Forget quiet commiseration; the “divorce party” has officially moved from trendy celebrity event to full-blown dinner theatre spectacle, offering a riotous celebratory take on separation. Running now through December 14 at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, Dream Academy’s new production, The Divorce Party, combines immersive comedy with a three-course dining experience, inviting guests deep into the delightfully chaotic world of the Choo Plastic family as they celebrate a recent marital split. This highly engaging, two-hour event promises unfiltered family drama served piping hot alongside curated cuisine.
Curtain Rises on Comic Chaos
Following the trend popularized by figures like Shanna Moakler and the seemingly amicable splits of celebrity couples, this local production zeroes in on the often-dramatic, sometimes absurd reality of post-marital freedom. Set across the fourth floor of The Capitol Kempinski, the evening kicks off with immediate interaction: guests are welcomed with a flower, which can be exchanged for a complimentary welcome drink, though be prepared for a brief queue. This early engagement sets the tone for a night where the audience is more than just spectators.
The central drama revolves around the Choo Plastic family, who are gathering to toast one member’s separation from her eclectic, cosplay-obsessed ex-husband. Guiding the merry mayhem is local stage favorite Sebastian Tan, who delivers a standout performance as Penny, the theatrical and seemingly oblivious matriarch. Penny’s desperate attempts to maintain the illusion of family perfection—even as her daughter Phoebe’s marriage implodes—provides the show’s comedic engine, eventually placing even Penny’s own ‘perfect’ union under scrutiny.
Dinner Service Amidst Family Feuds
The immersive structure of The Divorce Party means the performance seamlessly blends with the catered experience. Guests pre-select their three-course menu when booking tickets, choosing between starters like soba noodles with shrimp or tofu, and mains such as lemon herb roasted chicken thigh, seared seabass, or classic ratatouille (vegetarian options are available).
While The Capitol Kempinski’s menu showcases solid culinary skills, the logistics of serving a large, actively engaged audience can occasionally present minor hurdles. Service, while generally attentive, may require patience, particularly during peak performance moments. However, any minor hiccups—like a delayed starter or a momentary dish mix-up—are quickly forgotten amidst the vibrant theatrical chaos. A highlight for many is the dessert buffet, which features an elaborate spread of local kuehs, cakes, fresh fruits, and a popular chocolate fountain, providing a strong finish to the meal.
Interactive Entertainment and Dramatic Reveals
What truly elevates this experience above standard dinner theatre is the high level of audience integration. The action isn’t confined to the stage; characters roam the dining hall, interacting directly with attendees. Guests might share a table with a ‘secret’ cast member whose dramatic reveal proves invaluable to the unfolding plot, or find themselves unexpectedly pulled into the spotlight for impromptu interactive segments, such as performing a hula dance.
Interactive games, including a scavenger hunt to spell “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” using tableware and “Divorce Bingo” based on running gags, keep the energy levels high and ensure constant audience investment. This clever blend of slapstick, musical elements, and domestic drama makes the playtime fly by.
Tickets for this unique celebration of new beginnings and scandalous fun start at $168 for off-peak showings and $198 for peak dates, with the $100 SG Culture Pass accepted across all ticket types. The Divorce Party provides an ideal venue for birthdays, significant dates, or simply an entertaining, drama-fueled night out, proving that sometimes, separation deserves the biggest party of all.