In a world where heritage can sometimes feel distant, the new Mandarin musical Moonlit City reimagines Singapore’s founding narrative through the lens of love and partnership. Premiering on 25 July 2025 at Gateway Theatre, the production follows the emotional and personal journey of Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo. For Gen Z, it’s not just history—it’s a story of values, resilience, and connection.
Emotional Resilience Through Life’s Ups and Downs
Spanning more than sixty years, the relationship between Lee and Kwa weathered war, political transformation, and personal challenges. Moonlit City focuses on these lesser-known emotional milestones. It shows how the couple supported each other quietly yet unwaveringly—an important reflection for Gen Z, where mental wellness and emotional strength are front and centre.
Partnership Built on Equality and Shared Purpose
Kwa Geok Choo’s story, often overshadowed, is a key pillar in the musical. As a pioneering conveyancing lawyer, devoted mother, and steadfast political partner, her contributions are spotlighted with nuance. The musical offers Gen Z an example of a partnership that thrived on shared ideals, not just traditional roles—echoing modern values of mutual respect and equality.
Emotional Intelligence and Quiet Leadership
Director Goh Boon Teck deliberately focuses on the couple’s emotional exchanges and private world. These quiet moments—crafted through script, song, and performance—bring to life the subtleties of their connection. In a time where empathy and authenticity matter deeply to Gen Z, this portrayal reframes leadership as soft-spoken and emotionally aware.
Honouring Heritage While Embracing Creativity
The show weaves in eight reimagined Mandarin classics by celebrated Singaporean composer Tan Kah Beng, including the iconic Moonlight in the City (城里的月光). These songs were once staples of local airwaves and are now repurposed with theatrical arrangements. For a generation that loves mixing retro with new, the musical becomes a bridge—respecting heritage while embracing creative reinterpretation.
Commitment to National Service and Collective Identity
While the musical is deeply personal, it also honours the couple’s dedication to nation-building. Through subtle storytelling and staging, the audience sees how individual sacrifice supported a collective dream. As Gen Z grows more civically engaged, this narrative reinforces that legacy-building starts with everyday choices rooted in service and purpose.
Let Their Story Inspire Yours
Moonlit City isn’t just about Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo—it’s about the values they embodied. For Gen Z, the musical transforms historical icons into relatable humans: ambitious, emotional, committed. In a time of rapid change, their story is a reminder that love, resilience, and shared vision still matter. Don’t just admire them. Let their journey spark yours.
