Media Invite

Incanto : A Magical Spectacular©RWS

The invitation
An invitation came via a phonecall. We were summoned by the good people of RWS to the magical spectacular INCANTO and a sneak peek at the making of the mystical extravaganza in a blogger's special event. After having a wonderful experience at RWS previous show Voyage De La Vie ,we were delighted and look forward to the enchanting event.

Media Invite to INCANTO

The Show (*Spoilers alert!*)

INCANTO is the latest multi-million dollar resident show and one of Singapore's largest production. It is staged in Festive Grand Theatre of Resort World Singapore. Headlined by renowned illusionist Joe Labero, a three-time recipient of the Merlin Award whose shows have wowed more than 100 million audience around the world.

Set in a world where reality and make-believe intertwine. We are set to be spellbound by the show's death-defying illusions and astonishing acrobatic sequences, delivered by a team of award-winning producers and an international cast of 50 performers from around the globe.
It is a show about magic, death defying stunts, music and dance all roll into one. Duration of the show is about 1.5 hours.

The Magic
Joe Labero, the renowned Swedish magician, has more than a bag of tricks up his sleeve. From the moment he appeared from now-where into a glass box,we were awed by the spectacular illusions. There were refreshing illusions that intrigue us such as walking through a human body, sawing a woman into 10 parts and the double levitation of both the magician and his subject 10 metres above stage. Coupled with interactive magic with audience such as a money changing and a lighthearted dagger act, the magic is what amaze and delight in this show. With his engaging repertoire and his double stamping of his feet (he does it very often), it's a world class performance from the Great Sorcerer

Billed as a magical spectacular, INCANTO is Singapore main magic show for the moment. If you want to be wowed by magic, this is the show to watch.

Joe Labero © RWS

The gravity-defying Acrobatics
Incanto is not only about magic. It is about death defying acrobatics acts as well. The 2 main core acts are the wheel of death and hoops acts. We had met up with the hoops acts before the show during our exclusive backstage visit. Our little preview perked our interest in this act when they appeared. They did not disappoint especially with the final jump where the main jumper jumped an impossible height up the air through a hoop!

Hoops Act © RWS

The other act we were in awed of is the Wheel of Death. Drawing the loudest ohs and ahs, it is performed by Shenyang acrobatic troupe Four artistes in four circular cages balance and control this 12 m tall revolving Ferris wheel. The artistes works in pairs as one runs and jumps on the outside and the other controlling the sped by walking or running on the inside. There were no strings and no safety mats. The performances were not flawless and some performers were rather shaky, but this only add to an enlighten sense of fear and delight when they complete the act.

There were other acrobatic performances in the show which includes the synchronised trapeze performance and a rather lacklustre battle scene between good and evil towards the finale.

Wheel of Death©RWS

The musical
Intertwined into the magic and acrobatic is a musical story. The story follows the journey of the seeker (Oon Shu An) caught in a battle between a good sorcerer ( Joe Labero) and the master of dark art, the dungeon master ( Chad O'Brien)

Incorporated into the musical are some dance numbers and vocal performances by the Seeker. We felt that this is the segment that could be improved as the dance routines and the musical were not as engaging as the rest of the acts. Since stage performances are always evolving (from what we learn from Voyage de La Vie), this segment could be improved in time to come.

The dungeon master could also be given more stage time. This menacing monster (sporting a muscle bound suit) looks intriguing on sight. However due to the late appearances, he is not as prominent as he should be. Nevertheless the finale with the dungeon master slice into half by a massive spinning blade would leave most jaw wide open.

For families with kids, do note that pyrotechnics and fire are used during the performance. It can get quite loud and smokey if you are seated near to the stage. Another thing that bothers us is the audience.To be a successful interactive musical, audience participation is essential. We feel that the audience are too gentle and reserve to give cheers when it is due. If you intend to watch the show, go with a free spirit to create an electrifying atmosphere for a great show.

