Sharing blood with his great grand uncle Jose Rizal it seems like there was no other choice for him but to end up portraying Ibarra, the lead character of Noli me tangere.
After some months rehearsing the opening is finally near. Sweat and hard effort has been done to get to this point. And this Spanish-Filipino actor and singer proudly presents a very challenging job as the leading tenor of this opera. Kuya Manzano just arrived from Spain five months ago to find his Filipino side. He’s been performing for the last thirteen years acting and singing in musical theater, zarzuela, opera, spoken theater, tv and films. So far in Spain, Portugal, Nederland, China and now in The Philippines, his motherland after all.
Updates, pictures and performance dates are published in his official page (http://kuyamanzano.com) and the Facebook fanclub (http://www.facebook.com/kuyafanclub).
Directed by DUP Artistic Director Alexander Cortez and music supervision of vocal coach Camille Lopez Molina & Pablo Mariano Molina. Pianist Noel de la Rosa did a fantastic job rehearsing innumerable hours to make sure it was good.
As Maria Clara we have Elainne Vibal and Myramae Meneses alternating the role, both making a beautiful couple with Kuya.
Arman Ferrer alternates the Ibarra role. And we cannot forget to mention some other names from the cast as veterans Jonathan Velasco as Padre Damaso (alternating with Michael Dominic Santos) and Onyl Torres as Padre Salvi. Cynthia Guico and Aissa Inumerable as Tia Isabel. Jean Judith Javier, Joy Abalon-Tamayo, Rica Nepomuceno as three great and different Sisa’s. Frederick Hipol delivers an intense Elias too.
11/24/2011
Sinag Productions' (DLS-CSB) "Siglo"
Sinag Productions, the AB Arts Management Program and the Performing Arts major in Dance program of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts will premiere a dance production entitled “Siglo” on November 29, 2011 at the 5th floor theater of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts, 950 Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.
Siglo”, or “One Hundred Years”, narrates and highlights a century’s worth of struggles and triumphs of the La Sallian presence inthe Philippines. Directed and choreographed by the graduating students of the Dance program, selected dancers from CCP’s BalletPhilippines will participate and perform in the said show. The show not only aims to display the artistic interpretation of our institution’s history, but it also allows us to celebrate and have our fellow students witness and appreciate the beauty of our Alma Mater
This production is a joint collaboration with School of Design and Arts’ Music Production, Production Design, and Technical Theater programs. Show times are at 10:00 am, 3:00pm, and 7:00pm.
For ticketing and other related inquiries, please contact Marketing Production Manager, Merril Cledera at 09175290256 or our Head Production Manager, Patricia Paredes at 09175981104 or e-mail us at sinagproductions@gmail.com for more details.
http://www.facebook.com/100siglo
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209219095816428
11/11/2011
The Latest: Lea Salonga for Atlantis Productions' GOD OF CARNAGE.
I knew it coming as there were rumors about this before. It even said that Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo would be co-starring with Lea in this play. Gee, although not confirmed. think of it: Menchu and Lea in a production? Overflowing talent soup in this production, huh?
24th Aliw Awards: Winners
Here are the winners for the 24th Aliw Awards for live entertainment held last November 8 at the Resorts World's Newport Performing Arts Theater.
*Winners in italicized-bold.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (THEATER)
Tony Mabesa
BEST ACTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Joel Lamangan - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Chase Cervera - Lam-ang (Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University)
Teroy Guzman - Screen: Macbeth (College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines)
Mario O'Hara - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Cris Pasturan - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Bembol Roco - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Vince Tanada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Redgie Jimenez - Alibugha (Pro.Pro)
Jett Pangan - Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Gerald Santos - Sino ka ba Jose Rizal (Gantimpala Theater)
Nyoy Volante - In the Heights (Atlantis Productions)
BEST ACTRESS (NON-MUSICAL)
Frances Makil Ignacio - Joy Luck Club (Repertory Philippines)
Ana Abad Santos - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Shamaine Buencamino - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Gina Pareno - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Joanne Salazar - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo- Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Xanadu (Atlantis Productions)
Nikki Gil - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Pinky Marquez - Little Women (Repertory Philippines)
K La Rivera - In the Heights (Atlantis Productions)
Cris Villongco - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE
Joel Trinidad - Kaos (Resorts World Manila)
Bodgie Pascua - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Jerald Napoles - Caredivas (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
Joe Gruta - El Filibusterismo
Romnick Sarmenta - Screen:Macbeth (College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines)
Note: Sarmenta and Gruta are listed in the program but their names were not called during the show and were not included in the list of nominees flashed on the screen.
