NOT Another Drag Show

12 July 2002

YMS Music Centre

Rehearsal Photos

Preparing for the finale

No, it wasn't a drag show, but a concert featuring a stand-up comic and some singers belting out a repertoire of mainly Broadway songs. Held at the YMS Music Centre on Friday 12 July 2002, this was a private, closed-door event so we invited only our friends, ensuring a supportive audience for Sam's stand up comedy debut (the jokes were very good, and a bit more tasteful than the ones he usually tells in private), and the other performers — Gerald, Alan, Kok Wei and Alvin.

The concert was divided into three sets, where Sam started each set with a routine of jokes and comedy, followed by singing from the other performers. We had two guest pianists, Ming and Edmund, who thrilled us with their fine playing. Memorable performances included Alan's 'vegetarian' routine in "On My Own", performed partway without a mike, Sam's good-natured ribbing of Wei during "I Feel Pretty" and Alvin's "Tell Me on a Sunday".

Gerald stole a few hearts that night with his wonderful voice, especially with Josh Groban's "You're Still You". Sam brought the house down with his comedy routine — his take on Zoe Tay as Christine in "Phantom of the Opera" was hilarious — and spoofs of three well-known songs. Overall, the show was not without any glitches, and most certainly, the sound system was not of the best quality. However, none can deny that the show was indeed a sell-out success — a wonderful enchanted evening of song and laughter. Will this be an annual event? Most definitely ... maybe!