We chat with one of the biggest names in local theater and find out what makes him laugh, his favorite theater moment and his glitzy new musical, Great World Cabaret (Feb 19-Mar 7).

What's your most memorable theater moment thus far?
When I play the principal roles of Thuy and the Engineer in the UK tour of the Cameron Mackintosh's production of Miss Saigon in 2004/2005. It was a dream come true!

What was the last musical you watched and how did you feel about it?
Monkey Goes West! It’s a musical I directed based on Journey to the West. It’s very close to my heart because it marks my professional directorial debut and won both critical and commercial success! I was thrilled.

Great World Cabaret takes us back to Singapore’s glitzy ’60s and ’70s. If you could pick, which era would you choose to be born in? 
I don't have to choose. I was born in the ’70s so for nostalgic reasons, I feel the 70s speaks the most to me. I really treasured my growing up years in the kampong and living in my first HDB flat is still vivid in my mind. Oh and then there’s the fashion and the music.

Who are some of your theater heroes that you’d like to share a stage with?
Meryl Streep. I know she's more of a screen legend but I don't care...Meryl Streep.

What do you do on your day off?
Chauffeur my mom around to the market and to buy 4D. She’s also the one person that makes me laugh.
 

Great World Cabaret will run from Feb 19-Mar 17 at the Resorts World Theatre. It will also feature stand-up comedians Hossan Leong, Mark Lee and Judee Tan.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment