Lea Salonga's Backstory: Etiquette for theatergoers

I just want to share to you guys this wonderful article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Backstory by Lea Salonga. This is behalf of my irritation.

Backstory: Etiquette for theatergoers 
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:15:00 12/15/2010

I ORIGINALLY intended to write about last Saturday’s performance of Repertory Philippines’ production of “Little Women.”

I will still devote space at the end of this column to give my opinion on the musical play—but I believe I should first relate an unpleasant experience as a member of the audience.

Inconsiderate

Upon seeing that the crowd was composed mostly of teenagers (many of them sporting their school uniforms), I thought that they would be a little more animated as compared to their adult counterparts who normally watch plays at night.

Turned out that the teeners were rude, inconsiderate, sometimes apathetic and completely disrespectful of: 1) the actors on stage (whom I saw were working very hard to remain focused and invested in their respective characters); 2) the orchestra in the pit (working just as hard, if not more so, given how close they were to the audience); and 3) the more regular theatergoers who just wanted to sit back and enjoy a quality show.

‘White noise’

There was audible “white noise” from start to finish: more than just a few plastic wrappers crinkling; conversations and commentary that drowned out the volume of the onstage action; kids going up and down the aisles during the more quiet monologues; and that annoying “Uyyyyyy!” whenever one of the male actors approached/embraced/kissed his partner.

In “Little Women,” it happened quite a few times—with the characters Meg March and John Brooke, Jo March and Laurie Laurence, Amy March and Laurie Laurence.

There was actually a group of uniformed colegialas at a previous performance that let out a blood-curdling “Nooo!” when Laurie and Amy announced their engagement. Halata bang hindi ninyo binasa yung libro, o pinanood yung pelikula man lang?

I wanted to cry—but not in a good way. I got a sore neck from turning around to shush the people behind me.

Bright spot
The one bright spot? Only one cell phone ringing. Hey, I’ll take progress wherever I can get it.

I wondered if the teachers or school advisers gave their kids a little lecture on basic theater etiquette. It seemed not. Or if that lecture was given, no one was listening.

Theater etiquette has nothing to do with being stodgy, emotionless robots, but everything to do with mutual respect.

You can laugh, you can cry, you can be as “in the moment” as the actors are. The guidelines are just there to make sure that everyone’s experience at the theater would be a wonderful one.

Quiet, please!
Allow me, therefore, to share a few pieces of etiquette advice:

Turn off your cell phone. Not only could your “Forget You” ring tone be distracting to the actors, it could also be annoying to your fellow patrons.

Unwrap your candy before the show begins. If you insist on bringing a lozenge or some candy to a show, please take it out of the noisy plastic wrapper already.

Please be quiet, to allow those around you to hear what’s going on. Trust me, sharing the news of your classmate’s sister’s cousin’s breakup with the school hunk/basketball team captain/student body president can wait.

No cameras. Any kind of photography—with or without a flash—is distracting, as well as a violation of copyright laws (not to mention, some shows contain nudity … taking photos then would be just plain rude). Please put your cameras away. The actors would be more than happy to pose for a pic after the performance, once they’re in street clothes. You’ll do yourself a favor by just focusing on the show.

Unless you really have to leave, stay put. You can get up and go if you: have the most urgent need to use the potty; are an on-call doctor whose patient needs you; or are feeling very poorly and need immediate medical attention. If you don’t fall in any of those categories, please remain seated.

This is not a cinema. There are live flesh-and-blood people up there on stage giving a piece of themselves, their very souls for you. Please watch and listen. If you’re lucky, your soul will, in turn, be touched. Caisa Borromeo as Jo March gave, in Inquirer theater critic Gibbs Cadiz’s words, “an astonishing performance, a true star turn in every sense of the word.”

Beautiful voices

Now, about “Little Women.” On point direction by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, beautiful set design by Joey Mendoza, gorgeous costumes and set execution by Tuxqs Rutaquio, a talented and beautiful-voiced ensemble of actors (standouts are Caisa, Cara Barredo as Beth March, Pinky Marquez as Marmee March, Joy Virata as Aunt March and Jeff Arcilla as Professor Bhaer), a sublime orchestra in FILharmoniKA led by Gerard Salonga and, thank God, no trouble with the sound system!

Congratulations to Repertory Philippines on a great run!

There, there from Lea Salonga herself.

2010 Theater Scene Recap

Here is the list of the musicals I watched this year. Click title for its corresponding review.

• 9 Works Theatrical's Rent
• Atlantis Production's Avenue Q: The Repeat
• Atlantis Production's Legally Blonde : The Musical
• Lunchbox Production's Cats: Now and Forever
• Atlantis Production's Xanadu
• Atlantis Production's A Little Night Music
• 9 Works Theatrical's The Wedding Singer
• Repertory Philippines' Little Women

Off to Massachusetts.

Caisa Borromeo as Jo March and Cara Barredo as Beth March in a touching scene--"Some things are meant to be".

This musical by Repertory Philippines maybe the highlight of the year. With the perfect play, perfect cast, perfect music—could any get better than this? I was in awe from the overture to its finale (pun intended).  It’s like watching on Broadway already (Not that I’ve been to Broadway), it’s perfect—just perfect.

Caisa Borromeo is the Sutton Foster of the Philippines. Every song, every line is full of Jo March in it. She is perfect for the role. Her “Astonishing” that night might have little flaws, but her powerful notes made it unnoticeable. She portrays the tomboyish and determined Jo perfectly—astonishingly.

Playing the bratty Amy is Kelly Lati. I didn’t get to watch her in “Spring Awakening”, so I have no idea how she sings, or how good or bad she is—but, I did love her in Little Women. The way she speaks is so Amy March. And I hated Amy so much that I want to give her a punch in the face—but, that just proves how good and accurate Kelly is.

Cara Barredo played Beth, my favorite March sister. Whenever Cara smirks, she reminded me of Kristin Chenoweth. And of course, she played the sweet Beth perfectly. For the record, this is the first time I cried inside a theater—and that is her and Caisa’s “Some Things Are Meant to Be”. According to my friend Dianne, she already wanted to bawl in tears, and I want to go onstage and give Beth a hug and cry with them—it just stroke me, it’s too painful. And Cara has an awesome voice, mind you. Cara Barredo, you are my favorite already.

And the last March sister—Meg, played by Lora Nicolas. Meg might be the one with the least storyline—she had one at the beginning and that’s it. Meg is very reserved, and Lora Nicolas’ portrayal of her is just right.

Pinky Marquez played Marmee March. Wow. Her voice is like Patti LuPone mixed with Julie Andrews and etcetera, etcetera. Her and Caisa’s scenes  are heartbreaking.

The set, the costumes are perfect as well. The costumes are very detailed and looks timely, I especially loved Amy’s and Aunt March’s. The set was minimal but it made the musical more intimate. And the direction by THE Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo—do I have to describe it? It’s perfect.

Too bad, by the time you’re reading this, you only have 2 shows to catch and miss this wonderful musical. I doubt that there’ll be a repeat. Maybe 5 to 10 years from now, but with a different cast.

Astonishing.

Atlantis Productions' "Next to Normal"-- the cast is now complete.

Jake Macapagal as Dr. Fine/Madden, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Diana, Felix Rivera as Gabe, Bea Garcia as Natalie, Jett Pangan as Dan, Markki Stroem as Henry.

And the cast is complete! Atlantis Productions have announced Jake Macapagal (Count Malcolm in Atlantis' A Little Night Music) is playing Dr. Fine/Madden! I knew it! My psychic powers did well again. I can't clearly see Dr. Fine/Madden in him when I watched ALNM because of that hideous beard. But when I auditioned for him in BlueRep's Hair, I had a feeling he's playing the role. All the best, Direk Jake! 

Anyway, if you want to watch the show on March 19, 8 PM, you can buy from Bea Garcia (Natalie) or Felix Rivera (Gabe). I'll post the details soon.

Dramatic Holiday Gift Idea: Rep Season Pass

Give the gift of Repertory Philippines Gold or Silver Season Passes, as seen held by the cast of “Little Women,” Rep’s year-end big musical running until Dec. 12, 2010 with 8:00PM shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 3:30PM shows on Saturdays and Sundays at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center.

