Since its debut in 2006, Dream Academy’s “Broadway Beng” has had audiences chuckling and clapping along with its delightful blend of standup comedy and classic Hokkien karaoke. This year, the show returns for its 9th edition as a “Fukien Special”, focusing on a lineup of beloved familiar tunes, minus the comedic quips.
7 surprising facts you may not know about star Sebastian Tan’s beloved Singapore-Hokkien show Broadway Beng
LISTICLES
18 October 2024
By Rytasha Passion Raj
Instead, expect a brand-new dashing wardrobe and the same sassy energy of star and veteran Singapore theatre stalwart Sebastian Tan, who has consistently dazzled audiences over the years. Joining him will be, as usual, his trio of quirky backup singers, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that resonates with fans of all ages.
Before you catch the show, check out these seven fun facts about “Broadway Beng’s” unique charm and backstory:
1. HOW DID THE NAME “BROADWAY BENG” COME ABOUT?
According to Tan, “Broadway Beng” is a clash of two cultures – modern Western Broadway and traditional Hokkien “getai” (which directly translates to “song stage” in Hokkien) – that reflect who Tan is off-stage.
The Broadway element came about after Tan’s stint as Thuy in Cameron Mackintosh’s mega-musical production “Miss Saigon”, staged in London’s West End. The “Beng” aspect (which stems from the commonly used term “Ah Beng”, referring to a young man who sports trendy or designer outfits and displays bold and unruly behaviour) came from Tan’s love for his rich Hokkien upbringing and heritage.
Interestingly, Tan never considered himself a “Beng” until his director Selena Tan teasingly brought it up to him, leading Tan to fully embrace this unique persona – one which he affectionately refers to as “an ‘Ah Beng’ who likes Western theatre”. And that’s what sparked the birth of this well-loved character we know as “Broadway Beng”.
2. TAN CELEBRATED HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY ON STAGE AS “BROADWAY BENG”
“Broadway Beng: Growing Gold”, staged on July 18 last year at the Capitol Theatre, was not just a celebration of the humorous character and Singapore-Hokkien culture, but also a tribute to Tan’s very own golden jubilee.
Embracing the notion of being "golder", Tan cleverly transformed the common fears and anxieties of ageing into an engaging and witty stage performance, weaving in his personal journey. He captured the shared language, music and fashion of a generation that straddles East and West, Hokkien and English.
This delightful fusion of comedy and self-reflection allowed audiences to connect deeply with Tan and his iconic character, reminding them that growing older can be just as fabulous as it is humorous, filling them with sweet nostalgia.
3. THE TRIO OF “CHIO BU” BACKUP SINGERS HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS
The inaugural edition of “Broadway Beng” in 2006, along with the 2007 and 2008 editions, featured a talented lineup of three “Chio Bus”, including Gold 90FM DJ Denise Tan, theatre actress Leigh McDonald – known for her roles in “Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress” and “Souvenir” – and Jacqueline “Jacky” Pereira, who was part of the ensemble in “Sleeping Beauty”.
By 2009, the chorus expanded to an octet of singing and dancing “Chio Bus” who spoke mangled Hokkien, adding to the show's absurdity. The cast continued to evolve, featuring familiar faces like Siti Khalijah and Munah Bagharib during the 10th-anniversary show in 2016.
This year, the show will feature the above-mentioned Denise Tan – the original “Chio Bu” who’s been in the game since day one – alongside Audrey Luo and Sharon Sum. Together, they’ll rock the stage alongside Tan with their kooky movements and harmonious singing.
4. THE 2006 EDITION OF BROADWAY BENG FEATURED A 72-PIECE BAND… IN ONE CD
When “Broadway Beng” first launched, it operated on a much smaller scale. To accommodate all the talents within such a compact venue – the National Library Singapore – the production relied on recorded music by a 72-piece band, which was played through a CD. This innovative approach allowed the show to showcase its vibrant energy despite the spatial constraints.
Fast forward to today, the show has evolved significantly. With the production’s growth, audiences can now enjoy a richer, more immersive experience featuring a live nine-piece band. This enhancement not only elevates the overall sound quality, but also brings a dynamic, interactive element to the performances, allowing the musicians to engage with the performers and the audience in real time.
5. BROADWAY BENG’S TATTOO ISN’T REAL
Pictured above is Tan on the left, proudly showing off his temporary tattoo for the 2006 edition of “Broadway Beng”. Known for his playful stage presence, he often sports outrageous hairstyles that, frankly, aren’t always real either. This blend of quirky fashion choices and exaggerated aesthetics is what cemented Tan as a comedic icon. The kitschiness of his look not only adds to the humour of the performances, but also resonates with audiences who appreciate the playful satire of pop culture.
That being said, the quality of his costumes have greatly improved over the years. While the spirit of flamboyance remains, Tan’s outfits now have either a bedazzled finish or a sleek, polished look. This evolution reflects his journey of staying true to himself, as he no longer feels the need to fully embody the “Beng” persona, allowing his authenticity to shine through his performances.
6. BROADWAY BENG HAS AN AMAZING VOICE
Tan has had plenty of experience singing at various gigs before becoming “Broadway Beng”, including spontaneous performances alongside “Dim Sum Dollies” member Selena Tan at private events. His love for Hokkien torch songs, often performed at “getai” events and karaoke venues, has always been a significant part of his life.
This love for the genre stemmed from his mother, who has always encouraged him to sing Hokkien songs. To her, these performances are more than just entertainment; they are a cherished connection to their roots. Tan shared that his mother doesn't often have many avenues to enjoy Hokkien music or attend concerts, with “getai” events being one of the few opportunities available, so seeing her son sing Hokkien songs fuelled his drive to continue doing so.
Tan also sings to uphold his mother tongue and celebrate his cultural heritage, and this passion is evident in his performances which display his talent and versatility.
7. BROADWAY BENG HOPES TO CELEBRATE HOKKIEN CULTURE THROUGH ALL HIS SHOWS
Tan is deeply committed to upholding Hokkien culture among the younger generation, recognising the challenges it faces staying afloat in modern Singapore. He often reflects on how the language is fading, noting: “We’re kind of losing it in modern Singapore. The younger generation... None of my nieces and nephews speak Hokkien.” This highlights a broader concern about cultural preservation, as Tan believes that language is a crucial vessel for transmitting traditions and values.
He shared that when a language is not spoken, much of its associated culture and heritage can be lost. With this understanding, he strives to create engaging experiences that celebrate Hokkien culture through his performances.
He encourages younger audiences to embrace their roots, believing it would be beneficial for them to “come and experience some form of Hokkien”. By doing so, Tan aims to inspire a new generation to appreciate and connect with their cultural heritage, ensuring that the vibrancy of Hokkien traditions continues to thrive in Singapore.
With a mix of humour, heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic melodies, “Broadway Beng” continues to be a beloved staple in Singapore’s entertainment landscape. Tan’s infectious energy and charisma on stage have earned him a dedicated following, making each performance a memorable event. Don’t believe us? Check out the event for yourself!
Image Credits: Dream Academy, Wild Rice, Sebastian Tan
Loading your next catch.
Loading your next catch.