The Stars of Incanto © RWS

Backstage tour
A backstage tour was conducted prior to the show as part of the blogger's special event. We took a peek into the making of INCANTO

Incanto magic : Now you see it, Now you don't

The Stage
We were introduced to this massive one level 1600 seater theatre. Most seats provide unblock view of the stage. We recommend Rows H upwards as the sound and smoke from pyrotechnics can be quite loud and distracting nearer to the stage.

Stage @ Incanto

The stage is 3 storey high. We discovered that there is a hidden lift at the platform that brings performers 4 levels down the stage. We were treated to a sneak preview of the hoops acts. Some of us even managed to audition for the act during the preview. The performers glided their way through the hoops that is will take a really fast camera to capture their movement. Too bad ours was not fast enough and most of them turn out to be a blur.

Hoops act previewed

Perhaps a video would be better to explain the skills of the performers

We had a group photo with the hoopers during the act.
I managed to sit on the dragon's chair during the stage tour. I was eagerly awaiting to learn abit more about the magic of INCANTO. The cast remain tight lipped and the secret is still safe with the sorcerer.

Throne of Dragons

Backstage
Next we proceed to the rehearsal hall. We were greeted by a large group of dancers who are practising for the finale of the show.


We did not get to see Labero Dressing room, but we did have a sneak peek into the dressing room of the performers.

Joe Labero Dressing Room

This was our first time venturing into this part of the backstage. It was a dressing room that can easily fit 20 to 30 performances at any one time. This is the place where makeup and hair is done. We even spotted rows of washing basins similar to a saloon in the dressing room.

Dressing room

The backstage was conducted by Ben. It took about an hour to view the props. Daddy even had some fun trying on costume worn by the performers.

Backstage : Incanto

The Wacky Duo review

Incanto Tickets

C Say
I was excited about the magic show when Daddy told me about it a few days ago.
However on the day of the event , I was tired when I reached RWS. I had woke up since 8am and had 2 enrichment classes before reaching RWS at 2am. Initially I was feeling grouchy due to being tired. What's more I miss Mommy who is not with us during the performance as she was away in US for a week.

With the Dungeon master

Thanks goodness I 'recovered' in time for the performance.Overall I enjoyed the show especially the magic performances. During the performances, I kept thinking how the illusions were crafted and would debate with Daddy on the mechanics. Comparing to Voyage De la Vie, I enjoyed this better as I was quite intrigued with magic. It was quite amazing especially when the magician came to our seats and levitate a table above our heads!

The acrobatics performances were impressive as well. So much so I decided I would like to train to be part of the crew.

Cartwheel @ INCANTO

LouSpeaks
"I want to go home!"
Apologies to those who are seated around me, I must have chanted this line for 100 times during the show.

It is not because the show was not engaging, but rather I have a timid heart. Amidst my feeble protest about going home, I actually watched the whole show and joined in the applause.

The Wacky Duo @ INCANTO

To be fair, the show was a little dark during the dance performances. Darkness, mean looking characters and loud boom from pyrotechnics may scare little kids like me. I am still 2 , so I am entitled to be afraid at this age. Perhaps it would be better if the child is 4 and above to appreciate the show.

Nevertheless I must have enjoyed the show as I was rehashing the magic acts when back at home.

Incanto Stars

A very big thanks to RWS for this media invitation and the exclusive backstage tour. We appreciate this generous gesture and look forward to future projects from RWS.

The Wackies@Incanto

Our final verdict of the show?
A little magic message from us...

Magic Message :Love

The Little Details
INCANTO @ RWS Festive Grand
1 Dec 2012 - 10 Mar 2013
Mon, Thu & Fri 8:00PM
Sat & Sun 4:00PM & 8:00PM

INCANTO @ RWS Festive Grand Theatre

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard - S$148, S$98, S$88, S$78
Restricted View - S$48
Tickets available at www.sistic.com.sg

Disclaimer
The Wacky Duo were invited to Incanto for a review an a tour. No Monetary rewards were received . All Opinions are 100% our own.