 For the holiday season, a Repertory Philippines Season Pass to its 2011 productions makes a wonderful gift for personal or business use.

“You can give either Rep’s Gold or Silver Season Pass to yourself or your family and friends,” says associate artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.  “Companies, schools and organizations can give our passes to business partners, suppliers and clients.  Passes can also be given to work colleagues or staff.”

Repertory Philippines is an institution in the theater industry, having been around for more than 40 years.  It has a track record for quality entertainment through its English plays and musicals.  It’s also known for training world-renowned theater actors like Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson. 

Save

Season Passes grant the holder access to the first three productions of Rep for the year. 

Silver Pass holders save up to P450 off on regular single-show ticket prices and have guaranteed seats in the upper orchestra center section for selected showdates.

Gold Pass holders save up to P600 off on regular single-show ticket prices, have guaranteed seating in the lower orchestra center section for selected showdates, and are allowed to call-in for seat reservations.

In 2011, movie lovers will find Rep’s first three productions interesting: Joy Luck Club (Feb 4 to 20, 2011), based on the bestselling novel by Amy Tan which was made into a film directed by Ang Lee; the comedy The 39 Steps (March 4 to 20, 2011), based on Alfred Hitchcock’s film; and Shakespeare in Hollywood (April 1 to 17, 2011), a comedy that features Shakespearean fairies working in a real Hollywood movie set.

Discounts

All Pass holders can use their pass to avail of a 10% discount on a ticket to Rep’s children’s musical on selected showdates and a 15% discount on a ticket to Rep’s year-end big musical on selected showdates.

From Aug. 13 to Dec. 11, 2011, Rep will stage the children’s musical Seussical, based on characters from the Dr. Seuss books.

Peter Pan will be its year-end big musical from Sept. 29 to Oct. 30, 2011 with Sam Concepcion in the title role. Past big musicals include Sweeney Todd, Sound of Music and this year’s Little Women, which runs until Dec. 12, 2010.

Convenient location

Except for Peter Pan which will be staged at Meralco Theater, all Rep shows are staged at Onstage Theater.  “Meralco Theater is across the street from Robinsons Galleria Mall while Onstage Theater is inside Greenbelt 1 Mall,” Yulo says.  “Families or groups of officemates or friends can shop or eat before or after catching our shows.”

Yulo notes that availing of Season Passes is also a show of support for Filipino home-grown talents.  “You’ll help build the local industry of Filipino artists.  In effect, you become a patron of the arts.”

All Rep shows are also open for showbuying or bulk-ticket sales for individuals who would like to earn extra income or groups and organizations who wish to raise funds.  All productions are also available for sponsors who wish to reach Rep's audiences.

Call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 or 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com.  Season Passes are also for sale at the lobby of Onstage Theater, second floor of Greenbelt 1, Makati City during performances of “Little Women,” Rep’s year-end big musical running until Dec. 12, 2010 with 8:00PM shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 3:30PM shows on Saturdays and Sundays.

Atlantis Productions' "Next to Normal"-- the cast is almost complete.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Diana, Felix Rivera as Gabe, Bea Garcia as Natalie, Jett Pangan as Dan, Markki Stroem as Henry.

Just today, Atlantis Productions announced in their twitter page who's playing Henry in Next to Normal in March. And it is Pilipinas Got Talent's Markki Stroem! So, that's why I think I've seen him before. Next to Normal is his musical theater debut according to Atlantis. 

Can't wait.

Atlantis Productions' "XANADU" the Repeat

First, with Anthony Ong (Young Danny, Cyclops) ; Second, with Bea Garcia (Thetis) ; Third, with Felix Rivera (Sonny Malone) ; Fourth, with Chari Arespacochaga (Melpomene) ; and Fifth with Yael Pineda (Calliope).

Last night, I watched the preview night of the repeat run of Atlantis Productions' Xanadu because of winning the show's 'Twitter Raffle'. This is the second time I seated on stage, seats were really hard, no cushion. But seeing everything 'behind' is all worth it.

