Dream Academy goes industrial

SINGAPORE — Fancy enjoying some off-Broadway and off-West End productions at an industrial building?

The Henderson Project is Dream Academy’s “off-the-beaten theatre-path” adventure, which sees them turning their studio at the Henderson Industrial Park into a performing space. Beginning this week, there will be two shows— The Last Five Years and Happy Robin — that will hope to “test the space”, said the theatre company’s artistic director, Selena Tan.

With limited number of audience, one can expect both productions to a small scaled, intimate sessions.

“We’re in an industrial park and it’s a small space to convert into a performing place,” said Tan.

The Last Five Years, a musical by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, is a love story exploring the whirlwind five-year relationship between struggling actress Cathy and rising novelist Jamie. Directed by Jasmine Teo and starring Mina Kaye and Linden Furnell.

Meanwhile, Happy Robin will be a solo performance starring Robin Goh. Directed by Tan, the show features the actor performing in a 45-minute jazz showcase revolving around the theme of love.

“I’ll be mostly singing and this makes it easier and harder at the same time. It’s not easy to expose yourself emotionally and bare your soul,” said Goh.

As Time Goes By from the 1942 film Casablanca will be one of the songs in his set list — but expect a twist to it. “We’ll do it in a different arrangement and I hope it will be familiar and refreshing at the same time,” said Goh.

“Robin and I have been great friends (and) I love listening to Robin sing. He just has a really wonderful voice and he’s so intuitive and heartfelt (in his singing) and that’s what draws you into the music,” said Tan.

The Henderson Project will be held at 203 Henderson Road, #02-01 Henderson Industrial Park. Happy Robin is on Feb 7, 8, 14 and 15, 10pm, while The Last Five Years is on Feb 6 to 8, Feb 13 to 15, 8pm and 3pm (Feb 6 and 15). Tickets at S$30 and S$50 (for the two shows) at 9874 4465 and boxoffice [at] dreamacademy.com.sg