Is Grand Circle Worth It? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical MBS Review

ABBEY: Who loves chocolate? Me! I’ve seen Charlie and The Chocolate Factory movie versions and I’m excited to watch it on a theatre. We managed to secure promotional tickets for SGD88 each, and I couldn’t wait to experience the magic for myself.

The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical exceeded my expectations. While staying true to the beloved story, the production added its own creative touch that made the experience feel fresh and exciting. Every scene was carefully crafted, transporting the audience into Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory.

Watching the journey of each Golden Ticket winner unfold on stage was a delight. The vibrant sets, stunning visual effects, catchy musical numbers, and energetic Oompa Loompa choreography brought the classic story to life. Every performance was filled with charm, humor, and imagination, making it enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Most of all, the show reminded me of the joy and wonder of childhood. For a couple of hours, I found myself completely immersed in a world where imagination has no limits and every corner holds a sweet surprise.

It’s a magical experience that will leave both children and adults smiling long after the final curtain call.

Is Grand Circle Worth It? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical MBS Review

WILL: Beside Richie Rich, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is my ultimate “what if I could have it” movie. Well, if you’ve been a long-time reader of our blog, you know I don’t actually like eating chocolate—but I love seeing those brown bars stacked in our fridge. 🤭 Honestly, it’s such an elevating feeling just to give them away! Haha.

As for the story? A few details differed from the movie I grew up watching, but I was genuinely amazed by how they brought the scenes inside the Chocolate Factory to life on stage. That was the main thing I was waiting for—how they could pull off that magic right in front of us!

So, if you’re wondering: Is the Grand Circle worth it? 

This was our first time sitting on the third floor in Marina Bay Sands’ Grand Circle, thanks to the $88 opening promotion we scored!

If you usually watch Broadway shows from stalls, you might actually love this perspective. You get a bird’s-eye view of everything happening on stage—and yes, I mean everything, right down to the orchestra! 🤭

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Marina Bay Sands Theatre

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/guides/exceptional-experiences/guide-to-musicals-theatre.html

We Watched Beauty and the Beast at Marina Bay Sands — Here’s Why It Was Worth Every Cent

ABBEY: Before the year ended, we finally caught Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, and it was a lovely way to wrap up the year.

The audience was mostly families, with plenty of kids in tow. Some were holding glowing Enchanted Roses, seated excitedly beside their parents. Every time I watch a stage adaptation of a well-loved movie, I find myself curious about how the story will translate to live theatre. In this case, the production truly delivered.

From the opening scene in Belle’s village to the transformation of the prince into the Beast and back again, every moment felt thoughtfully staged. “Be Our Guest” stood out with its colourful, lively, almost cabaret-like energy that instantly filled the theatre with excitement. The visual effects and choreography were engaging.

What made the show even more enjoyable was the humour woven throughout the performance. The cast landed their punchlines well, and the audience responded warmly, especially to Lumière and Cogsworth, who brought charm and wit to every scene they were in.

Special mention goes to Mrs. Potts. The physical endurance required for the role, with an arm constantly raised, is impressive. Chip, appearing as just a head in an open trolley, was also a delightful illusion to watch and surprisingly convincing on stage. Gaston felt like he stepped straight out of the animated film, perfectly capturing the character’s over-the-top personality.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the show. Even though I know the story, watching Beauty and the Beast: The Musical felt like discovering it all over again. It was magical, nostalgic, and well worth seeing.

This Disney Musical Took Over Marina Bay Sands
Here’s What Surprised Me Most

We Watched Beauty and the Beast at Marina Bay Sands
Here’s Why It Was Worth Every Cent

WILL: Running from December 11, 2025, to January 25, 2026, Beauty and the Beast: The Musical brought something genuinely special to Singapore. This wasn’t a simple stage retelling of the animated classic—it was a bold reinvention, powered by cutting-edge technology, breathtaking sets, and jaw-dropping costumes.

The Sands Theatre was packed with families, couples, Disney superfans, and theatre lovers, all buzzing with anticipation. It felt less like attending a show and more like being part of a major cultural moment—one Singapore will remember for years.

If there’s one reason to see this musical, it’s “Be Our Guest.” The number was a full-blown spectacle: explosive color, razor-sharp choreography, and Vegas-level production. The costumes, lighting, and precision dancing created pure sensory overload—in the best way possible. The theatre erupted in applause, and honestly, this scene alone was worth the ticket price.

That said, the second act moved a little too quickly compared to the relaxed pacing of Act One. The Gaston–Beast showdown could’ve used more tension, and while the transformation was magical, it didn’t quite hit the jaw-dropping “wow” moment I was hoping for.

Tickets started from S$70, which is remarkably reasonable for a Disney Broadway production of this scale.