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE
Jay Valencia Glorioso - In the Heights/ A Little Night of Music (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Aida (Atlantis Productions)
Cindy Maree Liper - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Tanya Manalang - Kaos (Resorts World Manila)
Glory Ann Nacional - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Sheree - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
In the Heights - Atlantis Productions
Sino ka ba Jose Rizal? - Gantimpala Theater
Hinilawod - Hiyas Kayumanggi
Cory ng Edsa - Philippine Stagers Foundation
Noli Me Tangere - Tanghalang Pilipino
BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Tony Mabesa - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Ronaldo Bertubin - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Jomari Jose - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Paolo O'Hara - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Dan Rommel Riopay - Florante at Laura/ Lam Ang (Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University)
Pepito Sumayan - Rajah Indarapatra (Mindanao State University)
BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)
Audie Gemora - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Arthur Casanova - Once on this Island (Brent School)
Bobby Garcia - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Menchu Lauchengco - Little Woman (Repertory Philippines)
Robert Sena - Magsimula Ka (Spotlight Artist Center)
Vince Tandada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
BEST NON-MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Rajah Indarapata - Mindanao State University
Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo - Pro.Pro
Joy Luck Club - Repertory Philippines
American Hwangap - Tanghalang Pilipino
Kagilagilalas na Buhay ni Lam Ang - Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University
Fake - UP Playwrights Theater
BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Cory the Musical - Philippines Stagers Foundation
Next to Normal - Atlantis Productions
Hinilawod- Hiyas Kayumanggi
Magsimula Ka- Spotlight Artist Center
11/10/2011
11/05/2011
Cast your votes for the first ever BWW Philippines Awards!
And the nominees are out for the first ever BroadwayWorld.com Philippines Awards! Ever felt that major award-giving bodies didn't give enough appreciation for your favorite musicals, plays and actors? Now, here's your chance to make the decision.
2011 BWW Philippines Awards Nominees
Best Musical
In the Heights (Atlantis Productions Inc.)
Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Sound of Music (Resorts World Manila)
Peter Pan (Repertory Philippines/Stages Production Specialists Inc.)
Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Care Divas (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Best Play
American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Ang Post Office (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
Best Direction of a Musical
Bobby Garcia (Next to Normal)
Jaime del Mundo and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Peter Pan)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Little Women)
Robbie Guevara (Sweet Charity)
Chari Arespacochaga (Aida)
Christopher De Venecia (Little Shop of Horrors)
Dexter Santos (Orosman at Zafira)
Vince Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Direction of a Play
Gary Labad (Ang Post Office)
Best Leading Actor (Musical)
Jett Pangan (Next to Normal)
Felix Rivera (Next to Normal)
Sam Concepcion (Peter Pan)
Gian Magdangal (The Wedding Singer)
Kris Lawrence (Sweet Charity)
Mark Bautista (Noli Me Tangere)
Melvin Lee (Care Divas)
Ricci Chan (Care Divas)
Jerald Napoles (Care Divas)
Vince Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Leading Actor (Play)
Martin delos Santos (Ang Post Office)
Best Leading Actress (Musical)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Next to Normal)
Ciara Sotto (Rent)
Mian Dimacali (Rent)
Caisa Borromeo (Little Women)
Nikki Gil (Sweet Charity)
Tippy dos Santos (Peter Pan)
Cris Villonco (Noli Me Tangere)
Best Leading Actress (Play)
Jay Glorioso (Love, Loss, and What I Wore)
Liza Infante (The 39 Steps)
Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (Fake)
Best Musical Direction
Gerard Salonga (Little Women)
Joseph Tolentino (Sweet Charity)
Pipo Cifra (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Choreography
Cecille Martinez (In the Heights)
Deana Aquino (Sweet Charity)
Dexter Santos (Orosman at Zafira)
John San Antonio (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Costume Design
Raven Ong (Peter Pan)
Mio Infante (Rent)
Emy Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Lighting Design
Shoko Matsumoto (Next to Normal)
Best Set Design
Joey Mendoza (Little Women)
Gino Gonzales (Peter Pan)
Jeffrey Ambrosio (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Sound Design
Chuck Ledesma (Rent)
Bobbit Jacinto (In the Heights)
Rards Corpus (Sound of Music)
Art Grabentina (Cory ng Edsa)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical)
Markki Stroem (Next to Normal)
OJ Mariano (Rent)
Michael Williams (Peter Pan)
Jeff Arcilla (Little Women)
Johann dela Fuente (The Wedding Singer)
Jon Jon Martin (The Wedding Singer)
Miguel Faustmann (Sweet Charity)
Myke Salomon (Care Divas)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Play)
Jeremy Domingo (American Hwangap)
Nicco Manalo (American Hwangap)
Jonathan Tadioan (Bombita)
George de Jesus (Amphitryon)
Joshua Deocareza (Titus Andronicus)
Nic Campos (Shakespeare in Hollywood)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical)
Bea Garcia (Next to Normal)
Tex Ordonez (In the Heights)
Ciara Sotto (Sweet Charity)
Sheila Valderrama (Sweet Charity)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Play)
Cris Villonco (The Joy Luck Club)
Frances Makil Ignacio (The Joy Luck Club)
Liesl Batucan (American Hwangap)
Skyzx Labastilla (Titus Andronicus)
Best Theater Company
Atlantis Productions Inc.