Their come back was a blast, no glitches, but they showed the audience alot of improvements. They have new props too. And I became a cloud during "Suspended in Time", wanna know how one becomes a cloud? Then watch the show. Haha! And when we went out of the theater three people recognized me as the cloud guy, Haha! 

I predict this will be another great run for Xanadu. The talents in this show is just... "Andrew Lloyd Webber". (Also wanna know what that means? Then watch the show.) Although I think Rachel Alejandro needs to improve more on her comic timing. She's very limited for a funny character like Clio/Kira. Read my Xanadu review here.

November 19 to December 5, 2010
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
4th Floor RCBC, Makati

Xanadu is a 90-minute musical comedy with a book by Douglas Carter Beane, music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, based on the 1980 cult classic film of the same name which was, in turn, inspired by the 1947 Rita Hayworth film Down to Earth.

The story of the whimsical and comic musical focuses on a Greek muse, Clio, who descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest creation of his life - a roller disco. But, when Clio, disguised as an Australian roller girl named Kira, falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters ake advantage of the situation, and Clio risks eternal banishment to the underworld.

The musical opened on Broadway in 2007. It has earned an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and Drama Desk Award for Best Book. It was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book.

Xanadu features songs made popular by Olivia Newton-John in the film of the same title including MAGIC, SUDDENLY, SUSPENDED IN TIME, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN MELLOW and the hit title track XANADU.

With an abundance of famous pop songs from the 80's, a hilarious and lighthearted comic script, and some amazing rollerskating, Xanadu is a hilarious, rollerskating musical adventure about following your dreams despite the imitations others set for you. Visit http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/ for tickets.

Rep adds Sunday evening shows of “Little Women” (opens on Nov. 20)

Photo from Repertory.ph

Due to insistent public demand, Repertory Philippines has added evening shows of “Little Women” on Sundays during its run from Nov 20 to Dec. 12, 2010.

“We received requests to add more shows as more and more families wish to catch this Broadway musical,” says associate artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

The Sunday 8PM evening shows will be on Nov. 21 and 28 and Dec. 5 and 12, 2010.

The brother of Lea Salonga, Gerard, will conduct the Filharmonika orchestra. “Many Filipinos do not usually have the chance to listen to a full orchestra,” says Lauchengco-Yulo. “With ‘Little Women,’ they’ll get to experience it as well as enjoy seeing the adventures and misadventures of the March sisters.”

“Little Women” is based on the novel by American author Louisa May Alcott, this production tells the joyous and heartwarming story of the March family: how they overcome challenges and gain love and unity in the process.

“Little Women” runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 12, 2010 with 8:00PM shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 3:30PM shows on Saturdays and Sundays at Onstage Theater, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City. For ticket inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926, 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

The Greatness that is Gerard Salonga.

Watched this yesterday, thanks to Chiara for the free tickets. It was an awesome night.

After the FILMharmoniKA concert.
1. Bituin Escalante - Original Filipino Effie in 'Dreamgirls', Joanne in 'Rent'. AWESOME VOICE. She saw my GleeK shirt so she decided we do the Glee pose.

2. Lea Salonga - Original Kim in Miss Saigon London and Broadway. Starred in the Flower Drum Song. Played Eponine on Broadway and 10th Anniversary. Played Fantine on Broadway and 25th Anniversary. My love.
3. Gerard Salonga - Lea's brother. One of the greatest Filipino conductors in the world. Awesome.

Photo credits to Dianne Dequino.

Saturday Night in the City

 

"  Once you pass the velvet ropes, your wildest dreams come true. The dance floor smoke, a bump of coke and everything taboo."

"The Wedding Singer"   has been one of my favorite Broadway musicals. Besides the fact that I love the original movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, the musical features unbelievably upbeat songs which I love considering my favorite musicals are Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Xanadu, Avenue Q, etc-- those musicals that'd make you stand up and jive with its songs. And it's so hard to watch "The Wedding Singer" without the urge to dance onstage. I could just imagine myself interrupting the show because I danced to the 80s on stage. Also, I warned myself not to sing-along, which I always fail to do. 