Final verdict: 9/10. A must-watch for anyone who loves world-class theatre, Disney magic, and unforgettable live performances.

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Disney's Beauty and the Beast

(W) https://ticketing.sistic.com.sg/mbs/booking/537BB0226

From Doubt to Wow: Our First SB19 Concert Experience in Singapore

ABBEY: I would consider myself a casual when it comes to SB19. For the longest time, I thought they were simply another group riding the K-Pop wave, much like how we’ve seen global sensations from Wonder Girls and Super Junior to Blackpink and BTS. But over time, SB19 has truly proven themselves to be more than just a passing trend.

Their music resonates with a wide audience, touching on themes that many listeners can relate to. They’ve also made their mark internationally, climbing the Billboard charts and even winning the Billboard Fan Army Face-Off against Selena Gomez’s fanbase. That’s no small feat!

Last August 24, Singapore had the honor of being one of the stops for SB19’s Simula at Wakas World Tour. The concert was held at The Arena @ Expo, drawing a sold-out crowd of around 7,000 fans. Excitement was in the air hours before the show, with fans arriving as early as 1:30 PM for the 5 PM performance. From the sound check to the fun videoke sing-along sessions, the energy only kept building.

When the lights finally dimmed, the crowd erupted in screams. SB19 opened the show with powerful performances of “Dungka!” and “Gento”, instantly setting the stage on fire. Their fanbase, lovingly called A’TIN, sang and danced along, creating an electric atmosphere.

One of the highlights was when the members stepped down from the stage to interact with the crowd. Fans eagerly gathered around to snap photos, capture videos, and simply get a little closer to their idols. I couldn’t resist joining in myself. It was a rare chance to experience SB19 up close!

From the production setup, complete with world-class sound, lights, and crowd management, to the group’s incredible stage presence, the concert was nothing short of spectacular. SB19 has truly cemented their place as global performers, and their Singapore leg proved that they’re not just representing Filipino talent, but taking it to the world stage.

SB19 live concert at Singapore Expo – full crowd energy

WILL: 

Will: Oh! Darating pala sila dito? Sino nga sila?

Abbey: Sila ‘yung Gento.
Will: Oh okay. Gusto mo manood?
Abbey: No.

That was June 28 when we first noticed the SB19 concert advertisement at Singapore Expo—habang papunta kami sa Iskina Cebu.

Fast forward to August 20, we received an invite from Makan Titos to promote and watch the concert. Honestly? We were not fans. I even found them a bit “corny” kasi I couldn’t understand their songs before. But we still said yes. Why? Because of Bayanihan spirit. Even without free tickets, we were ready to post on social media, message friends one by one, and even assist with ticket inquiries—just to support our fellow kababayan.

Before the concert, I started listening to their songs daily—just so I wouldn’t look like a kill joy. Haha!
• MAPA – I was literally holding back tears while walking to work.
• TIME – hit me in the gut with its truth.
• DAM – nakarelate kami ni Abbey, kasi we’re always looking forward sa next adventure. Yes… Walang Hanggang Hagdan. Haha.

After a few days, I realized—grabe, ang galing nila magsulat. At pati mga tunes? Catchy at hindi paulit-ulit. 

When we arrived at Singapore Expo, shocks! The queue was so long it snaked outside the venue. Imagine thousands of Filipinos in one place—ang saya! This was one of the few concerts I’ve seen that actually sold out. Hindi siya pa-hype lang. It was real.

Inside? The crowd was next level. Fanatics talaga. Hindi pa naguumpisa ang concert, pero ang energy nag-ooverflow na. Para kang nasa K-Pop concert—but this time, it’s P-Pop at its best.

And SB19? Wow. International level performance. Walang dull moment. Every beat, every song—sobrang engaging sila. I felt like I was transported into a world-class arena filled with energy. Napasayaw pa nila kami. Imagine that! 😂

After the show, I couldn’t stop smiling. I thought to myself: This is it. SB19 is the bridge that connects Filipino music to the world. They are proof that we can make waves internationally.

Hindi na ito hype lang. SB19 is real talent. 

SB19 is Filipino pride.

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DLM EVENTIVE SINGAPORE

(W) https://www.ourdlm.com/

(A) 304 Orchard Rd #04- 69 Lucky Plaza

(T) +65 8923 9304

Our Experience Watching The Lord of the Rings Musical in Singapore

ABBEY: When Wilma spotted an online ad for The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, she immediately asked if we could watch it. Of course, I said yes! And lucky for us, we managed to get discounted tickets in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday. It is definitely a great deal compared to paying the full price.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know if they will cover the whole narrative of the novel or even how long it would be. But to my surprise, the production covered the entire journey from the formation of the Fellowship all the way to Mount Doom. All that epic storytelling was compressed into a three-hour performance which has the same length as one of the trilogy films!