9 Works Theatrical
Best Theatrical Venue
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
CCP Little Theater
PETA Center Theater
Newport Performing Arts Theater (Resorts World Manila)
Credits to: Oliver Oliveros of BroadwayWorld.com
Vote passionately!
10/29/2011
Repertory Philippines 2012
Photos from Menchu Yulo's Facebook |
Yesterday, Repertory Philippines launched its shows for its 2012 season. The plays for this season are Leading Ladies and Next Fall. Then, the musical Jekyll & Hyde to be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo; and Camp Rock: The Musical for its big musical next year. Also, for the children's theater, Repertory is producing the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wizard of Oz.
I, myself, am excited for the upcoming Rep season, not cohesive but great selection! It will be an exciting musical theater scene for 2012!
10/22/2011
Updates: Seussical, In The Heights, N2N Repeat and other shows you should look forward to
I haven't been updating this blog for a couple of months, well, because of college stuffs, too, I guess. And I didn't even get the time to write a review for Repertory Philippines' Seussical, and Atlantis Productions' In The Heights and Next to Normal (Repeat). So, I decided to write a mini-review on these shows.
Repertory Philippines' Seussical:
The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.
This year's presentation of Repertory Philippines for children's theater is a must-watch! Besides its well-loved stories by Dr. Seuss, this production makes you visually full because the stage is bursting with colors and bubbles. With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, even the songs makes you want to jive from your seats. Everything is so perky, from sets to the costumes. The only problem is the costumes looked cheaply made, but that aside, the production is well-made considering its cheap ticket prices. This show has various sets of cast, but you have to catch Bituin Escalante, most especially, because she was the bomb (imagine, pregnant and still jumping to Sour Kangaroo?).
Seussical runs until December 2011 on OnStage, Greenbelt 1. For tickets, visit Repertory.ph or call Ticketworld at 571-6926.
Plus, my friend Michelle is in the cast and this is her first professional production! (Clap! Clap! Clap!)
Atlantis Productions' In The Heights:
The musical is an affectionate portrait of the Hispanic community in Manhattan's Washington Heights, showcasing hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music. Usnavi courts Vanessa, and dreams of opening a bar back home in the Dominican Republic. Nina is in love with Benny, but her father is against their union because he wants Nina to complete her education at Stanford University, and is prepared to sell his business to finance her. In the meantime, their friend Abuela wins $96,000 in a numbers game.
I didn't set my expectations high when I went to watch In The Heights last September. Besides of its "printed" set, the stage was crowded of set pieces and the production didn't quite match with the size of the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium stage. But, as the other reviews say, In The Heights is a capsulized telenovela put on stage with brilliant music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical brings heat on stage brought by its music, choreography and book. And, because we are a Spanish-cultured country, I found the musical relevant that it might have happened in some barangay in our country. What I like best about this production is the talent: it isn't stunt cast (except if you consider K-La, but I don't) and there's pure musical theater talent on stage; commending Ima Castro and K-La Rivera.
In The Heights will re-run March next year. You'll never know, you might just bump into Lin-Manuel Miranda in RCBC Plaza! Why? Because he is going to watch the show. Duh.
Atlantis Productions' Next to Normal (Re-run):
Next to Normal tells the story of how a family is impacted by a mother with bipolar disorder. Grounded in contemporary subjects, the musical considers how a suburban family copes with immense crisis and how far two parents will go to protect their children, and keep their lives unbroken by mental illness.
