Local and Regional Celebrities Join Star-Studded Cast of Resorts World Sentosa’s Highly Anticipated Mandarin Production – Musical TARU

Familiar celebrities including Singaporeans Wong Jinglun (黄靖伦) and Ling Xiao (凌霄) are joined by Taiwanese songbird Freya Lim (林凡) to form the star-studded cast of Resorts World Sentosa’s (RWS) (圣淘沙名胜世界) highly anticipated Mandarin musical – Musical TARU (恐龙复活了!).

Theatre-goers will be swept up in a fantasy musical adventure as they embark on a captivating journey in a museum set in modern day Singapore together with iconic historical characters resurrected from prehistoric times in ancient Egypt and China.  Musical TARU tells a heart-warming tale of three young protagonists, together with their awakened museum friends from the past, pursuing a mission in search of TARU (塔鲁), the stolen fossil of a beloved baby T-Rex (暴龙).

Produced by RWS in collaboration with Taiwan’s AMcreative and South Korea’s Culture Holic, Musical TARU is a localised adaptation of South Korea’s box-office hit awarded ‘No. 1 Family Musical in Korea’ (韩国最佳家庭音乐剧大奖) by Arts Council Korea (韩国文化艺术委员会) and will make its regional premier in Resorts World Theatre Theatre (名胜世界剧场) on 7 December 2018.

Fuelled by the curiosity to discover more about a natural history museum’s latest attraction – a rare and fascinating pair of mother-and-child T-Rex fossils – three young protagonists, Nali (崔娜莉), Gao Feng (崔高峰) and Da Fa (吴大发) found themselves on an unexpected journey during a mysterious lunar eclipse.  Striking up an unlikely camaraderie with the museum’s resurrected residents – Tila (提菈), the protective mother T-Rex; Cleopatra (克丽欧佩特拉) the beautiful and vivacious ancient Egypt matriarch; and Mummy (木乃伊), a suave sidekick of Cleopatra – the intrepid trio traversed through familiar Singapore landmarks such as Bukit Timah Hill and Changi Point as they joined forces to recover baby T-Rex TARU’s stolen fossils.

Star-studded local and regional cast in this magical theatrical production

Multi-talented Taiwan-based Singaporean singer and actor Wong Jinglun, who rose to regional stardom as the most popular contestant in Taiwanese hit-televised singing competition One Million Star (超級星光大道), marking his next theatrical milestone as Da Fa, the aspiring archaeologist who leads the search for TARU.  Expressing his excitement: “When I received the invitation to be part of this musical, I was elated!  Not only does the musical take place in Singapore, which gives me the chance to perform for my fellow Singaporeans, I will also be joined by another outstanding artist, Freya, making it an even more delightful collaboration.  Freya is one of the female singers I greatly admire, and I frequently listen to her songs. Having the opportunity to work with her, as well as return to Singapore to perform is something I really look forward to and am excited for.”

On the potential challenges that he may face, Jinglun added: “For the upcoming musical, dancing will likely be my greatest challenge.  For most of my performances, I rarely dance.  I will require more training in this area.  Nonetheless, I will give it my very best onstage to ensure everything is perfect.  Audiences can, therefore, look forward to a wonderful performance!”

Freya Lim (林凡), acclaimed Taiwanese singer with numerous awards under her belt, assumes the stage role of Cleopatra, one of the museum’s alluring resurrected denizens.  Having recently concluded an earlier theatrical stint, she shared: “I am very glad that right after my involvement in a musical in the early part of this year in Taiwan, I can work on another musical in the second half of the year!  This is my maiden overseas live theatrical project, and also my first attempt in being part of a multi-market collaboration with over 30 shows. This, indeed, is my greatest performing challenge yet!”

Joining both renowned stars is Ling Xiao (凌霄), a local award-winning veteran singer with heavy involvement in nurturing Singapore’s local music scene and over 100 albums to his credits, who plays the museum’s irascible and comedic Curator (馆长).  He says of his breakthrough theatrical role: “I am looking forward to working with the Taiwan artistes!  In this musical, I have to act, sing, dance, and, this to me, is a challenge.  However, I am determined to play this role well and not let my fans down!”

First-ever three-market collaboration

The first-ever three-market theatrical collaboration between Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea, Musical TARU reflects RWS’ ongoing efforts to explore new and dynamic ways to create and refresh its offerings for visitors of all ages and interests.

Locally adapted from a 2016 hit production from South Korea, it also incorporates ingenious puppetry from South Korea.  With the creative support and direction from Taiwan’s AMcreative,Musical TARU is a musical extravaganza to behold.

Poised to thrill and enthrall viewers of all ages and interests, the fantastical story of modern-day adventurers-meet-prehistoric dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian icons marries action with emotions, making it a not-to-be-missed visual spectacle for the entire family.  Featuring not only a slew of energetic dance numbers, enchanting music, arresting visuals made possible through elaborate stage sets and props, but also creative life-sized dinosaur fossil puppetry and intricate costuming; Musical TARU is filled with heart-warming and hilarious moments that will tug and tickle at heartstrings, celebrating a mother’s love and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

From now till 23 September 2018, theatre goers get to enjoy a ‘Bring your child for free’ promotion, where they can receive one complimentary children ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket for the show dates during December.  Terms and conditions apply.