The show began even before the curtain rose. As guests were settling into their seats, Bilbo himself wandered around and casually interacted with the audience. When he passed by, I even greeted him with a “Happy Birthday!”—a nod to the first scene set at Bilbo’s birthday party. Other hobbits joined in the fun, playing little games with the crowd, which made the atmosphere lighthearted and immersive.

Like many fans, I couldn’t help but wonder how the stage production would recreate those legendary scenes we know so well from the movies. But I was blown away! From the intense battle in the Mines of Moria between Gandalf and the Balrog to Gollum’s chilling first appearance and eventual fall into the fiery depths of Mount Doom. It is nothing short of spectacular.

What makes this musical truly impressive is that everything unfolds live on stage, without any green screen magic. Seeing these iconic moments brought to life right in front of your eyes is an experience every Lord of the Rings fan should witness.

$60 ticket experience watching The Lord of the Rings Musical live in Singapore.

WILL: Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an opera, a play, and a musical? According to Google’s AI, the main difference lies in the performance style:
-- Plays: consist entirely of spoken dialogue
-- Operas: are sung-through dramas with no spoken dialogue
-- Musicals: combine spoken dialogue with songs.

That clears up the confusion, right? And speaking of musicals, let’s talk about the latest one that has arrived in Singapore: The Lord of the Rings Musical. When we saw tickets go on sale for just SGD 60, we immediately grabbed the chance to watch the next day. After all, it’s not every day that you get to experience J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary story in a live musical format The show felt like a feast for the senses. It opened with Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday, instantly pulling the audience into the world of Middle-earth.

But here’s what really stood out for me: 
1. The actors and musicians came out to the audience even before the show began, greeting us, asking about our day, and encouraging us to join fun mini-games

2. Performers didn’t just stay on stage — they appeared from the aisles and corners, making the whole theatre feel alive

3. The musicians were everywhere, not just in a pit, which was refreshing. Though I couldn’t help but think this was also a creative way to fill up the stage, since the set design felt a little lacking

4. The costume design leaned heavily on Indian-inspired aesthetics, which makes sense since the production was influenced by A.R. Rahman.

If you’re looking for a fast-forward version of The Lord of the Rings story, this musical will give you exactly that. It’s entertaining, interactive, and unique in its presentation.

However, if you’re a die-hard fan expecting every detail and grandeur from the books or movies, you might find it a bit underwhelming. The only real “wow” moments for me were Gollum’s voice and appearance.

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Marina Bay Sands' Shows and Concerts

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows.html

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High Notes and Heartfelt Memories: A Night with Asia’s Songbird

ABBEY: When Regine Velasquez announces a concert, there’s only one thing to do: buy those tickets! We recently attended her “The Best of Times” performance, and it was nothing short of spectacular. While I’m not big on meet-and-greets, sitting just a few rows from the stage was perfect for enjoying the show up close.

Some might say Regine is past her prime, but this performance proved otherwise. She showcased incredible versatility, seamlessly moving between her beloved classics and powerful new renditions. Regine knows exactly how to keep her audience engaged, belting out hit after hit with those legendary high notes. Favorites like Dadalhin, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka, and Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw filled the venue, reminding everyone of her iconic range and emotion.

One special highlight was her heartfelt Elvis Presley medley, including Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love. It was a beautiful way for her to share pieces of her journey through the songs that defined her career. And as a fitting finale, she brought the house down with renditions of Huling El Bimbo and Huwag Mo Nang Itanong.

Regine Velasquez truly is in a masterclass of her own.

High Notes and Heartfelt Memories A Night with Asia’s Songbird

WILL: Lately, I’ve been more of a "please, let me stay home and rekindle my love affair with sleep" kind of person. So when I first saw the Facebook ad for Regine Velasquez’s concert, I didn’t feel the usual excitement. It just didn’t fit into my cozy weekend plans. But Abbey, who’s been wanting to see a Filipino artist live, bought us tickets anyway—even though my answer to “Nood tayo?” was just a casual “Ok lang.”

Then, the night of the concert arrived, and from the moment Regine stepped on stage, old memories started to come alive. I was taken back to my high school days when she was my fashion inspiration. I remembered copying her hairstyles, wearing clogs, layering chokers, and even putting a little sparkle on my forehead just like she did. Regine wasn’t just a singer to me back then—she was a style icon.

And then she sang. Regine’s voice was powerful, clear, and rich, and she hit those high notes with such ease—it was like no time had passed at all. I was amazed! She reminded everyone why she’s known as Asia’s Songbird, her voice soaring over the crowd, touching each heart. Song after song, I felt like I was on a journey through my own past. Her music brought back memories and moments that had been part of my life. 

