We Will Rock You
By Lennat Mak
"It's a modern day King Arthur story, where we rediscover rock 'n' roll!"
Hearing those words from Ross Girven, the resident director of the international touring production of popular West End musical We Will Rock You, makes one want to punch the air with gusto. It's a reaffirmation for rock 'n' roll, the rebellion of youth and the constant search for liberation and freedom. Like the kids say, "Rock never death!"
Encompassing all those whooping notions, WWRY is more than just a mere musical for one to relive the true essence of rock music. With story and script by popular British comedian and playwright Ben Elton and music and lyrics by Queen, one of the most successful rock groups of all time, WWRY is a rock musical of epic proportions, wild and uncontainable. The story takes place in year 2350 where instruments and live music are a straight no-no in society's eyes. Only synthesized computer music is the way of the world. The evil Globalsoft Corporation rules with their legion of android-ish Yuppies and Ga-Ga kids. There's not an original thought in anyone's head. In other words, rock is dead. And it's up to Galileo Figaro, Scaramouche and the Bohemians to lead the underground resistance for a good fight. There will be blood but it ain't no disgrace, for rock will rise again!
With a sly mix of pop culture references and satire, WWRY proves to be a three-hour rock delight that's part homage to Queen and part homage to the unwavering spirit of rock 'n' roll. The magnificent cast splendidly belt out 24 Queen classics ("Radio Ga-Ga," "We Will Rock You," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" to name a few) with MiG Ayesa (Galileo), Sivan Raphaely (Scaramouche), Annie Crummer (Killer Queen) and Neels Clasen (Khashoggi) taking on the leading roles that require a higher level of vocal acrobatics. Bear in mind WWRY is essentially a rock show and it's definitely a feat for the actors to execute those exhilarating songs with "the highest high and the lowest low" night after night. Coupled with the fiery lightings, elaborate set designs by Mark Fisher, top notch sound system ("The sound has to be loud, rocking but absolutely clear," said Girven), fancy costumes, and a band of tight musicians led by the 25-year-old music director Rowan Bakker, WWRY is simply a magical rock spectacle not to be missed!
Click here for pictures from our backstage tour!
We Will Rock You is currently on a limited run from March 28 - April 27 at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore. Tickets are available through all SISTIC channels with prices ranging from S$40 to S$170. For more information, log on to www.lunchbox-productions.com.
|
||||||||||
