This August, The Theatre Practice (Practice) is proud to present Partial Eclipse Of The Heart, starring Joanna Dong, Derrick Hoh, Ric Liu, Jean Seizure and Chriz Tong. Every decade, five best friends return to the same seaside chalet to watch the eclipse — a tradition from their astronomy club days. From reckless teens to “responsible” adults juggling love, career and family, how will life’s twists and turns reshape their bond? Spanning 30 years, this heartwarming and irreverent production pairs local stories with Singapore Mandopop hits… sure to have audiences singing along (softly!) in their seats.

Partial Eclipse Of The Heart will be helmed by Practice’s Artistic Director and award-winning musical director Kuo Jian Hong (Lao Jiu: The Musical, If There’re Seasons…, Liao Zhai Rocks!, The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife). This marks Practice’s first original musical since the 2012 smash hit Lao Jiu: The Musical, and its first jukebox musical since the sold-out If There’re Seasons…. “When we first created Lao Jiu: The Musical, I don’t think we thought we’d be doing this 20 years later!” reflects Jian Hong.

“Two decades later, the Singapore Chinese-language musical has continued to grow and evolve into its own distinct genre — blending Western musical theatre with Chinese cultural sensibilities and storytelling traditions. Many of our musical theatre artists have honed their craft in our productions, so it feels meaningful to debut a brand-new work for our 60th anniversary. It’s a tribute of how far we’ve come, and the talents that continue to shape our arts scene.”

“The musical unfolds across four decades — starting in the 1980s and moving forward each act,” explains Jian Hong. “It’s a celebration of our journey as a nation, which is especially appropriate since Practice’s birthday coincides with SG60. What’s more Singaporean than a chalet stay with friends and Mandopop!”

The musical sees five friends gathering at a seaside chalet every decade, beneath the shadow of an eclipse, marking the ever-changing tides of their lives. One minute, you’re a reckless teenager with big dreams; the next, you’re a “responsible” grown-up wondering how everything got so complicated. First loves, epic fails, questionable decisions… Who said growing pains stop at adulthood?!

Indeed, the jukebox musical will celebrate Singapore’s homegrown talents, featuring 25 Mandopop hits written by Singaporean composers and lyricists. This includes songs from Tan Kah Beng, Jimmy Ye, Lee Shih Shiong, Lee Wei Shiong, Stefanie Sun, Xiaohan, Eric Ng, Tanya Chua, JJ Lin and more. “How old were you when you first heard this song? What memory does this song trigger? What’s your go-to karaoke staple? These are songs that have soundtracked our lives,” says Jian Hong. “I’m excited to see how these familiar melodies will find new meaning and emotion in a theatrical setting.”

This musical also holds special significance as the final work by Jonathan Lim (Four Horse Road, The Bride Always Knocks Twice — Killer Secrets), who passed away in January this year. The script was then completed by Jian Hong and Practice Associate Artist, Ng Mun Poh, based on drafts and notes left behind by the late playwright. Lyricist Xiaohan, alongside composer Julian Wong have also written a new song for the musical.

Making her musical theatre debut as Connie, the independent architect who draws life’s blueprint by her own hand, is singer-songwriter Jean Seizure. She will be joined by fellow newcomer Derrick Hoh who stars as Zhi Hao, a carefree pilot soaring untethered through life — until he’s forced to reckon with what he’s left behind. They appear alongside celebrated musical theatre veterans: Ric Liu and Chriz Tong play YQ and Jia Xuan — the picture of civil service stability, until cracks begin to show in their perfect “Singapore dream”.

Joanna Dong rounds off the cast as Yu Ning, the struggling “bad student” turned glamorous television star. Supporting the main cast is a stellar ensemble including theatre actors Marcus Elliot Cheong, Isabella Chiam, Hang Qian Chou, Vanessa Kee and Seah Janice. “It is very exciting to go back to my roots in Chinese theatre through this new chapter with artists I see as mentors,” says Jean, who, having been through theatre training for children, started acting in Mediacorp Mandarin drama series from age 6.

“I said ‘yes’ to this show before I even knew what the story would be about or what role I was going to play. Seventeen years ago, The Theatre Practice took a leap of faith by casting me in a lead role in my first Mandarin musical — we have made a habit of leaping into the unknown together since!” adds Joanna. The quintet’s interwoven stories offer a tender, hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking reminder that growing up doesn’t stop at adulthood — and that no matter how life shifts, some friendships hold steady.

Featured photo credit: The Theatre Practice

Partial Eclipse Of The Heart runs from 21st August to 7th September 2025, with tickets now available on BookMyShow. Additional information and discounts can be found at practice.org.sg.