This National Day, Toy Factory Productions marks Singapore’s 60th birthday and its own 35th anniversary with the world premiere of Moonlit City — an original Mandarin musical that explores the tender yet resilient love story of Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo.
Set to the stirring melodies of eight classic songs by legendary local composer Tan Kah Beng, this production promises a deeply personal look at the founding couple’s journey of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment — to each other and to the nation.
While Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo’s public lives are well-documented, Moonlit City shifts the spotlight to their quiet, shared moments — capturing emotional exchanges and private sacrifices often overshadowed by history. Audiences are invited to witness the couple’s six-decade-long partnership through a new lens, one that underscores the human heart behind nation-building.
At the musical’s core is a groundbreaking collaboration between Toy Factory and Tan Kah Beng. For the first time, Tan’s iconic songs — including Moonlight in the City, Burning for You, and The Sun After the Rain — are reimagined for the stage. These beloved tunes not only anchor the narrative but also offer a nostalgic journey through Singapore’s golden era of music. Moonlit City is also the first theatre production ever inspired by Moonlight in the City.
Beyond a love story, the musical elevates the legacy of Kwa Geok Choo — a trailblazing conveyancing lawyer, devoted mother, and steadfast partner in Singapore’s early years. Her quiet strength, intellectual rigor, and emotional fortitude are brought to the forefront, reframing her story as an essential part of Singapore’s political and social evolution.
Directed by Goh Boon Teck, Moonlit City follows his earlier tribute, Kwa Geok Choo – Singapore & The Story of Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. This new production boasts an entirely refreshed creative team and design, with meticulous attention to historical detail — from costumes to lighting — to faithfully recreate the era and atmosphere.
Playwright Jedidiah Huang, best known for his breakout work Lion, brings lyrical storytelling and emotional nuance to the script. Music director Benny Wong masterfully reinterprets Tan’s music to harmonize with the show’s poignant themes. Leading the cast are local musical stars Timothy Wan and Sunny Yang, supported by a dynamic ensemble of six, together delivering a stirring tribute to love, music, and legacy.
The musical will be staged at Gateway Theatre in Bukit Merah — a fitting venue rooted in local culture and heritage. With cutting-edge facilities and a mission to champion Singapore-made productions, Gateway Theatre offers an ideal backdrop for this emotionally rich and visually stunning production.
Every city has a thousand love stories – the classical city has romance myths, the young city has love poems, and the city of stars has a history of love. Singapore is an island nation that was founded only 60 years ago, but it has a rich history as a bustling city that goes beyond that. More than a century ago, the birth of two legendary Singaporeans, Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo began their lifelong romance with the ups and downs of the nation’s journey.
Creative Team
Cast
Ensemble: Katherine Tang, Joel Low, Misha Paule Tan, Clement Yeo, Mabel Yeo, Joel Tan
Show Details
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