Shanghai, China, 10 October 2014 – Magic fans and theatre aficionados in China received a dose of world class entertainment on Friday at the gala premiere of Gateway Entertainment’s (GE) illusion-theatre masterpiece, VISION. Thousands of local Shanghainese and residents from various cities and countries flocked to be among the first to witness this million dollar production make its impressive debut in the country’s largest city. Running from 10-15 October, this is a decisive milestone for GE as it makes its unprecedented foray into a country known for its diverse Arts & Entertainment industry par excellence.
Efforts to bring this iconic Singapore production to the Middle Kingdom began last year, which was further bolstered by the signing of a Letter of Intent in May this year for tripartite cooperation between the Shanghai International Culture Exchange Association, influential Hong Kong broadcaster Asia United Broadcasting Limited and GE.
To further strengthen its presence in the region, GE has also been invited to profile VISION to trade and industry delegates at the prestigious China Shanghai International Arts Festival held later this month. GE’s Founder and Chairman, Lawrence Khong, says both platforms give the company a unique opportunity to showcase VISION’s cutting-edge creativity and innovativeness.
“We are thrilled and honoured to bring VISION to China. Not only is it a testament of VISION’s world-class standard, it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to be ambassadors of Singapore’s vibrant Arts & Entertainment scene. We want to build on this traction to seed even greater possibilities in China and Asia that are deeper in purpose and scope.”
Both Lawrence and his daughter Priscilla were recently invited by the Shanghai-Singapore Business Association to perform a 30-minute presentation on 9 August as part of a special event to celebrate Singapore’s 49th birthday, and to give the audience a peek into VISION.
About VISION
Lawrence and Priscilla are pioneers of the genre of illusion-theatre - an extraordinary mix of two diverse arts forms that are woven together by an elaborate storyline. Unlike traditional magic presentations, this unique collaboration sees the storyline driving the repertoire of illusions - a complex task that Magic of Lawrence & Priscilla have excelled through their elaborate productions, including this latest mega offering, VISION in Shanghai.
VISION is the largest and most elaborate illusion-theatre spectacle not just in Asia, but in the world. From gigantic and elaborate props to an international dance troupe of 16 dancers, 100 costumes and more than 35 illusions, Lawrence and Priscilla have made VISION an iconic theatre piece. A $2-million dollar production two years in the making, VISION's production and elaborate stagecraft have been helmed by the best minds in the business - Don Wayne Magic, former magic consultant to Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and television specials such as The Magic of David Copperfield and Paul Kieve, winner of the New York Drama Desk Award 2012 for Ghost, the Musical; Academy of Magical Arts Creative Fellowship Award 2013 and an Honorary Lifetime member of the Magic Castle, Hollywood.
VISION garnered more than 16,000 ticket sales (92.5%) when it made its debut at Singapore's iconic Esplanade Theatre in July 2011. It remains one of the biggest illusion and theatre shows ever staged in Asia.
The Story:
VISION
- where seeing is just the beginning
VISION is a spectacular magic adventure through time and space; a baffling voyage where whimsical and wonderful worlds await you. Join Lawrence & Priscilla as they disappear into an alternate dimension, trapped in the deepest and darkest depths of Priscilla's subconscious. Both are forced to travel through Priscilla's bizarre world of fantasy and magic where Priscilla rules every living thing with her magic powers. When she heartlessly captures and cages her own father, it is up to Lawrence to set himself and his daughter free, using what he knows best… magic.
Packed with suspense and surprises, VISION is an uplifting tale about love, family ties and family values.
Fast Facts
| Title: | VISION |
| Cast: | Lawrence Khong Priscilla Khong |
| Writer/Director: | Samantha Scott-Blackhall |
| Music Director: | Kenn C |
| Choreographer: | Lisa Keegan |
| Set Designer: | Priscil Poh |
| Lighting Designer: | Nick Tan |
| Costume Designer: | Anthony Tan |
| Producer: | Felina Khong |
| Venue: | Shanghai Culture Square Theatre |
| Show Dates: | 10 – 15 October 2014 |
For media enquiries and interviews with Lawrence, Priscilla and VISION Creative Team, please contact the following:
| (SINGAPORE) | (SHANGHAI) |
|
Simeon Cheok |
Patsy Lee |