NATIONAL BROADWAY COMPANY

It is sometimes in the near future of Singapore. The National Broadway Company (NBC) has been established and the search for the Artistic Director is on. Amongst those vying for the position is the who's who of Singapore's theatre industry. From hairdresser to entertainment icon to deputy public prosecutor to politician, the story of the pioneering musical theatre in Singapore unfolds as they sing their hearts to the top.

Based on specially conducted interviews with Dick Lee, Pamela Oei, Michael Chiang, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Ivan Heng, Koh Chieng Mun, Najip Ali, Eleanor Wong and Hossan Leong, this production features characters inspired by these artists‚ personal stories and recollections, performed by a cast of both young emerging talents as well as established artists.

With celebrated songs from Singapore’s favourite musicals composed by Dick Lee, Ken Low & Mark Chan, such as Beauty World, Fried Rice Paradise, Chang and Eng, Haunted, Mortal Sins, and Forbidden City, laughter and tears are never far away. Personal tragedy, individual strife, comic turns and artistic triumph are the stuff of dreams. National Broadway Company reflects on the search for Singapore identity that was prevalent in the first musicals and gives us a glimpse into the future.

National Broadway Company is conceptualised and directed by Cultural Medallion winner Ong Keng Sen, Artistic Director of TheatreWorks, who after 15 years of international productions encompassing music theatre and opera, return to the Singapore musical, a form that he pioneered in 1988.

Director: Ong Keng Sen
Musical Director/Conductor: Iskandar Ismail
Choreographer: Zaini Mohd Tahir
Composers: Dick Lee, Ken Low, Mark Chan
Scenic Designer: Myung Hee Cho
Lighting Designer: Scott Zielinski
Costume Designer: Kaye Voyce
Associate Director: Lok Meng Chue
Sound Designer: Shah Tahir
Hair/Wig Designer: Ashley Lim
Make-up Designer: The Make-up Room
Choral Mistress: Babes Conde
Executive Producer: Tay Tong

Click here for NBC flyer.

Reviews
“In National Broadway Company, director Ong Keng Sen has done the seemingly impossible: Here’s a nearly three hour-long package that’s both in-your-face, mass-oriented, high-quality entertainment bonanza of non-stop singing and dancing and an extremely conceptual piece of theatre.” – Mayo Martin

Click here to read the full review.

“A walk down memory lane for Singapore theatre enthusiasts and old faithfuls alike, NBC proves at the same time a celebration of passion, laughter and poignancy, commemorating the joys and tribulations of choosing the less-travelled road of a theatre career.” –Jeanette Tan

Click here to read the full review.