Lao Jiu: The Musical returns to the stage from 2 to 19 April 2026 at the Drama Centre Theatre, marking the latest revival of one of The Theatre Practice (Practice)’s most enduring and beloved productions.
Helmed by Practice Artistic Director Kuo Jian Hong (Partial Eclipse of the Heart, The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife and If There’re Seasons…), this staging promises to be one of Singapore’s most ambitious theatrical productions of 2026.
Featuring an epic cast of 26 performers, audiences can look forward to the musical’s signature blend of memorable songs, dynamic choreography and critically acclaimed scenography. This includes the return of the celebrated “Battle of the Greats” number, which features a dazzling mix of traditional and contemporary puppetry techniques. Expect everything from traditional Chinese glove puppetry, to playful object theatre (made from upcycled materials), to massive rod puppets operated by multiple cast members!
A Living Work in Constant Renewal
First written by the late theatre doyen Kuo Pao Kun as a play, Lao Jiu has been staged in multiple countries and languages since its premiere — each version shaped by the artists and contexts of its time.
In 2005, the story was adapted into a full-scale Mandarin musical by Kuo Jian Hong, a bold experiment that established Practice as one of the pioneers in creating Original Chinese Language Musical Theatre — a distinctively Singaporean genre blending Western musical theatre forms with Chinese language, culture and aesthetics.
Following a major reworking, Lao Jiu: The Musical returned in 2012 to sold-out houses and was revived again in 2017. It was lauded by The Business Times (2017) for its “emotive songs, effective choreography and a moving story with a classic struggle”, with the publication declaring that “Lao Jiu: The Musical ticks all the boxes as a great Singapore (Mandarin) musical.”
The production won Best Ensemble and Best Director at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards 2013, and the set and costume design was selected for exhibition as a featured Scenic Design entry at the 2013 World Stage Design (WSD) held in Cardiff, Wales.
For Kuo Jian Hong, each revival is less about preservation than rediscovery. “Lao Jiu isn’t a work you save as ‘final.pdf’ and file away,” she shares. “Every iteration adds another layer of understanding. As artists change, and as society changes, the work changes with us.”
She points out that while Lao Jiu was once known solely as a “Kuo Pao Kun play”, it has since evolved into a piece of collective artmaking. “Thirty-six years later, it carries the voices, questions and experiences of generations of theatre-makers. It has developed a life of its own.”
A Story That Resonates Across Generations
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Singapore, Lao Jiu: The Musical centres on a young man torn between his passion for traditional Chinese puppetry and the weight of family obligation. Yet, despite its period settings, the show’s emotional core remains recognisable: the difficult negotiations between desire and duty, idealism and practicality.
“These are choices that many people grapple with, not just artists,” notes Kuo. “A student might relate to Lao Jiu’s desire to pursue an ‘impractical’ dream career, while the pressures of providing for the family might resonate with older viewers. Lao Jiu is an evergreen story because each generation can see themselves reflected in the different characters.”
In a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advances, urban development and broadening social values, the production continues to invite reflection on how individuals define success and responsibility. “The world has changed so much since Lao Jiu was first written, and I’m excited to see how today’s audiences will respond,” says Kuo. “I hope it sparks reflection — about how we face ‘choices’ at life’s crossroads — and opens deeper conversations around dreams, responsibility and decision-making.”
A Platform for Generations of Performers
Reflecting Practice’s long-standing commitment to artistic development, continuity and mentorship, the many versions of Lao Jiu: The Musical have also become a training ground for local performers.
Singer-turned-actor Sugie Phua, who previously played Lao Jiu in the 2012 and 2017 productions, returns this time in the role of Lao Jiu’s father. “At first, I was a little worried because I’m not a father yet!” jokes Phua. “But since I’ve already played Sun Wu Kong, this role is yet another challenge to stretch me as a performer — and maybe a good ‘practice run’ for when I become a dad some day!”
Taking on the title role this year is singer-songwriter Amsden Huang, who makes his musical theatre debut in the production. “All this is completely new to me!” he notes. “It’s pushed me far beyond just singing. I’m learning how to tell a story physically and emotionally, and even how to operate puppets onstage.”
Joining them is a stellar cast of new faces, musical theatre veterans and returning original cast members — some reprising the same role for the third time. “For many of these performers, Lao Jiu has followed them through various stages of their career – from newbies tackling their first major production to industry veterans guiding the new generation,” says Kuo. “It’s very moving to consider Lao Jiu as more than a show, but also a site for transmission, legacy and cultural inheritance – how many local productions can say that?”
Returning Creative Team, New Voices
The production retains songs by acclaimed Mandopop luminaries Xiaohan (lyrics) and Eric Ng (music), alongside a core creative team that has shaped earlier incarnations of the musical.
This includes Music Director Julian Wong (also co-arranger alongside Bang Wenfu), Choreographer Seong Hui Xuan (building on George Chan’s 2012 work), Set Designer Szu-Feng Chen, Props Designer Rainie C., Lighting Designer Genevieve Peck, Sound Designer Shah Tahir, Hair Designer Ashley Lim and Makeup Designer Bobbie Ng (The Make Up Room).
Joining them are new collaborators, including Puppet Designer & Director Bright Ong (expanding Benjamin Ho’s work from 2012 and 2017) and Costume Designer MAX.TAN, who bring fresh visual perspectives while building on the musical’s established aesthetic.
Tickets for Lao Jiu: The Musical are now on sale via BookMyShow.
For programme information and ticketing deals, visit practice.bigtix.io or follow The Theatre Practice on social media (@thetheatrepractice).
Featured image credit to The Theatre Practice
