It’s been busy at work hence the lack of posts. But Thursday night, I took some time out to go to the drama centre at the National Library to watch Oi! Sleeping Beauty!, a musical which presents the well-known fairy tale with a local twist.
Princess Dawn (Pamela Ooi), the daughter of a Malay king 100 years ago, is cursed by an evil fairy at her one month birthday celebration. She is cursed to die when she is 16 by pricking her finger when sewing batik. One of Princess Dawn’s fairy god aunties then lessens the strength of the curse by saying that she will fall into a deep sleep for 100 years when she pricks her finger, and only the kiss of her true love will wake her.
The first half of the musical concentrates on the early life of Princess Dawn and how she eventually falls into her deep sleep. The second half of the musical is about how she tries to re-find the place and the people she had known as a child 100 years ago. Modern day Singacorp, as the place is known, is now full of people who are so intent on finding money and success that they have forgotten the simple pleasures of life. Of course, this is after she is awoken by her true love.
The musical was enjoyable for the most part, but I think it was a bit ambitious in trying to pitch the musical to both children and adults. Some parts of the show were just ttooooo kindergartenish and I felt like I was back in playschool or something. Some of the humour was also a bit too slapstick for my liking.
I guess the strength of this production lies in it cast. Chua Enlai is a hoot as a gay fairy. Selena Tan, Karen Tan and Pamela Ooi are also great actresses with fantastic comic timing.
It’s good family fun and something nice to do together if you have young kids.