If you fancy yourself a patron of the arts or you’re simply looking for fun weekend activities, mark your calendars for Quasimodo, A Musical Story. This rousing family-friendly musical in Singapore is produced by homegrown theatre company Sing’theatre and presented by BNP Paribas. It will debut on 15 April. The musical’s debut is exactly three years after the famed Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames. This is especially poignant considering the cathedral is the main backdrop of the play. While the story takes place in the 1800s, its message of embracing diversity is one that’s just as relevant today. Here’s what you can look forward to in Sing’theatre’s adaptation starring Hossan Leong!
An enchanting musical with romantic intrigue
Quasimodo is a dramatic retelling of Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, Notre-Dame de Paris. The tale follows Quasimodo, the kind-hearted hunchbacked bell-ringer of the cathedral. From far above the city streets, he falls in love with Esmeralda, an enchanting Bohemian woman. The morally conflicted Priest Frollo and the unfaithful Captain Phoebus also find themselves pining for Esmeralda’s love and falling into this web of intrigue. Quasimodo, A Musical Story will also feature English versions of the songs from the internationally acclaimed musical Notre-Dame de Paris, known for its entrancing music.
Meet the musical’s cast and crew!
The cast
Hossan Leong, no stranger to Singapore’s theatre scene, plays the role of Clopin, The King of Thieves. He brings years of experience as both a performer and director and is well-known for his work in local theatre, television, film and radio. While certainly a TV icon, it was Hossan Leong’s appearances in major musicals in Singapore that lead to his prominence.
In addition to playing the part of Gringoire, George Chan has also arranged the choreography of the musical. In his seven years in the European musical theatre scene, he’s performed in over 2,000 shows! His performance credits include Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s production of Miss Saigon, Bob Fosse’s Chicago and Robert Stigwood’s production of Bee Gee’s hit musical Saturday Night Fever.
Playing the role of Esmeralda is Singaporean actress Vanessa Kee. She has trained under experienced theatre and musical greats like Mary Setrakian, Akiko Otao and George Torbay. She’s also played notable roles in productions like Pangdemonium’s widely acclaimed, Urinetown the Musical, and Singapore’s premiere of West End Show “A Spoonful of Sherman”.
Joash Zheng, a recent graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts, will play the title role of Quasimodo. Joash, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, hopes that the privilege of being able to play the lead will help families who support individuals on the spectrum feel less alone. “I am exceedingly grateful for Sing’theatre for taking the chance on me, and I hope that as a whole this production will wear down the stigma around having conversations regarding neurodivergence.”
TJ Taylor, Preston Lim and Gabrielle Rae Sammy also join the cast making their professional theatre debut.
The director
Directing and producing the musical is Nathalie Ribette. Shortly after moving to Singapore, Nathalie caught the theatre bug and made her debut in the 1998 rock musical Starmania. She’s also worked with theatre icons like Selena Tan and George Chan, and toured with Wild Rice. No Regrets, a Tribute to Edith Piaf, Brel Is Alive, A French Kiss in Singapore and 8 Women are among the shows she has either created or directed – and, in all cases, produced.
A theatre company with heart
Founded in 2006, Sing’theatre is a homegrown theatre company that aims to make both theatre and musicals in Singapore accessible to all. The group also aims to drive social conversations and personal struggles to the stage. In addition to holding musical classes at their academy, the group engages in outreach programmes that bring music to hospitals.
Quasimodo will play at the Alliance Française Theatre from 15 to 24 April. Tickets start from $55 and can be purchased here. Discounts for four or more tickets are available.
Written in collaboration with Sing’Theatre.
Looking for more weekend activities in Singapore? Here’s our guide on fun things to do in the city.
Dinesh Ajith
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