Kenneth Lyen
This is the first book documenting the history of the Singapore musical. It aims not only to portray what the Singapore theatre scene was like in the past, but also how the stories and language used can capture its culture, art and social life. The first musicals appeared in 1988 and for the next couple of decades there has been a flourishing of new musicals. However, this was stalled for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic with the closure of theatres. Recovery is starting again and there is a renaissance in creativity with new musicals being written and staged. This book covers original Singapore stage musicals, pantomimes, operas, movies and college musicals. It also touches on Chinese language musicals. Important playwrights, lyricists, composers, producers and directors are highlighted in the book. It ends by proposing several ways to stimulate further creation of new musicals which will have an impact on the evolution of Singapore’s musical theatre.Initially influenced by Broadway and West End musicals, Singapore has evolved into its own unique style of presentation. Documentation of this development is important. The final chapter recommends how musicals can be developed further, and this can have an significant impact on the creation of future Singapore musicals. The Foreword is written by Professor Tommy Koh, the Founder President of the National Arts Council of Singapore.