I've reviewed this show before (Click here to read review) so I'll just tell you how much this show changed from its first run early this year. It's unbelievable how a musical which I've watched a million times (including bootlegs) can make you sob over and over again. It shouldn't have that effect on me since I've seen it before, but this is what's amazing about this musical. It has "deeper" depth the second time around. The cast is much, much effective (especially Felix Rivera) this time, but an exception is Markki Stroem who plays Henry. I had this feeling that he had less enthusiasm about being on the show which made him look plain and lifeless on stage. But, still, it depends on one's character choices. Unfortunately, I don't think this musical will be staged ever on the Philippine stage; a decade past, maybe.
Other musicals you should look forward to:
Repertory Philippines' Seussical:
The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.
This year's presentation of Repertory Philippines for children's theater is a must-watch! Besides its well-loved stories by Dr. Seuss, this production makes you visually full because the stage is bursting with colors and bubbles. With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, even the songs makes you want to jive from your seats. Everything is so perky, from sets to the costumes. The only problem is the costumes looked cheaply made, but that aside, the production is well-made considering its cheap ticket prices. This show has various sets of cast, but you have to catch Bituin Escalante, most especially, because she was the bomb (imagine, pregnant and still jumping to Sour Kangaroo?).
Seussical runs until December 2011 on OnStage, Greenbelt 1. For tickets, visit Repertory.ph or call Ticketworld at 571-6926.
Plus, my friend Michelle is in the cast and this is her first professional production! (Clap! Clap! Clap!)
Atlantis Productions' In The Heights:
The musical is an affectionate portrait of the Hispanic community in Manhattan's Washington Heights, showcasing hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music. Usnavi courts Vanessa, and dreams of opening a bar back home in the Dominican Republic. Nina is in love with Benny, but her father is against their union because he wants Nina to complete her education at Stanford University, and is prepared to sell his business to finance her. In the meantime, their friend Abuela wins $96,000 in a numbers game.
I didn't set my expectations high when I went to watch In The Heights last September. Besides of its "printed" set, the stage was crowded of set pieces and the production didn't quite match with the size of the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium stage. But, as the other reviews say, In The Heights is a capsulized telenovela put on stage with brilliant music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical brings heat on stage brought by its music, choreography and book. And, because we are a Spanish-cultured country, I found the musical relevant that it might have happened in some barangay in our country. What I like best about this production is the talent: it isn't stunt cast (except if you consider K-La, but I don't) and there's pure musical theater talent on stage; commending Ima Castro and K-La Rivera.
In The Heights will re-run March next year. You'll never know, you might just bump into Lin-Manuel Miranda in RCBC Plaza! Why? Because he is going to watch the show. Duh.
Atlantis Productions' Next to Normal (Re-run):
Next to Normal tells the story of how a family is impacted by a mother with bipolar disorder. Grounded in contemporary subjects, the musical considers how a suburban family copes with immense crisis and how far two parents will go to protect their children, and keep their lives unbroken by mental illness.
I've reviewed this show before (Click here to read review) so I'll just tell you how much this show changed from its first run early this year. It's unbelievable how a musical which I've watched a million times (including bootlegs) can make you sob over and over again. It shouldn't have that effect on me since I've seen it before, but this is what's amazing about this musical. It has "deeper" depth the second time around. The cast is much, much effective (especially Felix Rivera) this time, but an exception is Markki Stroem who plays Henry. I had this feeling that he had less enthusiasm about being on the show which made him look plain and lifeless on stage. But, still, it depends on one's character choices. Unfortunately, I don't think this musical will be staged ever on the Philippine stage; a decade past, maybe.
Other musicals you should look forward to:
- Atlantis Productions' The Little Mermaid starring Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos. Runs from November 18 to December 11 at the Meralco Theater. For tickets, visit http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com. Directed by Chari Arespacochaga and Bobby Garcia.
- Last few shows of Repertory Philippines and Stages' Peter Pan starring Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos. Runs until October 30, 2011 at the Meralco Theater. For tickets visit http://repertory.ph or call Ticketworld at 571-6926. Directed by Jaime Del Mundo and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.
- Resorts World's The Sound of Music with Joanna Ampil and Cris Villonco currently running until December (might extend). Tickets are available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office and all TicketWorld outlets.
9/06/2011
Sam Concepcion celebrates first decade in showbiz via Peter Pan
Ten years after being launched via the musical The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Sam Concepcion comes full circle as he topbills STAGES and Repertory Philippines’ production of Peter Pan, slated to go onstage this September 30- October 30 at the Meralco Theater.
“Time flies so fast. I am now on my tenth year in showbiz,” declares the teen heartthrob. “I have my roots in theater, so it is just fitting that I celebrate my first decade in the business with Peter Pan.”
This production is also the first time that this version of Peter Pan, written by Stiles and Drewe and the late Willis Hall, will be staged in Asia. It relives Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up.
