The cabaret show that was all the rage in the 80s returns with a modern twist.
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve attended a live show – thanks, Covid! So you can imagine how surreal it is to watch one after what feels like ages. But it’s not just any ordinary show. It’s the return of Singapore’s iconic cabaret, Boom Boom Room, transporting us back to the good old days.
Headlined by OG drag queen Kumar, the show amps up the queer-tient with acts from the reigning drag queens of Boom Boom Room, Helda and Lysa, alongside Drag Race Thailand alumni Vanda Miss Joaquim. Plus, a debut act by Volta Wheel, the world’s first holographic Cyr Wheel performer, and acrobatic stars from Las Vegas. Mentalist and magician Mark Wong, performing group BomBoxx Dancers, and local artist Nat Ho also wow the stage with their antics.
The origins of Boom Boom Room
For those who aren’t familiar with Boom Boom Room, this drag show was the crown jewel of Bugis Street back in the day. Drag queens would rock the stage by impersonating popular 80s singers from the likes of Diana Ross to Celine Dion to Whitney Houston. The heydays continued when the show moved to Far East Square, where our undisputed drag queen Kumar rose to fame. Boom Boom Room eventually closed the curtains while drag shows continued their acts across the city… until now!
The OG Boom Boom Room with a contemporary twist
I got a chance to catch the first show and true story: I never realise how much I missed watching live shows like these until I had to queue up for a quick bag check. What a throwback to 2019! A quick SafeEntry check-in and vaccination check later, we were in!
After Kumar pumped up the crowd with a hilarious intro, Helda, Lysa, and the BomBoxx Dancers treated us to fab performances, lip-synching to throwbacks such as “Teenage Dream” By Katy Perry and “Telephone” by Lady Gaga. We even got a cheeky number of “Wo Yao Ni De Ai” with Helda, Lysa and Kumar along the way.
But the highlight had to be Vanda Miss Joaquim and her ensemble, Anna Stacia and Tiara Sorrel’s show-stopping dance act. We were this close to standing up and grooving along – damn you, Covid restrictions! From the dazzling choreography to glamorous costumes by Frederick Lee, we applauded every detail.
Breathtaking acts by Las Vegas stars
Adding to the wow factor: Vegas performers Daddy Vacation and David Matz. Daddy Vacation teased us with a little pole dancing on air, while David Matz took us on a ride with his mesmerising holographic Cyr Wheel.
Kumar ended the show on a high with his signature witty and risque stand-up comedy act, discussing current topics and, of course, taking a jab at Singaporeans. Our favourites include all the pandemic-related ones, especially how Singaporeans react to the virus.
So, we say let your hair down and give in to the craziness – even if it’s just for a short time – at Boom Boom Room.
Boom Boom Room, from now till 19 Dec 2021, from $98, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Exhibition Hall C, Level 1, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956