The leads include the super talented Gian Magdangal as Robbie Hart, who tended to point at me during his lines at some point of the show. All I did was smile, because of all the insults I got from him. Haha! Iya Villania as Julia Sullivan, who has a very, very sweet voice. I could see her as Elle Woods-- Atlantis, why didn't you consider her? Iya belongs to the stage and she needs to do more shows. Impressive.

Nikki Valdez as Holly isn't powerful enough. Holly should be very liberated-- well, yes, Nikki's take on the role is liberated but it's not enough. She didn't push to her limitations. Lorenz Martinez as Sammy is cool, especially the speaking voice. And "the" Johann Dela Fuente as George. I completely agree on what's written about him in the programme "Someone should call the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary that the word 'Performer' has a new definition: Johann Dela Fuente." I'm easily amused by this performer, his take on George is kind of different-- and I love it. Even when he played multiple roles in "Rent" I love him already. Glen Guglia is played by Jeremy Aguado-- and yes, this is the Richard H. Blake role. I didn't like his take on the role it seems very classical, "Chicago-ish", I must say. This is probably a mis-cast. 

The ensemble is incredible, too. Their energy stretches the numerous boxes on stage. (Which I didn't like. The boxes, I mean.) And considering that some of them are covering roles when I watched the show. Peachy Atilano covered Cyndi Lauper to cover Mian Dimacali-- And damn, she's a good on-the-spot impressionist. I am also shocked that Jonjon Martin played Imelda Marcos-- it's hella funny.

The show was great and all in terms of the material. The scenography is flawless and smooth. But something in the staging is lacking. I guess it's commitment that they lack. Commitment to the role, commitment to the musical, commitment to the audience.

I just want to add that 9 Works Theatrical's shows should always start on time. Atlantis always starts on time. I mean no comparison but I'm just used to watch shows on time. I've been there an hour ahead only to know that I'll be waiting for another 30 minutes? I also experienced this when I watched "Rent", really disappointing. House isn't full yet? How about Cats, or Atlantis's "A Little Night Music" perhaps? I want the show to start on time when I watch the "Rent" re-runs.

 Also, their souvenir programme is gorgeous. The P300 is all worth it. It's not just a programme, but also a magazine in a way. And I was happy scanning it before the show, only to find out that almost half of the programme is just advertisements. Not really mad about it but it's "bitin". 

It's impressive how way cheaper their tickets are. I remember watching "Rent" paying P1,500 (not sure) and I just got a seat in the loge section. But now, P1,300, orchestra center!

I love the letterman jackets the ushers/staffs are wearing. I just hoped you sell them, but no. Haha!

"Love will always find you."

RENT IS COMING BACK TO BROADWAY... well, Off-Broadway.

Click picture for full Article on NYPost.com

"Be A Broadway Star" Board Game

So, I got an email from BroadwaySpace.com,

This is so exciting. I want to buy this if ever it comes out in Manila and play it with my theater friends. Christmas wish list. Haha!

STAGES staging "Light in the Piazza" in 2011

"STAGES is going to mount the Tony-award winning musical called Light in the Piazza. It's gonna be staged ahead. It will be in July at the Meralco Theatre also. And it's gonna star Karylle,"  Audie [Gemora] revealed. - c/o PEP.PH

Hell, yeah. Stages will produce "The Light in the Piazza". How about "Yay!"? I don't know anything about this musical but I've watched a clip (as recommended by a friend) of their Tony performance. And it's pretty awesome. Also, it was originally starred by Matthew Morrison (Glee). I can't wait to see this on stage!

Major let down: Almost all the Rep-Stages productions will be staged in Meralco Theater. Why, oh why? That place is too far from mine. :( Oh well, since the Rep moved to Ortigas. Okay.

9 Works Theatrical's RENT reruns?

"...My manager, Arnold [Vegafria] talked with them and they discussed my schedule, because I'm already committed to two stage plays. I'll be doing The Wedding Singer and Rent on December and February. Hindi naman nagkaroon ng conflict so walang naging problema." 