“People can expect a lot of flying from Peter Pan,” says Sam. “It is a perfect show for the whole family.”
Aside from Sam, Peter Pan also stars Michael Williams as Hook, and ABS-CBN’s rising star Tippy Dos Santos (Idol, Shoutout) as Wendy with Cara Barredo as alternate. Jaime Del Mundo and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo direct this production.
Undoubtedly, Sam is one of the most talented performers of this generation dabbling into acting for movies (Shake, Rattle and Roll 9, Cinco, Way Back Home), and TV series (Super Inggo, Walang Kapalit, I Love Betty La Fea and Good Vibes), performing (I’ll Find Your Heart 1 and 2, front act for Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift), recording (Sam Concepcion, Pop Class), and hosting and performing for TV (ASAP Rocks, Shoutout)
“Everything I have learned in my endeavors from the last decade, you will see when you watch Peter Pan,” enthuses Sam, who is being managed by STAGES and Star Magic. “This is one unforgettable show, so I hope everyone will catch this fun, fun show.”
Peter Pan goes onstage starting September 30- October 30 at the Meralco Theater. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.
8/19/2011
Christian Bautista and Karylle in "The Kitchen Musical"
Singapore- Karylle and Christian Bautista wowed the members of international press with their immense talent after the first episode of The Kitchen Musical was exhibited during the press conference held yesterday. The said TV musical is scheduled to air on seven countries, including ABS-CBN and Studio 23, in the region and 18 territories via AXN this October.
Produced in Singapore by The Group Entertainment, the series fuses music, dance, drama, comedy to come up with a unique, charming TV show. Aside from Karylle, as Sous Chef Maddie, and Christian, as Sous Chef Daniel, the series also features Filipino talents like Ikey Canoy, Thou Reyes, and Art Acuna.
Broadway star Stephen Rahman Hughes of Bombay Dreams is the other lead character in the story.
After viewing the said episode, Head of STAGES Talent Management Carlo Orosa, which manages the careers of Christian and Karylle, proudly expressed, “I am very proud of both Karylle and Christian because of what they have showed here. The Kitchen Musical is set to catapult Karylle’s international career and further establish Christian as an Asian Idol. It's like we landed on the moon with this project.”
Karylle and Christian shared that this The Kitchen Musical stint has further honed their craft as performers.
“We all worked hard for this show, and we’re very happy that finally, after two months, we had this chance to give people a glimpse of what we have been doing,” says Karylle. “It gives us great joy that we represent our country in this project.”
Christian further adds, “You will see me and Karylle in a very new light in this musical. It’s exciting.”
Also present during the Media Launch are Studio 23 Head March Ventosa, Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, and David Cosico, personal manager of Karylle.
The highly-successful media launch also paved the way for the announcement that Ben Silverman’s Electus is planning to bring the material to the United States.
Electus is the producer of the hit TV series Ugly Betty and The Office.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Silverman said, “We are pleased to add this compelling new series to our fast-growing slate of high concept, international programming as The Kitchen Musical has universal appeal that will resonate greatly with the global marketplace.”
Article by Gian Carlo Vizcarra
UPLB's Junto al Pasig
UPLB SAMASINING, in cooperation with the Theatre Communication class of this semester, will be staging Eljay Deldoc’s Filipino adaptation of Jose Rizal’s Junto al Pasig at the NCAS Auditorium, University of the Philippines Los Baños on August 31 to September 3, 3pm and 7pm. The play will be directed by Prof. Dennis D. Gupa and original music by Ms. Marie Angelica Dayao.
During the teenage years of Dr. Jose Rizal, he wrote Junto al Pasig as a commissioned work for the feast of the patroness of Ateneo, Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The play was first performed by Rizal’s schoolmates on the 8th of December 1880 at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, with music written by a Spanish Professor, Blas Echegoyen.
In celebration of the 150th birthday of our national hero, Junto al Pasig or ‘Sa Tabi ng Pasig,’ will be given life once again to revive a forgotten and unknown text not usually put into a performance written on Rizal’s time. The play will showcase the concept and the aim of rethinking Rizal and gaining a new sense and perspective on colonialism, psychology and religion during the time that this text was written. This will also portray a new way of reclaiming our sense of identity in the narration presented by Dr. Jose Rizal.
Tickets are P200 each. For inquiries, contact Ms. Sophia Osorio at 09172097350.
