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SINGAPORE: There is nary a dull moment in W!ld Rice's "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs", and with a spate of grim tidings on the financial and security fronts, comedic theatre has never been a more welcome escape.
The pantomime scores with likeable tunes, strong cast and a funny script. Retaining the original concept of good-overcomes-evil on the back of contemporary issues like cosmetic surgery, playwright Alfian Sa'at puts the spotlight on a valuable concept for both adults and kids – Be happy with who you are and what you're blessed with.
But lest you think it is all fluffy white song-and-dance, there is more than a sprinkle of layered jokes on the local political scene (as with most theatre productions these days) which still tickle the funny bones, even though a few insinuations may be considered trite.
The panto characters, under Hossan Leong's direction, deliver fine performances in the acting and vocal categories. Elena Wang is exceptionally radiant as feisty, slightly scatty Snow White, while Sebastian Tan dazzles as power-hungry Queen/plastic surgery Junkie.
Prince Charming-Dwayne Tan, in his first pantomime, appears completely at ease interacting with the little ones in the audience, no doubt due to his experience in hosting children's shows.
And Celine Rosa Tan, who takes on dual identities in the production, could well be on her way to winning another award nomination for her supporting roles as the compulsively talky Magic Mirror and her sister, the disapproving Nanny.
Special mention should also be given to seven very competent actors – Alecia Kim Chua, Jacqueline Pereira, Fariz Bin Sarib, Joanna Pilgrim, Richard Chia, Farhan Hassan and Filomar Tariao – whose comic timing keeps the audience entertained right from the start.
As for the catchy songs that range from National Day ra-ra melodies to upbeat, 'mod-rock' numbers, they just make you want to slap on that glow-stick bangle and wave your party clappers wildly, along with the kids.
"Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs" continues through December 20 at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets are available at www.sistic.com.sg
- CNA/so
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