[Review] The Theatre Practice’s《逆光》”Partial Eclipse of The Heart”Takes You On A Nostalgic Journey Through Singapore’s Modern Days History With Mando-Pop Classics

Singapore’s The Theatre Practice (实践剧场) is currently staging an original Mando-pop musical, Partial Eclipse of The Heart 《逆光》, at the Drama Centre Theatre. Directed by the company’s Artistic Director, Kuo Jian Hong, the production is a heartfelt tribute to Singapore’s rich legacy of Mandarin pop music.

Running until 7 September, 2025, the musical features a powerhouse cast of five vocalists: Joanna Dong, Derrick Hoh, Ric Liu (from Dreamz FM), Jean Seizure and Chriz Tong.

The show weaves together 25 iconic Mando-pop hits, all penned by Singaporean songwriters, into a narrative about friendship, growth, and the passage of time.

The story follows five friends who met in junior college astronomy club.

Every decade, they reunite at a seaside holiday home to observe a solar eclipse. As their lives diverge through studies, careers, relationships, and family, the musical explores the choices that shape their adulthood. Set through the ages from the 70s to present Singapore, it has broad appeal to those who grew up during the 70s, 80s and 90s, who will resonate well with the storyline, setting and music.

The setlist is a veritable best of Singaporean music talent, featuring songs made famous by both local and international artists, including Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, Tanya Chua, and Kit Chan, produced by the likes of Lee Wei Song, Lee Si Song and Jimmy Ye who were present on the opening night.

Classics like 《人质》 (Hostage), 《柠檬草的味道》 (Scent of Lemon Grass), 《空白格》 (Empty Brackets) and 《纸飞机》 (Paper Airplane) are seamlessly integrated into the plot, with lyrics that poignantly reflect the characters’ evolving emotions.

A new original song, 《写作文》(Writing Essays), by local composer, Julian Wong, with lyrics by Xiaohan, adds a fresh, local flavour to the production. Performed by the two child actors, it brings a breath of fresh air on childhood melancholy.

The musical also serves as the final work of the late playwright Jonathan Lim, whose draft was completed posthumously by Kuo and Ng Mun Poh. Set against decades of Singapore’s social change, the production is a fitting part of Theatre Practice’s 60th-anniversary celebrations.

While Dong, Low, and Tan are seasoned musical theatre performers, the show marks a successful stage debut for pop singers Derrick Hoh and Jean Seizure.

Hoh, known primarily since his Channel U’s Project Superstars day as a pretty face, delivers a standout natural performance, while Seizure, a former child actor and daughter of veteran local entertainers, provides both comic relief and emotional depth.

With meticulous attention to period-appropriate costumes and set design, Partial Eclipse of The Heart offers more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it is also a celebration of Singaporean artistry that will resonate well with local audiences who lived through Singapore’s formative years as a young nation.

Partial Eclipse of The Heart is a most apt musical to commemorate SG60 this year and also The Theatre Practice’s own 60th anniversary. Go catch it!

Dates: 
Until September 7, 2025

Showtimes: 
8 PM (Tue-Sun), 2:30 PM (Sat & Sun)

Venue: 
Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building #03-01

Tickets: 
$48, $58, $82, $92

Language: 
Mandarin with English subtitles