7/19/2011
Rachelle Ann Go as "Ariel" Discussion + "Part of Your World" Preview
Last week, someone posted in our fan club's Facebook group this audio of Rachelle Ann Go singing "Part of Your World" from Disney's The Little Mermaid which Atlantis Productions will stage later this year.
Some of the responses from the fans are:
I'm posting fan responses because these comments are REAL and has no bias. And because I built this blog for fans, I might as well write with a fan's point of view. We aren't narrow-minded and limit theater for theater actors only. I, myself, is a fan of Nikki Gil's work on stage. Yes, I did have doubts about her as Elle Woods but after seeing her on stage, I am more than excited now to see her as Charity in 9 Works' Sweet Charity. But they shouldn't have released a preview of Rachelle singing a song from the show because it is not polished yet. But still, even without the trust on the leads, we trust the show. It is still The Little Mermaid which starred Sierra Boggess on Broadway and it is still Atlantis Productions that will stage the show, so people will still watch it. And I will watch the show because I am also excited for the Asian puppetry they promised about.
Still flippin'
Some of the responses from the fans are:
1: "For me it is good. Not broadway good but good enough. I won't judge her until I see her perform live. It sounds like she is just singing in Party Pilipinas. But I don't mind listening to pop. I like pop. For now I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt since this is her first. But she better do her best to impress me on the show."
2: "Actually simula palang napapakinggan ko. LOL It sounds so "pop". I assume they haven't rehearsed yet. I hope mag-improve ng bongga."
3: "Poor diction. Seriously. But kulang pa. Seriously, there's something lacking. Emotions. There's nooooooo emotions. No longing for a pair of feet."
4: "Yeah, it's not that convincing YET. We'll see. She still has a few months! It's kinda airy..."
5: "Does this mean na there's gonna be a recording for the show like in N2N or Xanadu?"
4: "I think so..."
3: "Please, don't!"
I'm posting fan responses because these comments are REAL and has no bias. And because I built this blog for fans, I might as well write with a fan's point of view. We aren't narrow-minded and limit theater for theater actors only. I, myself, is a fan of Nikki Gil's work on stage. Yes, I did have doubts about her as Elle Woods but after seeing her on stage, I am more than excited now to see her as Charity in 9 Works' Sweet Charity. But they shouldn't have released a preview of Rachelle singing a song from the show because it is not polished yet. But still, even without the trust on the leads, we trust the show. It is still The Little Mermaid which starred Sierra Boggess on Broadway and it is still Atlantis Productions that will stage the show, so people will still watch it. And I will watch the show because I am also excited for the Asian puppetry they promised about.
Still flippin'
blueREP's Little Shop of Horrors: New show dates
In the old days, it was all about selling your soul to the devil for fame and fortune. But ever heard of selling it to an evil, man-eating Venus Flytrap from outer space?
With all the pressures in a fast-paced world obsessed with money and beauty, it isn’t hard to imagine that anyone would do absolutely anything to fulfill their dreams – whether through hard work or Faustian deals. But with the allure of earning fast bucks and becoming overnight sensations, shady businesses have become a lot more common.
Even the honest-to-goodness nice guys aren’t immune to this kind of temptation, and Seymour Krelborn is one of them. He is the protagonist of Little Shop of Horrors, a black comedy musical satirizing old-school sci-fi movies and one of the longest running Off-Broadway shows of all time. This August 2011, the Ateneo Blue Repertory presents Little Shop of Horrors as its 20th season’s premiere.
Since its beginnings in 1991, blueREP has delighted local audiences with shows that celebrate the artistry of the Filipino performer. blueREP has a diverse range of shows under its belt having staged musicals like Pippin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Stages of Love, Bare: A Pop Opera, and Hair.
“For our 20th season, our theme is man's inner struggle, and the clash between the beasts within us and our humanity,” says Ejay Yatco, blueREP’s Artistic Director. “Seymour, the lead character of the play, faces this struggle when he is offered everything he ever wanted but at a great cost. Little Shop of Horrors is the first of three plays this year that will move our audiences to ask the question ‘Who is the man? Who is the Beast?’”
With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors is the story of a miserable fellow named Seymour Krelborn, played by Luis Marcelo (Buddy in blueREP’s Freakshow), and his yearning for a better life and a chance at romance with Audrey, the love of his life, played by Maronne Cruz (Woman 2 in blueREP’s Edges, Scaramouche in blueREP’s Rock ‘N Rule). However, after being influenced by a devious plant, brought to life by Tina Ramos (Dionne in blueREP’s Hair, Woman 2 in blueREP’s Edges, Killer Queen in blueREP’s Rock ‘N Rule), Seymour must now choose between what is right and wrong, all for the sake of a little fame, money and glory.
