We got a sneak peek at the hard-hitting musical The Monster in the Mirror. Here's all you need to know about the show...
Originally premiering in 2021 online, Gateway Arts’ The Monster in the Mirror is back as a stage production, with this timely tale aiming to empower young teens. Open now till 27 May 2023, this stage production features a stellar cast of local celebrities, foot-tapping tunes, dazzling dance numbers, sidesplitting humour, and hard-hitting conversations on anxiety, teen struggles and mental health. At the heart of the play is a relationship that we often overlook or perhaps feel afraid to truly acknowledge adequately – the one that we have with ourselves.
The Monster in the Mirror – what’s it all about?
The Monster in the Mirror follows the journey of Jane, an average schoolgirl navigating the stressful world of teenage politics and social media drama. She is bullied in school, scolded at home, and tormented by the self-critical voice in her head. That is until she receives a magic mirror from a flamboyant Fairy God Delivery Beng. She peers into this mirror and finds herself face to face with someone who has been living in her head all her life – a monster. Things quickly unravel as the monster begins to overpower Jane and turn her world upside down. Will the monster take over? Or will she learn to forgive and love herself?
Four reasons to check out this show…
1. Compelling themes for teens
With its searing focus on the ails of social media and its impact on mental health, The Monster in the Mirror is compelling and highly relatable to teens who might be encountering similar feelings as Jane. Plus, the show represents young people and their struggles with self-acceptance adequately and was based on research and interviews with teens, parents and mental health professionals.
2. Humour aplenty
While relatively hard-hitting with its focus on teens’ mental health, you can still look forward to some hilarious scenes, especially from the animated Fairy God Delivery Beng, played by local actor and singer Noah Yap whose jokes such as “it’s garbage can not garbage cannot” bring some lightness to the play.
3. Access performances for all shows
What’s not to love when all individual and neurodiverse needs are considered? Special access and surtitles are available across all shows, but be sure to book seats in specific areas and verify at the door.
4. Support the local theatre scene
The arts and theatre are coming back to life; hence it’s a good time to show some love to local, smaller theatre companies in Singapore. Gateway Arts is an arts centre for children, youth and families, supporting entirely made-in-Singapore-works that promote positive messages and social values.