- Gian Magdangal c/o PEP.ph

The December staging will be in Power Plant cinema and on February, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC. Oh wow. I actually liked 9 Works' RENT, a restage would be fine. But you know, watching the last Broadway performance on DVD is better, and cheaper. For I find no much difference from the Broadway production, if there is, it's very unnoticeable. Everyone's take on their roles are the same. But, anyway, I'm still watching the rerun to find out the changes and all. Also, I demand cheaper tickets, okay? It's so expensive, I remember spending 1,500 for a loge seat, but when it comes to Atlantis, 1,500 is orchestra center na.

Oh, Jori and I talked about (in Facebook) if Carla Guevarra-Laforteza could still reprise her role in the reruns. Especially in December where she might just come from labor and in February where she's doing "Breakups and Breakdowns" of Upstart Productions. If she can't, who could replace her?

Check out my review of 9 Works Theatrical's RENT.

*I still wonder why it's "9"?

Xanadu reruns from Nov 19 to Dec 5

Hell, yes! Atlantis Production's XANADU reruns on November 19, to December 5. 2010! Isn't it awesome?! If you have seen it, watch it again! Or if not, please do not fail to watch this time! "Art is not just for the well-educated or the intelligent but for people like you!" No, joking.

After A Little Night Music's Singapore run, it's time to go back to Venice California!

Details in the poster.

Don't bother, they're here.

Saw this in the September 2010 issue of Reader's Digest. Is this actually referring to the song, "Send in the Clowns"?

P.S., still on "A Little Night Music" withdrawal.

Repertory Philippines 2011 Season

Source: Oliver Oliveros

Rep 2011 looks promising. Especially with their new associate artistic director, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (My favoritest)! I cannot wait-- let's see if auditioning for these would work too. :)

Disney's "THE LITTLE MERMAID" Auditions

Atlantis Productions has secured the rights to stage the Broadway musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid in November 2011. It is the first theater company to acquire a license of the show after its Broadway run. It is made possible through a special licensing agreement with Music Theatre International.

Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is the sparkling new Disney musical that has made a big splash on Broadway. Some of Disney’s most popular songs are featured in show — including Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl, and the Academy award-winning Best Original Song, Under the Sea — by the renowned songwriting team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. The stage adaptation also features 10 new songs by Menken and Glenn Slater, plus a book by Tony-winning playwright Doug Wright. It will be directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga.

Auditions for all roles in Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be held on Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Studio M, 9699 Pililia St., Bgy. Valenzuela, Makati City. Be prepared to sing one musical theater song with either piano score or minus one and bring a current photo of yourself. Registration begins at 10 a.m.

Shows are also now available for show buying and fund raising opportunities. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime family musical classic.

For details, call 892-7078 or 840-1187.

Source

Watch Repertory Philippines' "Little Women" on December 10, 8PM

Watch Repertory Philippines' "Little Women" on Dec. 10, 2010 FRIDAY, 8:00 PM - EDWARD DOCENA c/o BEA GARCIA ; Please call: 09175128930!


Venue
OnStage
2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City

Director
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo

Synopsis

Music by Jason Howard
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Book by Allan Knee
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott's 1869 semi-autobiographical classic novel gets a musical make over, with its themes of sisterhood and female empowerment providing an automatic connect for women of all ages. An inspiring story of the March sisters - Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy - growing up during the American Civil War. A story that touches the hearts and minds of young and old alike.


Little Women focuses on the four March sisters - feisty, tomboyish, aspiring author Jo, who maintains fierce loyalty and love for her family while refusing the constricting role laid out for women at that time, romantic Meg, pretentious Amy, and kind-hearted Beth - and their beloved Marmee, at home in Concord, Massachusetts while the family patriarch is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio.
 
Cast
Jo March - Caisa Borromeo
Marmee - Pinky Marquez
Beth - Cara Barredo
Meg - Lora Nicolas
Amy - Kelly Lati
Aunt March - Joy Virata
Professor Bhaer - Jeff Arcilla


Here's a little message from the cast:

http://repertory.ph/

Atlantis Productions' "The Little Mermaid", November 2011.

A Weekend in the Country.

High notes, low notes, out-of-this-world notes-- all hit by the wonderful cast of Atlantis production's "A Little Night Music".