Directed by Toff de Venecia (director of blueREP’s All Shook Up and Freakshow) and Musical Direction by blueREP’s Artistic Director Ejay Yatco (musical director of blueREP’s Edges), blueREP’s Little Shop of Horrors runs from August 10 - 27 at the Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets are P199 each. Please contact Mica Fajardo at 09178908795 for ticket inquiries and reservations.
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If you know nothing about this musical, check this video out. Kerry Butler as Audrey and Hunter Foster (Yes, Sutton's brother) as Seymour performing one of the famous songs in the show, "Suddenly Seymour".
7/13/2011
"Rules" for Performers
Photo from [link] |
This is a very interesting list of rules for theater workers (specifically, performers). And of course, this all comes with passion. Full article and continuation of list here.
The "rules" follow:
1. I shall never miss a performance.
2. I shall play every performance with energy, enthusiasm and to the best of my ability regardless of size of audience, personal illness, bad weather, accident, or even death in my family.
3. I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals or any other scheduled work at the theatre, and I shall always be on time.
4. I shall never make a curtain late by my failure to be ready on time.
5. I shall never miss an entrance.
6. I shall never leave the theatre building or the stage area until I have completed my performance, unless I am specifically excused by the stage manager; curtain calls are a part of the show.
7. I shall not let the comments of friends, relatives or critics change any phase of my work without proper consultation; I shall not change lines, business, lights, properties, settings or costumes or any phase of the production without consultation with and permission of my director or producer or their agents, and I shall inform all people concerned.
8. I shall forego the gratification of my ego for the demands of the play.
9. I shall remember my business is to create illusion; therefore, I shall not break the illusion by appearing in costume and makeup off-stage or outside the theatre.
10. I shall accept my director’s and producer’s advice and counsel in the spirit in which it is given, for they can see the production as a whole and my work from the front.
6/30/2011
Don't Feed the Plants!: BlueRep's "Little Shop of Horrors"
The Ateneo Blue Repertory brings you its 20th Season Premiere, Little Shop of Horrors
In the old days it was all about selling your soul to the devil for fame and fortune. But ever heard of selling it to an evil, man-eating Venus Flytrap from outer space?
With all the pressures in a fast-paced world obsessed with money and beauty, it isn’t hard to imagine that anyone would do absolutely anything to fulfill their dreams – whether through hard work or Faustian deals. But with the allure of earning fast bucks and becoming overnight sensations, shady businesses have become a lot more common.
Even the honest-to-goodness nice guys aren’t immune to this kind of temptation, and Seymour Krelborn is one of them. He is the protagonist of Little Shop of Horrors, a black comedy musical satirizing old-school sci-fi movies and one of the longest running Off-Broadway shows of all time. This July 2011, the Ateneo Blue Repertory presents Little Shop of Horrors as its 20th season’s premiere.
Since its beginnings in 1991, blueREP has delighted local audiences with shows that celebrate the artistry of the Filipino performer. blueREP has a diverse range of shows its belt having staged musicals like Pippin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Stages of Love, Bare: A Pop Opera, and Hair.
“For our 20th season, our theme is man's inner struggle, and the clash between the beasts within us and our humanity,” says Ejay Yatco, blueREP’s Artistic Director. “Seymour, the lead character of the play, faces this struggle when he is offered everything he ever wanted but at a great cost. Little Shop of Horrors is the first of three plays this year that will move our audiences to ask the question ‘Who is the man? Who is the Beast?’”
With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors is the story of a miserable shopkeeper’s yearning for a better life and a chance at love, all encouraged by a devious plant who manipulates him into quenching its thirst for blood and world domination in exchange for his heart’s desires. Thus, he must choose between right and wrong, all for the sake of a bit of glory.
Directed by Toff de Venecia (director of blueREP’s All Shook Up and Freakshow) and Musical Direction by blueREP’s Artistic Director Ejay Yatco (musical director of blueREP’s Edges), blueREP’s Little Shop of Horrors runs from July 27-August 13 at the Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. Tickets are P199 each. Please contact Mica Fajardo at 09178908795 to purchase them.
6/23/2011
Open auditions for Resorts World's "The Sound of Music"
Resorts World Manila, in cooperation with Ultimate Entertainment, Inc., is calling theater actors, performers, singers to audition for its production of the well-loved family musical The Sound of Music this June 24 (Friday) and 25 (Saturday) at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The production will be staged this October at the same venue.
All roles are still open. Interested talents should prepare the following: one song from a Broadway musical (using a minus one or music sheet), close-up and full-body photos, and resume (if available).
