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SINGAPORE : If you're looking to keep the young ones occupied during the September school break or to just give them a treat, catch the train heading to the Singapore Expo and get to know another train - Thomas the Tank Engine.
In the musical, Thomas Saves the Day everyone aged 6 to 66 will be singing and chugging along with the characters who have come to life from the pages of the everlasting Railway Series storybooks by Reverend W Awdry.
When Rev Awdry first penned the story of Thomas and his friends, it was for his little boy Charles who had to stay home after having caught measles. The time was 1943.
Over a span of more than 60 years as steam trains made way for supersonic trains in the rest of the world, the railway tales filled with characters such as the Fat Controller and trains with names such as Edward, Percy, Toby and of course Thomas, entranced and endeared themselves to children, growing from a series of books to a series on television, a movie and now a musical.
A chance encounter in Singapore with the Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt as well Thomas' driver and the ever-essential Narrator, had me convinced that the young and young-at-heart will be in for a good time come 3 September with Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage produced by AEG ThemeSTAR and HIT Entertainment.
The Fat Controller who was kindly, jovial and sometimes stern in the bed-time stories read to my little boy, was just the same during his visit to Singapore, still dressed in his top hat and tail-coat despite the warm weather.
As he laughed and sang some of the many songs of the musical, he shared that this adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine would be about the colourful Magical Lantern Festival to be held on the island of Sodor where he and the trains live. When a big storm disrupts preparations for the Magical Lantern Festival, the Really Useful Engine that is Thomas the Tank Engine, manages to save the day.
"Thomas the Tank Engine is such a known story, everyone knows Thomas" said the Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt.
"And if you don't know Thomas, come and get to know him 'cos it is really, really good fun. And they're great characters."
The large and colourful cast will include Thomas' driver, who will steer the helpful and cheerful Tank Engine as it chugs around the on-stage recreation of Sodor island, together with his good friend Percy the train.
The large, three-dimensional trains with their expressive eyes and faces will have to deal with the ever-naughty Diesel who makes an appearance in the story along with Harold the Helicopter.
According to the Narrator in the musical, children will travel with Thomas and his friends through sunny days in Sodor and dark mines that will prove the friendship between young Percy and the brave Thomas.
"There are some surprises" the Fat Controller reveals, while the Narrator nodding in agreement adds "there is actually a song called Suprises because there are several surprises along the way."
Music plays a dominant role in Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage with seven popular Thomas & Friends songs in the show, along with some completely new tunes written just for the stage production.
Audience members will get to sing along, as well as interact with the trains and cast during the 90 minute show which will feature a mix of story, music and dance.
Jim Millan, the show’s writer and director said of the show, “It has wonderful props, beautiful costumes and scenery, accompanied by great singing, choreographed dancing and special effects – all the elements that make for good theatre."
With the promise of great family entertainment, it won't matter if some of the kids are no longer knee-high.
According to the Narrator, there is never a dull moment. "There's always a song or a dance and it's so spectacular with the lights, the older kids seem to enjoy that anyway. And also, it reminds them of their childhood."
So whether you've never had the chance to know Thomas the Tank Engine or grew up a long time ago with him, don't miss this train during his stop-over in Singapore from 3-7 September.
- CNA/sf
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