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 "It's amazing!" echoed members of the media one after another, after watching master illusionists Lawrence and Priscilla Khong's heart-stopping watery escape, performed live at the Singapore Polo Club's outdoor facilities.
Part of the exciting highlights of the Chingay Parade Singapore 2009 press launch, organised by PA (People's Association), on the morning of Thursday, 27 November 2008, this father-daughter magic duo who produced and staged the sensational, sell-out magic performance, MAGIC BOX, won immediate thumbs-up from some 15 members of the media present after their breathtaking act.
Performed as a sneak peek leading onto their first-ever participation in the Chingay Parade's finale act, 'The Banquet' (夜宴) , the duo further raised body temperatures to a feverish high with the trailer playback of Lawrence's ' Burnt Alive at Chingay 2009'death-defying attempt, slated for performance at the annual Parade between 30 and 31 January 2009 at City Hall to Raffles Avenue.
All eyes witnessed with unnerving suspense over the fate of a chained Lawrence in the clip, who will be set ablazed for up to two minutes on the actual day of performance, if he would successfully pull off this Asia's first-ever magical feat. Hitting an all-time high with the media by now, MAGICBOX had set hearts on fire with its highly anticipated finale show by Lawrence and Priscilla, together with their largest 300-strong performing contingent of dancers, magicians and sky runners.
 Raring to impress the media at the press launch, the MAGICBOX@Chingay team arrived as early as 7.30am to kickstart the day on a high gear. Twelve selected contingent participants quickly reached and changed into their respective performance costumes, which came in all trendy colours, shapes and heights, mirroring the futuristic theme of the act. Swiftly transformed into sci-fi movie characters by a skilful make-up team, the team of dancers, magicians and sky runners were soon ready to meet and greet the media.
 MAGICBOX stars, Lawrence and Priscilla, were themselves not missing out on any of this high action, too. Brilliantly turned into their dazzling 'King and Princess of the Magic World' parade characters, they each cut a striking master magician presence in their own right. Not losing any time, they seized the opportunity to run through their magic routine with the performers for a final time before their live presentation in front of the media.
As the time neared to welcome the press, no hands were left idle. All were bustling around to cast final checks on the performers' costumes, props and make-up, and ensured that all the magic props and equipment were in place; the performers were also rehearsing their routine over again before they took up their position ready to perform; the video crew and photographers were just as busy filming and snapping away each moment of this important day. In the next room, the PA performers, too, were gearing themselves up for the big show ahead.
 At 11am, the official start of the press launch, the media began to arrive. They were ushered into a delightful reception room in the club that purposefully depicted a banquet setting to fit the finale theme. First addressed by the PA Chief Executive Director, Mr Tan Boon Huat, the press launch kicked off with a rousing introduction to the exciting artiste and performance line-up of the Chingay Grand Finale by the PA Assistant Director, Arts Project, Mr Julian Aw. Featuring top talents and celebrities, this never-seen-before fusion of magic, opera and theatre singing promises to entertain and excite audiences from start to finish! Next up, Professor Edwin Thumbo, the master lyricist who penned the beautifully-worded opera of the act, recited his stirring poem that waxed lyrical about this uniquely Singapore's Chingay Parade.
 As soon as the next performance was called upon, in the twinkle of an eye, the room sprang into life when a most whimsically-attired entourage of dancers, 'Guests from all corners of the Universe', streamed into the room. Delighting the media further with the majestic fanfare taking place before them, the 'King and Queen of Chingay Wonderland' entered and gave all a teaser rendition of their opera performance at the Parade. Everyone, including members of the polo club, was just as awestruck and drawn to the magnificent spectacle that was unfolding in the room by now.
 Moving onto a yet more exhilarating segment of the event, it was show time for Lawrence and Priscilla where the media were invited outdoors to catch their thrilling live magic show. In a short space of two minutes, a completely-chained Lawrence displayed his master magician prowess when he made his amazing escape from a water-filled chamber, leaving Priscilla in his stead in the tank. The media were simply enthralled over their flawless illusion that happened before their very eyes. After the magic show, four roving magicians from the MAGICBOX contingent continued to enchant the media with some nifty magic tricks back in the reception room.
 An excited Lawrence took to the stage shortly after, to thank PA, the media, the volunteers and many other contributors for their support. "It's always my desire to be part of the community…it's about getting everybody involved… thank you for allowing us to be part of this great community project…," he added. Priscilla, sharing her father's sentiment, took the opportunity to appreciate and assure all their show partners as well. "We know that next year's show will be a success. Thanks to your support and our partnership together…"
 Finally, before a splendid lunch banquet was served, the media was treated to the closing, heart-gripping ' Burnt Alive at Chingay 2009' trailer, which raised the event atmosphere to a climatic high. Lawrence and Priscilla did not disappoint their media guests with their departure at this juncture. Together with other Chingay finale performing stars, they sat down for lunch with the media, mingling away and taking questions from them as the event drew to a successful close.
 The exhilaration from the day's event, however, did not just end there. Back in the dressing room, the MAGICBOX performers and crew were still reeling with excitement from their well-received showing. Said Danae Chiong, 15, of her experience as a skyrunner with the MAGICBOX contingent,"It's been very fun and fulfilling… (It's) quite a once-in-a-lifetime chance." Her fellow teammate, Eugene Lim, 22, who is performing as a magician, also enthuses, "…Wow, it's really, really exciting! I can't wait for the actual day itself!"
About MAGICBOX@Chingay 2009
MAGICBOX stars, Lawrence and Priscilla Khong, together with a 300-strong performing contingent of dancers, magicians and sky runners will be presenting 'The Magic World' part of the grand finale act of the Chingay Parade Singapore 2009, 'The Banquet' (夜宴), on 30 and 31 January 2009 at City Hall to Raffles Avenue.
Amidst an incredible mass magic performance by the magicians and sky runners, flanked by the dancers, Lawrence, 'King of the Magic World', will stage Asia's first-ever ' Burnt Alive at Chingay 2009' escape attempt. Priscilla, 'Princess of the Magic World', will also perform the fearless 'Torch Box Illusion' where she will be locked in a 'torch box' and pierced with fiery torches.
Shares Lawrence of his first-ever participation in the Chingay Parade with his daughter, "Priscilla and I are honoured to perform the finale act of the Chingay Parade Singapore 2009. Among our other line-ups, we are both very excited to attempt a daring magical escape, "The Burning Man", which has never before been attempted in Asia. Come and witness this unforgettable and unrivalled performance…!"
Mr Nah Juay Hng, Chairman of Chingay Parade Exco, adds, "Lawrence is not just a highly acclaimed illusionist reputed for producing the most spectacular magic shows at international standard… Together with her daughter, Priscilla, and a 260-magician contingent and as gift for all Singaporeans and visitors of Singapore, Lawrence will be staging one of his greatest illusion shows at the coming Chingay Parade... he and Priscilla will help deliver Chingay next year to a greater height."
'The Banquet' (夜宴), the mega finale show piece of the 37 th Chingay Parade 2009, will be one of the grandest and best outdoor shows ever in Singapore. Involving 520 performers, it promises to be a multi-element and multi-sensory presentation combining world-class illusion show, singing by theatre stars, acrobatic acts, poem recitation, wearable arts display, glittering magical floats, fire works amongst many others, co-staged by acclaimed talents and performing groups in Singapore.
For more info and enquiries about MAGICBOX@Chingay 2009, please contact Gateway Entertainment Pte Ltd at:
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