“Bearable”

Reviewer: Gloria Ho
Performance: 14 March 2015

“Cannot anyhow take other people’s belongings understand? Must always ask permission first!”

Sometimes, it is difficult to verbally explain the need to adhere to morals. Most of the time, wise words go unheeded. This is where short, illustrative and memorable fairytales come into play. Through the original story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, young readers are taught the important moral and social rule of respecting others’ possessions and space.

There is no doubt that all the young members of the audience are familiar with the story of Goldilocks as they recognize and eagerly point out to their parents the bowls of porridge set on the table and the bears’ chairs on stage.

The Little Company, a division of The Singapore Repertory Theatre, first staged Goldilocks and the Three Bears in English in 2013. Goldilocks is restaged in Mandarin this time around – without English surtitles. Parents who intend to bring their little ones, especially if they have yet to receive much exposure to Mandarin, must be prepared to translate and explain the storyline as it strays from the original version.

I am most disappointed that the redeveloped storyline had not brought out the moral(s) to be learnt, despite including it in the programme booklet’s synopsis. Goldilocks (Vanessa Phang) screams incessantly upon being discovered by the bears (playing up to the children), this refashioned character shows no remorse over the trouble she has caused.

The young audience members enthusiastically repeat after words whenever prompted: collectively giving a resounding response of “不可以 (No)!” when Goldilocks asks them if she should enter the bears’ house. This constant call-and response, while interactive and lively, makes it difficult to make out what Goldilocks is saying.

The set is colorful, detailed and the transitions are smooth. The lighting designer, Gabriel Chan, has also done a good job supporting the set. The costumes are questionable. The jumpsuit with fur , the orange socks and sneakers work but the actors not wearing orange gloves or shirt seem a little inconsistent.

If you are looking for a fun time out with your child and bobbing along catchy songs and dance, Goldilocks will do the trick. Apart from that, you’re better off with an educational programme on television.

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears (in Mandarin)”

Reviewer: Jemima Yong
Performance: 15 March 2015

Impatience and anticipation in the foyer mounts as the minute hand strikes five past two. The doors open late; there is a palpable rush into the theatre – what satisfying enthusiasm!

The design of the production is impressive and well-conceived – a towering wood magically transforms into the interior of the bears’ house with light and sound dancing harmoniously through the musical. Francis O’Conner’s set is ingenious, ergonomic, mechanically swift. Gabriel Chan’s lighting was inspired and Jeffrey Yue’s sound work, intuitive. The costumes, especially those of the bears, had a life of their own.

The story can be distinctly split into three parts: World 1: The Bear Family, World 2: The Human Family and World 3: The collision of both. Poignant parallels of cautionary tales against “the unknown other” (for the bears, the humans and for the humans, the bears) are drawn through distinct musical and choreographic motifs.

The moral of the story? Talk to each other to figure things out. Don’t be frightened of the unknown. A suitably contemporary one to take from such an old tale.

The three bears played by Oliver Pang (Father Bear), Celine Rosa Tan (Mother Bear) and Sugie Phua (Baby Bear) bore delightful chemistry. Rosa Tan in particular was very strong. Goldilocks, played by Vanessa Phang, struggled a little with her songs, but had a youthful, impassioned stage presence, which suited her character.

There is much innovation and playfulness in the fabric of this work, reflected directly in the animated responses of its audience of children and families – “not too hot, not too cold”, a superb balance between education and fun.