Put on a little mascara: Pretty Ugly at Camden People’s Theatre
Many shows explore living in the present and leaving the past behind. Theo Chen’s Pretty Ugly is about finding who you are and accepting it. Even if you have a lingering doubt or two about your life, there’s no time like the present. Including dressing up and putting on a show. And isn’t that what anyone wants from a performer? It has concluded a short run at the Camden People’s Theatre.
Pretty Ugly explores the inner demons and self-doubt that mark Theo’s journey from Singapore to taking on the world. With a little sparkle and a smattering of songs, it’s a warm, musical journey through Theo’s life so far. It also includes plenty of Sondheim. Sondheim's music can change your life, and it clearly left a strong impression on young Chen from age twelve onward.
Theo Chen takes us through self-doubt, high school friendships that end in tears and wandering about the cruising grounds of New York City. As he recounts the latter and strikes up a conversation with someone they just met, I couldn’t help but think this could go horribly wrong in a city of strangers. But Chen has a way of making even what could be a filthy encounter seem sweet and innocent.
And their light tenor voice gives a surprising interpretation to a range of musical theatre songs. Chen’s ability to convey meaning in a song, even one outside in age range, is fascinating.
Projections on stage highlight key moments in his life, and the audience can join Chen on stage for a slow dance, either alone or with someone they love. Finally, we all get to sing a rousing chorus from La Cag Aux Folles about the best time being now.
Technical issues and the theatre’s limitations prevented some projections and audience participation from working as well as they might in other venues. And it feels strongest and most compelling when Chen speaks of his family and the strong bonds that have lasted as he left Singapore to study in Canada and then in the UK. The show feels like an evolving piece of work. It will be interesting to see if Chen continues with it and where they will take it. And hopefully, in future productions, Chen will really be able to raise a glass when singing “Ladies Who Lunch” rather than a flask. It’s not quite the same when proposing a toast.
Written, performed, and produced by Theo Chen and directed by Lim Shien Hian, with musical direction and accompanied by George Jackson. Pretty Ugly has concluded its current run at the Camden People’s Theatre (with a sellout show tonight), but check out posts and socials for future updates on Chen’s next outing.
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