In its latest effort to appeal to a wider audience, Sentosa has revamped its signature night show, Songs Of The Sea, with a new one called Wings Of Time.
Yesterday, Wings Of Time took flight for the first time at Siloso Beach, a mere six weeks after the other show ended a seven-year run.
The 25-minute show, which cost $10 million to produce, takes place twice a night, at 7.40 and 8.40pm. It is expected to run for five years, hosting up to 2,500 people a session.
Its developer, French events company ECA2, also created Songs Of The Sea. ECA2 and Sentosa's management hope the new show will appeal to both Singaporeans and tourists.
Mr Sam Lee, director of island business in Sentosa Leisure Management, says the show combines state-of-the-art special effects with a contemporary storyline.
It is also part of Sentosa's ongoing efforts to refresh its attractions.
The stakes are higher, he says, since people are more well-travelled now and appreciate high-value and unique entertainment options.
"With 50 per cent of our guests from Singapore, we believe it is important to first connect with them before going beyond our shores as they are our best advocates," he adds.
The island had about 20.5 million visitors in 2012. This is almost triple the 7.8 million in 2009, before integrated resort Resorts World Sentosa opened.
Visitors can expect a more interactive line-up in Wings Of Time, starting with the pre-show, in which cast members lead a burlesque singing lesson.
The show follows the adventures of two teenagers, Felix and Rachel, who help a bird-like creature named Shahbaz find its way home.
"I think the interaction is much closer now," says freelance performer Zuhairi Mohd Idris, a cast member of both Songs Of The Sea and Wings Of Time. "We didn't go up to the audience and ask them to sing."
The 26-year-old, who played Felix last night, loves the synchronisation between elements such as the pyrotechnics and music.
The show is touted as an immersive experience. It has less dialogue than Songs Of The Sea and boasts special effects created by projections, robotic water fountains and pyrotechnics.
Coupled with multimedia elements, it goes up to 80m wide and 50m high, making it almost 40 per cent larger than the previous night show.
"It is immersion which makes the show a nighttime spectacular and not just another musical fountain or fireworks show with special effects," says Mr Jean-Christophe Canizares, ECA2's chief executive. "It is a moment of magic and entertainment, so we want the audience to be seated and, for a while, forget what's around them."
Some Singaporeans such as Mr Gary Sim, a freelancer in film production, look forward to a more memorable programme.
The 26-year-old, who watched Songs Of The Sea four years ago, says: "I actually don't have much recollection of it, so I hope the new show is something people can remember well."
