After tackling Universal Studios and the Underwater World as major attraction to see in Singapore, you might want to make a side trip to watch the Songs of the Sea since it is also on Sentosa Island.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
Okay, I admit it. I’m not a theater kind of guy. The last show I watched was Grease and I only did it because I was still in High School and thought it could get me the girl I was after.
Songs of the Sea Sign
[And no, I didn’t get the girl; which shows you how ineffective theater was to my love life.]
Mascot
Just because I did not get the girl does not mean I harbor any ill or traumatic feelings against theater. I mean, it’s not like I fear clowns or anything.
[Except for those creepy Harlequins as they walk down a dark and empty street at midnight…]
It’s just that theater is probably meant for the for members of our society; people who take afternoon tea breaks with pinkies up, who breed horses, and who raise Corgis as a pastime. And since I’m more of a Mango Juice drinker and Golden Retriever, Hermit Crab, Snail, Spider kind of guy, I’m probably the last guy to consult when it comes to theater.
[Now that you have been warned, on with the show!]
Background
Stage
The production of Songs of the Sea started in March of 2007 and features a combination of live artists, laser lights, water, fire, and controlled explosions.
It is a permanent show by the beach and people sit on open benches to watch the show. Being open means that rain means cancel a show or that people can get drenched.
[So bring an umbrella with you, just in case.]
Story
Light Show
The story revolves around a boy named Li who dreams about a princess. As he tries to figure out his dream, a fish named Oscar appears to inform Li that he must undertake a quest to save the princess in his dream.
Through the quest, he meets the The Lord of Fire, the Spirit of Light, and the Lady of the Sea. By the end of his quest, Li is able to awaken Princess Ami, who happens to be the princess in his dreams. A celebration of fireworks marks the ending of the quest.
Experience
The experience was alright as my wife and I were somewhere in the middle. The benches are at just the right height so I could take pictures with my dSLR, even with people in front of me.
Light Show
However, since the performance was done at night in order to accommodate the lasers, I struggled with quite a few of my pictures. And since a flash would not stretch out to the stage, not to mention annoy the heck out of the other members of the audience, I did not use one.
Light Show
The spoken lines and songs that were sung were done in English. They were pre-taped, which helped to make sure that the timing of the lasers and fireworks were perfectly synchronized.
I could not see the expressions of the actors and actresses from my vantage point as the lights were dark and my seat was a bit far back. To compensate for this, the live actors and actresses would exaggerate their movements to the point that they looked more like ballerinas.
Light Show
Overall, the experience was alright. I mean, it wasn’t torture or anything, so you non-theater people should not come out as brainwashed zombies when it’s over.
[I’m kidding!]
The production was alright so children and adults who love musicals should be able to enjoy the show.
Final Thoughts
It cost us S$ 12 each for a standard seat. And since this is a first come, first serve type of seating, it would be better if you come in early to get good seats.
Light Show
The nice thing about it is that the benches are not tightly packed together to make the audience feel like sardines. In fact, there is enough space for average sized people to stretch out their legs comfortably.
If you will be sitting in the front row, make sure to bring a towel or dress in clothes that can get drenched. Part of the interaction with the show means people get wet.
Finally, it’s best if you pay attention to the performance as it was difficult to understand the English from time to time. You’ll need to listen intently if you want to follow the story closely.
Must Do’s
- Line up early to get good seats.
- Bring an umbrella in case it rains.
- Bring a towel you’re sitting in the front row.
- Put your camera in a water-resistant case if you’re sitting in the front row.
- Bring a monopod or tripod as the scenes may be too dark for handheld pictures.
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