Thank you, Abbey, for this special experience. And thank you, Regine, for coming to Singapore. Your songs are forever part of my story.

GVMax with Dolby ATMOS Surround Sound Technology at GV VivoCity

ABBEY: I’m excited to watch the Eternals since I saw it’s trailer. New batch of heroes and characters. A group of ten is overwhelmingly specially in the first minutes of the movie; you need to catch up who is who. The story is somewhat a so-so and some of the acting is not that great. 

Good thing we watched in Golden Village GVMax Dolby with Atmos. It somehow saved the movie with the superb sound and screen. The whispers and the intense actions can be heard crisply. But I bet it would have been better if the movie complemented the tech as well. Haha. 

Let’s see in the future if Eternals will redeem themselves.

GVMax with Dolby ATMOS Surround Sound Technology at GV VivoCity

WILL: You keep on going for an average cinema or you already splurge on a movie with a la-z-boy seat, quilt and a meal? Well, have you tried this kind of IMAX equipped with Atmos?

We experienced the IMAX ‘s large screen plus the spatial, realistic sound of Dolby Atmos at GVMax! For what movie? Eternals!

Well, I know, this is one of the most boring movie you have watched this 2021 but I’ll tell you, that fight scenes a large screen plus this sound technology somewhat make a difference. Maybe, at least it won’t make you fell asleep. Haha!

Check out the GVMax located at VivoCity for your next movie escapades. Oh yeah! How’s the seat? Comfortable and the cinema is as usual freezing cold so don’t forget to wear your jackets!

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GVMax with Dolby ATMOS Surround Sound Technology at GV VivoCity

(W) https://www.gv.com.sg/GVCinemaDetailsBranding#/cinema/051

(A) #02-30 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity,

(T) 6653 8100

Spiderman on IMAX with LASER at Jewel Changi Airport

ABBEY: The wait is over as the Spiderman : No Way Home was shown in the big screen. For us it is literally a big screen as we watched it in iMax with laser. 

I can say that it’s worth it. It’s as if you’re in the room with the characters. Top it up with great sound and you can really feel the action. The picture is crystal clear and sharp. Now into the movie, Marvel did an awesome storytelling . The loose ends are tied up (paying homage to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) and other branches are getting lined up (Yes, I guess the X-Men are coming). 

It’s the edge-of-your-seat kind of thing; funny, heartbreaking, tearjerking, as well as promising. The Pinoy in me is really proud, thank you Ned’s lola.

 IMAX with LASER at Jewel Changi Airport

WILL: After watching Venom and Eternals, the excitement to watch Spider-Man: No Way Home plunged. The fun thing for me and Abbey is, he doesn’t like what I love and vice versa. Haha! And yes! I am not fond of Spidey! 

Anyways, as a good wife, I booked his requested cinema hall…IMAX with Laser! This kind of technology was only offered by Shaw Theatres on their Jewel and Paya Lebar Quarter. So, we booked at Jewel on a 9am. Yes! Morning. So our eyes are from a good rest and we can see the difference.

Is there a difference? Absolutely! OMG! It seems that you are inside the movie peeking on what’s happening! The seat? Well, Shaw as always gives an ample leg space and aircon is not that cold as others.

This kind of IMAX is truly remarkable and “A MUST” to book for your next favourite movie!

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Shaw Theatres IMAX with LASER

(W) https://www.shaw.sg/lumiere

(A) 78, Airport Boulevard, Jewel Changi Airport, #B2-237, Singapore 819666

Wonder Woman 1984 - Singapore iMax

ABBEY: I was excited waking up on Christmas Day. This is the day with Gal Gadot via WW1984. To be honest I’m not an avid fan of Wonder Woman and doesn’t know the story in depth. For me it is just like another kid’s superhero movie: small guy became big guy then goes bad but hero saves the day and ending. 

But the scene where Gal used the Lasso of Truth to communicate to people is really touching. As they say the truth shall prevail. Gal (Wonder Woman) is beautiful whenever she laughs, smile, sarcastic or even cries. Spoiler Alert: Wait for the OG Wonder Woman at the end.

Wonder Woman 1984 - Singapore iMax

WILL: Abbey’s all time crush. This will be our first and last movie screening for year 2020. Ohh. COVID! Haha. So Wonder Woman is not from planet Earth, ahhmmm am I correct? Haha! She is powerful woman that can swing by the clouds and lightning. 

Ohh, sorry but it is so childish. As usual, Wonder Woman 1984 is catered for DC fans. I am Marvel. So what can you expect? I can’t fathom the storyline. Well, whatever. It is feel good movie but not my cup of tea.

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SHAW Theatres Lido

(W) https://www.shaw.sg/IMAX

(A) 350 Orchard Rd, House, 5th/6th floor Shaw, Singapore 238868

(T) 6235 2077