Kimberly Chan has spent the last fifteen years of her life performing, teaching, choreographing, and essentially stretching herself as much as possible within the local arts scene. A certified triple-threat, the musical theatre actress has worked with some of the biggest local companies, from Dream Academy to Sing Theatre to Wild Rice, while also having been an artist-in-residence at Gateway Theatre, even writing and performing in her own musical revue. With a loaded resume under her belt, Kimberly is ready to tie it all up in a nice bow, and celebrate it with a concert featuring all her favourite songs and friends this Sunday.

But Kimberly’s life is about to undergo a massive change, as she embarks on a new chapter in London, pursuing Musical Theatre at the Royal School of Music. That means leaving the Singapore arts scene temporarily, stretching her legs and finding brand new opportunities wherever the journey of life might take her. All that comes to light in this upcoming concert, as she shares stories of her time in the scene, and reflections on what keeps her keeping on. With me leaving, I started to cry a lot more whenever I watched shows, because I knew these friends I see onstage, I wouldn’t be seeing them for a while, and how when I’m back, everything is going to be so different,” says Kimberly. “I thought a lot about how I could do anything at all in this time I had left, but I wanted to push myself to do this concert, and take a risk as I share all these parts of myself growing up and all these anecdotes I wanted people to know about who I am today.”

The title of the show, ‘Extra’, refers to how ‘extra’ Kimberly herself sees herself as – extra loud, extra opinionated, all of which has led to her very extra career path in the arts. “the idea isn’t to indulge in my career as a performer, but really what it means to be me as a person, who creates music and has all these thoughts and ideas, because I’ve done more reflection and introspection and growing up, and am a lot less afraid of being this person,” she says. “I’m just going on my own path now, and the fact I’m doing these studies in my 30s, I no longer feel I need to prove myself, a lot less insecure, and more willing to trust my instincts as an artist. I thought about what I really wanted, and while I think about how it might be nice to do bigger shows, I also think the true value comes from the facets of creativity and myself as I person I want to discover and explore more, and break out of my comfort zone to see what new things I can bring to the table and where I go from there.”

From the timeless classics of Broadway to the jazz compositions of Gershwin and Fats Waller, as well as a nod to local artists such as Tabitha Nauser and Benjamin Kheng, EXTRA promises a melodic mosaic that comprises a celebration of the things and people that Kimberly loves. “It’s a full-fledged band that’s supporting me, with the Litmus Jazz Ensemble, and these boys are so versatile and artists in their own right,” says Kimberly. “You can expect musical theatre, jazz and homegrown Singapore pop music, and plenty of stories. You can also expect some friends to join me onstage, the people who’ve been in shows with me together, and well, their music has got me through the hardest of times – so there’s a lot of focus on sharing these songs that might help you too.”

“Initially, I did think the concert was daunting, because there’s a lot to reckon with about my own artistic identity and what I want to put forward in it. Sure I could just compile all the songs I’ve done before, but when I started work on it, I realised I really wanted to explore what it means to be an artist and share about the things I care about, and how I want to make a difference,” she adds. “I’m surrounded by a great team who I trust, and it’s a lot less scary than I initially thought as a result.”

A solo debut concert like this is certainly a momentous milestone in her career, and one that promises song, a little dance, and an embracing of all that is Extra. Kimberly ends off by sharing a reflection on what it means to her, and how much she has grown since her younger days. “What I would say to young Kimberly is that things aren’t really that deep – when you’re young, you hyperfixate on things and it ends up crippling you, but things really aren’t that serious so you don’t lose yourself in it entirely. And most of all, to remember that there’s always space to be kind, no matter what happens, because you never know what somebody else is going through. For now, it’s time to trust my instincts, allow myself to let go, and see how I make the most of my time in London.”

EXTRA – A Concert with Kimberly Chan plays on 14th July 2024 at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets available from SISTIC