she easily persuaded him with just 3 sentences, Leontes suspects his pregnant wife of having committed adultery with Polixenes in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.

In events that lead to confusion, betrayal and death, the Shakespearean play unfolds as a magical testament to to the follies of hasty judgment, cleverly showcasing the force of love as a means of reconciliation.

The production is part of an initiative known as The Bridge Project, which is a partnership between the Brooklyn Academy of Music, London’s Old Vic Theatre, and Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes.

Mendes marshalls a stellar cast, which includes American heartthrob actor Ethan Hawke (Fast Food Nation), for 8 performances in Singapore – the only Asian stop in the company’s 2009 world tour.

Dates: Mar 26 – Mar 31
Time: 8pm, Sat, Sun, and Tue (which also has a 3pm matinee)
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Prices: $40, $50, $70, $90, $120, $150, $175 (Tue 3pm matinee show)

$65, $85, $120, $160, $200, $250, $300 (Tue-Thu 8pm shows, Sat & Sun 3pm matinee shows)

$70, $100, $135, $185, $225, $275, $325 (Fri-Sat 8pm shows)

Text by Chrystal Chua

Finally, another amazing production composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber. Just as poignant as The Phantom of The Opera, CATS Now and Forever returns to spice up our local theatre scene for the second time at the Esplanade Theatre.

Starring 48-year-old New Zealander Delia Hannah, one of musical theatre’s biggest stars, this Australian production of CATS promises to be upbeat, spectacular and an all-round worthwhile trip.

Currently the longest-running musical in London’s West End, CATS has been performed for 21 years in over 26 countries and in approximately 300 cities. It has been translated into 10 languages. With magnificent music, seamless choreography and an out-of-this-world set, CATS is definitely one musical not to be missed.

Bring down the whole family to watch as you’ll never know when this musical will hit the town again.

Performance details

Dates: Apr 10 – May 3
Time: Tue to Fri – 8pm; Sat – 2pm, 8pm; Sun – 2pm, 7pm
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Prices: $400 Family Package (2 Adults + 2 Students)
Concessions – $50 for Students only (Not applicable on 14 Apr)

Text by Kristie Chiew

Text by Nadia Shah

If you’re into popping, locking and the theatre, extreme dance comedy Break Out may be just the dance-play for you.

From the Koreans who brought you martial arts comedy Jump to Singapore last year, comes another delight just waiting to be savoured.

Break Out, directed by Jun-Beom Juen, tells the tale of 5 prisoners breaking out of prison to seek solace in a convent. The play, which incorporates breakdancing, gymnastics, yoga and slapstick humour, was a smash hit at its West End world premiere last year and was later a sold- out frenzy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007.

And with a motley crew of characters from prisoners, to nurses and nuns, it promises a fun time for the entire family.

Polytechnic student Jeevithan Muralitharan, 19, says, “I watched Jump last year and loved it, so I’m
definitely going to watch this. Plus, it incorporates breakdancing, which I think is interesting.”

Performance details

Dates: Feb 13 – Feb 15
Time: Sat & Sun Only – 3pm
Fri & Sat Only – 8pm
Venue: Esplanade Theatre

Prices: $38, $58, $68, $78