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.