Not knowing anything from this musical, I still wanted to watch it because of its hype on Broadway, and its stellar cast and production. This once again proves the cliche, "Don't judge a book by its cover". By its boring title and classical poster, it doesn't look like a fun watch at all. But yes, it's not boring, it's not just classical-- it is funny, exciting and gives you generous amount of joy. The music and lyrics of Sondheim is written lovely, with melodies that will strike your heart-- especially, "Send in the Clowns".

The cast includes Dawn Zulueta as the blissful Desiree Armfeldt, Nonie Buencamino as Frederik Egerman, Jay Glorioso as the sarcastic Madame Armfeldt, Cris Villonco as Anne Egerman, Felix Rivera as the Antisocial Henrik Egerman, the amazing Alys Serdenia as the horny Petra, Crystal Baranda-Paras as Frederika Armfeldt, Jake Macapagal and Jenny Jamora as the Count and Countess Malcolm and the ensemble cast of Gabs Santos, Teenee Chan, Agnes Barredo-Fenoli, Glen Llanes, Raul Montesa, Jenny Nuyda and my favorite Anthony Ong.

The plot is pretty simple unlike how its promotion mirrored a very complicated one. A theater actress that is stuck in love with a man, but still with another man-- complicated love, I shall call it. This is not a tragedy, my dear readers, but a story of realization and acceptance and facing the truth that no matter how much you deny your love, at the end of the day, you still lose.

The cast performed each of the song very professionally, if they ever did a mistake, it was very unnoticeable and that's what I love. Although, Crystal who plays Frederika did a number of mistake of stuttering her lines. Besides this, the cast were wonderful especially the ensemble. Alys Serdenia is my favorite though, who will not love her? She's very talented, and she had a solo! She really deserved a break.

I also want to commend the costumes,especially Desiree's. The construction was perfect-- the structure from the Broadway revival design is almost the same as what Rajo Laurel did, the difference is the colors. He brought the colors back from its original Broadway production. Very different from the Black and White costumes Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bernadette Peters wore in the revival.

Watching Dawn Zulueta perform "Send in the Clowns" is promising. My eyes were set on her and Nonie doing the scene, and I was just in awe. If you don't have tears in your eyes after the performance, I swear you need to have your tear glands checked. Just a funny thing I've noticed, when Nonie and Dawn were singing the duet version of "Send in the Clowns", Dawn is sitting on the ground with Nonie singing, "With you at last on the ground...".

This musical became an instant favorite. You will leave the theater in awe, humming "Send in the Clowns".  A Little Night Music will also be staged in the Esplanade theater in Singapore from November 9 - 14 2010, with Bea Garcia playing the role of Frederika.

I invite you all to watch A Little Night Music running until October 31! Log on to http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com for more details.

Plus, a clip of Julie Andrews singing "Send in the Clowns"



Based on Ingmar Bergman's film, Smiles of a Summer Night, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a witty and urbane musical set in waltz time. The action takes place in a weekend country house in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where surprising liaisons, long-simmering passions and taste of love's endless possibilities are all brought to light.


Thanks, Bobby Garcia for the tickets!

Happy 80th Birthday, Stephen Sondheim-- continue inspiring us with your wonderful music.

Isn't it bliss? Bliss indeed.

A blissful day tomorrow.

So, I'm watching Atlantis Production's "A Little Night Music" tomorrow. If you can't decide whether to watch it or not, read my friend Fred's review here when he watched it on Broadway.

For more details log on to: http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/

Atlantis Productions' Xanadu [Review]

Imagine Greek muses, two of them in drag-- singing, dancing, cackling. A laughing tragedy on stage.

I watched Atlantis Production's Xanadu twice. The first one when I won tickets to the twitter raffle and one was today. And catch this: I want to watch it again. It's like going back to Avenue Q, amazing cast; no one needs to catch up, everyone is a triple threat. Maybe because it's a small cast, or maybe it depends on the direction/production. 

