I was impressed. Even though our seats were way back at the highest level of the theatrette, so much so that the performers were no more than little specks on the stage, I was blown away by the power of the performers' vocals. One question that lingered in our minds was: Do they sing live or is it all pre-recorded?
Being my first 'musical' experience, I was looking at everything from a fresh perspective. As I settled down into my seat, I couldn't help but went gulp. The different floors were cut into the hall like a rice plantation, but to ensure that everyone had a decent view, the rows of seats were rather steep. For a moment, I felt like I was back in Taiwan, on that roller coaster ride which suspended people in the air before plunging straight down. It certainly took some getting used to.
They had screens on both sides of the performing stage for chinese subtitles. Not sure whether this is a permanent fixture for all performances or just for Forbidden City though. The setting was elaborate though and was versatile enough to be used for many different scenes, from the emperor's deathbed to the summer palace to the invasion of the British. Just changing the lighting and props could transform the whole look, amazing!
I particularly loved the brief appearance of the little boy who acted as the young prince. Kit Chan as a young Empress Dowager was convincing. We were brought through the ups and downs of her life; from the time she got picked as a concubine to her heartbreak and then, the little life growing inside her. The dragon lady who had always been misunderstood, the witch of China who allegedly murdered her own son. (We were told that she didn't of course, that in fact, he died of some STD after a good time in the brothels.)
Hossan Leong and Sebastian Tan were hilarious as the record keepers, popping in occasionally to lighten the mood. The Pan Gu reiteration also had us in stitches!
My female colleagues and I favoured the first segment of the performance, which featured more of the Empress's own emotional turmoil. We quizzed the guys and they declared that they found the latter segment more stimulating, what with the war and revolt scenes. Typical. Hah.
What made the performance all the more enjoyable was the complimentary ticket of course. But something good did come out of it. We are so inspired to join theatre now!! To be part of the performing entourage; the synergy between fellow performers as they danced with precision and then, to stand on the stage and bask in all that applause and ovation. Certainly, all that hard work was worth it.