For more information, please visit The Sound of Music Manila Facebook Fanpage.
6/13/2011
2011 Tony Awards Winners
Credits to Playbill Facebook Page |
- Best Play
War Horse
Good People
Jerusalem
The Motherf**ker with the Hat
- Best Musical
The Book of Mormon
Catch Me If You Can
The Scottsboro Boys
Sister Act
- Best Book of a Musical
The Book of Mormon
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
The Scottsboro Boys
Sister Act
- Best Original Score
The Book of Mormon
The Scottsboro Boys
Sister Act
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
- Best Revival of a Play
The Normal Heart
Arcadia
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Merchant of Venice
- Best Revival of a Musical
Anything Goes
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Mark Rylance, Jerusalem
Brian Bedford, The Importance of Being Earnest
Bobby Cannavale, The Motherf**ker with the Hat
Joe Mantello, The Normal Heart
Al Pacino, The Merchant of Venice
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Frances McDormand, Good People
Nina Arianda, Born Yesterday
Lily Rabe, The Merchant of Venice
Vanessa Redgrave, Driving Miss Daisy
Hannah Yelland, Brief Encounter
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Norbert Leo Butz, Catch Me If You Can
Josh Gad, The Book of Mormon
Joshua Henry, The Scottsboro Boys
Andrew Rannells, The Book of Mormon
Tony Sheldon, Priscilla Queen of the Desert
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Sutton Foster, Anything Goes
Beth Leavel, Baby It's You!
Patina Miller, Sister Act
Donna Murphy, The People in the Picture
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
John Benjamin Hickey, The Normal Heart
Mackenzie Crook, Jerusalem
Billy Crudup, Arcadia
Arian Moayed, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Yul Vázquez, The Motherf**ker with the Hat
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Ellen Barkin, The Normal Heart
Edie Falco, The House of Blue Leaves
Judith Light, Lombardi
Joanna Lumley, La Bête
Elizabeth Rodriguez, The Motherf**ker with the Hat
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical John Larroquette, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Colman Domingo, The Scottsboro Boys
Adam Godley, Anything Goes
Forrest McClendon, The Scottsboro Boys
Rory O'Malley, The Book of Mormon
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Nikki M. James, The Book of Mormon
Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Tammy Blanchard, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Victoria Clark, Sister Act
Patti LuPone, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
- Best Direction of a Play
Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris , War Horse
Joel Grey & George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
Anna D. Shapiro, The Motherf**ker with the Hat
Daniel Sullivan, The Merchant of Venice
- Best Direction of a Musical
Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, The Book of Mormon
Rob Ashford, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Kathleen Marshall, Anything Goes
Susan Stroman, The Scottsboro Boys
- Best Choreography
Kathleen Marshall, Anything Goes
Rob Ashford, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Casey Nicholaw, The Book of Mormon
Susan Stroman, The Scottsboro Boys
- Best Orchestrations
Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus, The Book of Mormon
Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Larry Hochman, The Scottsboro Boys
Marc Shaiman & Larry Blank, Catch Me If You Can
- Best Scenic Design of a Play
Rae Smith, War Horse
Todd Rosenthal, The Motherf**ker with the Hat
Ultz, Jerusalem
Mark Wendland, The Merchant of Venice
- Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Scott Pask, The Book of Mormon
Beowulf Boritt, The Scottsboro Boys
Derek McLane, Anything Goes
Donyale Werle, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
- Best Costume Design of a Play Desmond Heeley, The Importance of Being Earnest
Jess Goldstein, The Merchant of Venice
Mark Thompson, La Bête
Catherine Zuber, Born Yesterday
- Best Costume Design of a Musical
Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner ,Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Martin Pakledinaz, Anything Goes
Ann Roth, The Book of Mormon
Catherine Zuber, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
- Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable, War Horse
David Lander, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Kenneth Posner, The Merchant of Venice
Mimi Jordan Sherin, Jerusalem
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Brian MacDevitt, The Book of Mormon
Ken Billington, The Scottsboro Boys
Howell Binkley, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Peter Kaczorowski, Anything Goes
- Best Sound Design of a Play
Christopher Shutt, War Horse
Acme Sound Partners & Cricket S. Myers, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Simon Baker, Brief Encounter
Ian Dickinson for Autograph, Jerusalem
- Best Sound Design of a Musical
Brian Ronan, The Book of Mormon
Peter Hylenski, The Scottsboro Boys
Steve Canyon Kennedy, Catch Me If You Can
Brian Ronan, Anything Goes
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