The show opened on Broadway June 2007, months after Legally Blonde opened and closed September 2008, months before Legally Blonde closed. 2008 was the year I was hooked to this musical together with Legally Blonde (mind you, I love LBTM more). I love the song, the punchlines, the creativity within the musical. The show was a muse itself, it inspires us.

Talk about the talent, Xanadu is full of high-in-cocaine cast because of their life that they put in their characters. Comparing the first time I watched to the second time? It's incomparable because they are ecstatic on both shows and that's what other shows here in Manila should take note: Take each show as a premiere performance. 

Rachel Alejandro as the amusing muse Clio/Kira reminds me of Kerry Butler's performance in Xanadu only bland. Props to Xanadu for her wig, it looks much better than the one they used in Legally Blonde. I heard it was especially made for Rachel, and the wig is Broadway quality. Her costume is even much prettier than the original design and her skates has pink wheels, which is good; the leg warmers just looked like it was cut from a scrap of pink cloth and wrapped around Rachel's ankles. But her performance, her voice, her acting, her Australian accent it all goes well together. It just proves that she has versatility and not just a person behind a puppet. She needs to improve her comic timing-- she loses alot of punchlines, it's supposed to be laughed at but by the way she throws them it becomes unnoticeable-- people might not notice it, but not all of your audiences are like I am.

Felix Rivera. Can I just say... "AWESUMMM!"? Needless to say, he's one of the best theater performers in our country. Her vocal chops killed me and they just came out of his mouth effortlessly. I love how he had a new take on this role, Sonny Malone. It's very different to Cheyenne Jackson's which is very impressive. The beach boy accent and lingos are properly thrown which gained much applause and also, for his comic timing. He is a performer who does not drop his character when the spotlight's not on him, he's always Sonny Malone and it's amusing because when you talk to him in person, he is very different from Sonny. He skates good too.

Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda as E-evil Woman were definitely showstoppers. Their interaction with the stage audience is very much impressive because you don't know how these audience will react if you do something to them. The vocals of these two together just brings the house down. Hey-hey-hey! I can proudly say that their tandem slaps Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman together. And did I mention I super love Yael as Aphrodite?

Noel Trinidad as Danny Maguire; expected great performance, although I haven't seen this guy around theater that much. I was expecting to catch another Danny when I watched awhile ago but it's still good that it was him. His punchlines are thrown Dolphy-style and I give him props for that. His facial expressions are what some of the people in theater are missing. 

The ensemble, and I can name each one of them-- Anthony Ong, Glen Llanes, Bea Garcia, and Alys Serdenia. Their speaking, singing, and dancing in unison is sooo Broadway! I love that although they are ensembles, they take their role to the fullest. Anthony Ong with his Tap dancing in "Whenever You're Away from Me" gives me full of envy because I've long wanted to Tap dance (and have tap-dancing shoes). Glen Llanes stands out as Hermes, for me. Bea Garcia and Alys Serdenia made me laugh so hard in "Have You Never Been Mellow?" and by their respective roles. 

Did I mention that the cast are sooo nice? We went all fan-ing over them and they are very, very kind and corteous. I love them so much.

Xanadu is a 90-minute musical comedy with a book by Douglas Carter Beane, music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, based on the 1980 cult classic film of the same name which was, in turn, inspired by the 1947 Rita Hayworth film Down to Earth.

The story of the whimsical and comic musical focuses on a Greek muse, Clio, who descends from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest creation of his life - a roller disco. But, when Clio, disguised as an Australian roller girl named Kira, falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters ake advantage of the situation, and Clio risks eternal banishment to the underworld.

The musical opened on Broadway in 2007. It has earned an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and Drama Desk Award for Best Book. It was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book.

Xanadu features songs made popular by Olivia Newton-John in the film of the same title including MAGIC, SUDDENLY, SUSPENDED IN TIME, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN MELLOW and the hit title track XANADU.

With an abundance of famous pop songs from the 80's, a hilarious and lighthearted comic script, and some amazing rollerskating, Xanadu is a hilarious, rollerskating musical adventure about following your dreams despite the imitations others set for you.

Edit: Third time watching the show on its last night. Bobby Garcia treated me and my friends orchestra tickets!

Up next: THE WEDDING SINGER and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC!