Natatanging Gawad Buhay!--Tony Mabesa

Outside of my jury duties, I had nothing to do with the preparation for this year's Gawad Buhay! ceremonies, so it was an honor and a delight to discover that Philstage had quoted something I had once written about lifetime achievement awardee Tony Mabesa as his profile write-up in the souvenir program.

Thus: Tony Mabesa is a multi-awarded director, actor, playwright and teacher who, in over five decades of prolific artistic work, has become a lion of local theater. Under his firm, steady stewardship, Dulaang UP, the official performing group for theater of the University of the Philippines, has staked out a robust position as the country’s most consistent interpreter of Filipino and world drama, as well as the birthing ground for generations of artists and performers who have enriched Philippine theater, movies and TV.

[The quote is from a 2006 feature I did of Mr. Mabesa directing Hamlet Redux for Dulaang UP. Unfortunately, the Inquirer archives are down at the moment, so can't link to the page.]

But the far better introduction, really, was done by Floy Quintos and Irma Adlawan, just two of Mr. Mabesa's former students who are now hugely accomplished in their own multi-hyphenate careers, who paid tribute to their beloved mentor by sharing a bit about how it was getting molded by Mr. Mabesa, before the legendary director and founder of Dulaang UP was called to the stage. Watch:

How Elaine Bickerstaff became Elaine Paige, 'First Lady of British Musical Theater'

In 1964, 16-year-old Elaine Bickerstaff auditioned for her first professional musical straight from drama school, and she didn't get the part.

Her teacher was so sure that Elaine was right for the show--“The Roar of the Greasepaint-The Smell of the Crowd,” on its pre-Broadway British tour--that she urged a name change and a stealthy second audition.

Desperate for a marquee-worthy name, Elaine leafed through the telephone book. She decided that the pages themselves were more interesting than any name printed on them, added the “i” for extra flair, and an unrecognized Elaine Paige was cast in the show.

Paige has sung onstage for a living ever since and is currently appearing in the star-studded Kennedy Center revival of "Follies" in Washington, D.C. She made her West End debut in “Hair” in 1968. In 1972, she was in the chorus of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Jesus Christ Superstar” and became a star as the pair's “Evita” in 1978. She introduced “Memory” in Lloyd Webber's “Cats” and has been the first lady of British musical theater to this day.

[More here.]

PLUS: Andrew Lloyd Webber--“She has a 'belt' voice in areas where no self-respecting angel will ever dare to tread and she has the heart to use this God-given voice in a way that imbues it with true emotion.” Here's the best of that voice, belted out or otherwise.

Fabcast: Timely, urgent, eye-opening--the story of Jake

@mgg @mcvie @gibbscadiz, thank you for that fabcast. powerful story indeed. struck a chord in me. -- from @itsMePeriod on Twitter, just one of many expressions of support and appreciation we got from listeners after the publication of the two-part podcast below featuring our special guest, Jake Manila.

Jake--to whom all the thanks, in fact, should go, for his courage, honesty and selflessness in admitting he is HIV-positive, and resolving to do his part to help raise greater awareness about the disease. How he got infected is a shocking, hearbreaking story. But how he is living with it, and what it now means to his life--and to the rest of us who might find inspiration from his example of bravery and grace under tremendous odds--deserve greater attention. Listen:

Part 1

Download this fabcast (right click and save)

Music credits:
• Love The Way You Lie (Part II) (piano version) by Rihanna
• Maturity (from the soundtrack of Cinema Paradiso) by Ennio Morricone
• Visit To The Cinema (from the soundtrack of Cinema Paradiso) by Ennio Morricone
• After The Destruction (from the soundtrack of Cinema Paradiso) by Ennio Morricone
• Cinema On Fire (from the soundtrack of Cinema Paradiso) by Ennio Morricone

Part 2

Download this fabcast (right click and save)

Music credits:
• Sun Of A Gun by Oh Land
• The Mission (from The Mission soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
• Gabriel’s Oboe (from The Mission soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
• In My Place by Coldplay
• Childhood And Manhood (from Cinema Paradiso) soundtrack by Ennio Morricone
• Love Theme (from Cinema Paradiso soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
• Remorse (from The Mission soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
• The Show Must Go On (from Moulin Rouge soundtrack) by Jim Broadbent, Nicole Kidman and Cast

For more of Jake's advocacy, the No Day But Today Project, click here. He can also be reached at monkeyboy589@yahoo.com or at his Facebook page.

Ah, those closing lines of Tony Kushner's Angels in America:

You are fabulous creatures, each and every one.
And I bless you: More Life.
The Great Work Begins.

Ang mundo ng entabladong Pilipino

Ayon kay Glenn Mas, makata, guro, mandudula at kasamang hurado sa Gawad Buhay!:

Naiyak ako nung kinanta ito kanina nina Celeste Legaspi at Pinky Marquez sa awards night ng Philstage sa Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino ng CCP. Naiyak ako dahil may resonance sa buhay na pinili ko ang mga titik ng kantang ito. Naiyak ako dahil kinanta ito sa entabladong kilalang-kilala ko dahil dati rin akong nagtanghal dito. At higit sa lahat, naiyak ako dahil habang kinakanta ito ay pinalilibutan ako ng maraming mga kapatid na tulad ko ay minahal din, at patuloy na minamahal, ang teatro.



Performers: Roden Araneta, John Arcilla, Emmy Cayabyab, Melanie Dujunco, Inday Echeverria, Bituin Escalante, Waya Gallardo, Audie Gemora, Mio Infante, Clottie Lucero, Rhoel Mangulabnan, Jun Ofrasio, Adrian Reyes, Kyla Rivera. Soloists: Celeste Legaspi and Pinky Marquez.

Mr. C, Ryan Cayabyab himself, the particular object of this musical tribute, would text a friend of his afterwards about the night (SMS reposted here with his permission):

Nakakatuwa! They rehearsed on the sly. I had no inkling whatsoever! Ang galing-galing nila. Nakaka-awe ang mga talents [na andun]--Joey Reyes, Floy Quintos, Cesar Cosme, Dindo Angeles, Loy Arcenas, Bituin Escalante, Lisa Macuja, Celeste, Audie, Pinky Marquez, Bien Lumbera, Nonoy Froilan and Edna Vida, Irma Adlawan. Ang galing ni Vince De Jesus, so talented! I could go on and on. Mabuhay ang mga taga-entabladong Pilipino!... Never mind the award, kahit wala. Just to say that I am part of that family was good enough. I am so awed that the Rep people and those from TP, Gantimpala, Stages and PETA were all there with such high mutual respect for each other. Mabuhay ang entabladong Pilipino!

A people in need of food, water--and music

Reno Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Laura Jackson in a 2009 interview, recalling her stint with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra:

The first job that I did this season was in the Philippines, it was in Manila, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. These people are very poor. They travel more than two hours each way to play in this orchestra, and it pays them peanuts. I mean, they have to have huge jobs outside of this orchestra in order to survive.

On my third rehearsal, a third of the orchestra was missing. I was thinking, "Boy, these people are relaxed because we're almost at the dress rehearsal and nobody's here." Well, they came in soaking wet and sat down without a single word and just played. I was like, "What is going on?"

I asked the orchestra manager at the intermission and she said there was serious flooding on the highways coming in and that people parked their cars on the side of the road and walked, carrying their instruments over their heads. That, to me, tells me that these people who are practically starving, these are the needs in their life: food, water and music. That was incredibly inspiring to me and I felt like if these people are willing to knock themselves out for this to be part of their life, that tells me how much we need it.

PLUS: From the baul--Symphonic Eraserheads! Pinoy pop meets classical as Ryan Cayabyab rearranges the E-heads' top hits into a sweeping concerto, with Gener Caringal's Philippine Ballet Theater providing the en pointe dancing. Intriguing, exciting transmutation. If you can't stand ballet, just close your eyes and listen to the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra lend lushness and majesty to the band's playful melodies. Another highlight of ABS-CBN and CCP's Kulturang Handog sa Bayan concert of many moons ago.

The 2010 Gawad Buhay!, the Philstage Awards for the performing arts--complete list of winners

The complete list of nominees and winners (in red) at the 2010 Gawad Buhay!, the Philstage Awards for the performing arts, held tonight at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY! (Lifetime Achievement Awards)
Ryan Cayabyab
Tony Espejo
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
Tony Mabesa

------------------------------------------------

OUTSTANDING PLAY (tie)
American Hwangap (Filipino version), Tanghalang Pilipino
Ang Post Office, PETA

Equus, Repertory Philippines

Tatlong Mariya, Tanghalang Pilipino

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PRODUCTION

Little Women, Repertory Philippines

Romeo and Bernadette, Repertory Philippines

OUTSTANDING DANCE PRODUCTION
Ballets and Ballads, Ballet Manila
Halo-Halo ni Juan, Ballet Manila

Crisostomo Ibarra, Ballet Philippines

Neo-Filipino 2010, Ballet Philippines
Peter Pan, Ballet Philippines
September Gala, Ballet Philippines

OUTSTANDING STAGE DIRECTION
Ana Abad Santos, Duets
Loy Arcenas, Tatlong Mariya

Audie Gemora, Equus

Lutgardo Labad, Ang Post Office
Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Little Women

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Play)

American Hwangap

Duets
Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Musical)

Little Women

Romeo and Bernadette

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Dance)
Ballets and Ballads
Crisostomo Ibarra
Neo-Filipino 2010

Peter Pan

September Gala

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Angeli Bayani, Tatlong Mariya

Mailes Kanapi, Tatlong Mariya

Gina Pareno, American Hwangap (Filipino version)
Joy Virata, Duets

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Martin De Los Santos, Ang Post Office
Miguel Faustmann, Equus

Mario O’Hara, American Hwangap (Filipino version)

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Liesl Batucan, American Hwangap (Filipino version)

Che Ramos, Tatlong Mariya

Pheona Barranda, Equus

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Nicco Manalo, America Hwangap (Filipino version)

Mario O’ Hara, Tatlong Mariya

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL

Caissa Borromeo, Little Women

Ayen Munji-Laurel, Banaag at Sikat
Cris Villonco, Romeo and Bernadette

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL

Robert Sena, Si Juan Tamad, Ang Dyablo at ang Limag Milyong Boto

PJ Valerio, Romeo and Bernadette

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL

Cara Barredo, Little Women

Angeli Bayani, Banaag at Sikat

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
No nominee

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, The Nutcracker

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
No nominee

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION

Mylene Aggabao, The Nutcracker

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
No nominee

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION
Candice Adea, Peter Pan

Candice Adea, September Gala

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballets and Ballads
Camille Ordinario Joson, Neo-Filipino 2010

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION

JM Cordero, Crisostomo Ibarra

JM Cordero, September Gala
Rudy De Dios, Ballets and Ballads
Rudy De Dios, Halo-Halo ni Juan
Cyril Fallar, Peter Pan

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION

Carissa Adea, Crisostomo Ibarra

Veronica Ylagan, Neo-Filipino 2010

FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION (Male)

Angel Gabriel, Crisostomo Ibarra

Richard Yadao, Peter Pan

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPT
No nominee

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL LIBRETTO

Bienvenido Lumbera, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING ADAPTATION OR TRANSLATION
Joi Barrios LeBlanc, American Hwangap (Filipino version)
Bienvenido Lumbera, Banaag at Sikat
Rody Vera, Ang Post Office

Rody Vera, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION
Jeff Hernandez, Ang Post Office

Gerard Salonga, Little Women

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL COMPOSITION
No nominee

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY FOR A PLAY OR MUSICAL

Edna Vida, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY FOR A DANCE PRODUCTION (tie)
Carissa Adea, Rey-Sing
Novy Bereber, To Whom It May Concern
Augustus Damian III, Rebel
Augustus Damian III, Reconfigured
Cyril Fallar, Dancer’s Crux
Alden Lugnasin, Words and Phrases

Carlo Pacis, Shifting Wait

Edna Vida, Peter Pan

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
Joy Virata, Duets

Dennis Lagdameo, Equus

Salvador Bernal, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN

John Neil Batalla, Equus

John Neil Batalla, Little Women
Martin Esteva, Duets
Barbi Tan-Tiongco, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN
Jethro Joaquin, Duets

Jethro Joaquin, Equus

Jethro Joaquin, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN

Loy Arcenas, Tatlong Mariya

Dennis Lagdameo, Equus
Lex Marcos, Ang Post Office
Joey Mendoza, Little Women
Tuxqs Rutaquio, Duets

Congratulations to all the winners!

Her persuasion can build a nation, rock CGI and get even Babs to swoon

Male misbehavior is still endemic, of course—heartbreakingly so... What's changed is women's reaction. Boys can be boys all they want, but girls have had it with being played for fools. We're not interested in the doormat role anymore. You choose, you lose, suckas.

The girlpower message came across loud and clear at Sunday night's Billboard music awards when Beyoncé electrified the crowd with “Run the World (Girls).” Beyoncé--who raked in $87 million last year, according to Forbes, handily beating out hubby Jay-Z, whose mogulhood earned him $63 million--spelled it out.

“Disrespect us no they won't/Boy don't even try to take us,” she sang, powerful as a fembot and surrounded by a dancing army of other Amazons. “I'm repping for the girls who taking over the world... Boy you know you love it/How we're smart enough to make those millions/Strong enough to bear the children/Then get back to bidness/See, you better not play me!...”

As Beyoncé told the crowd, “Men have been given the chance to rule the world, but ladies, our revolution has begun!”

-- “The End of Male Privilege: Women Fed Up With Bad Behavior”

[Okay, exajj on Babs swooning--she never swoons--but, hey, when was the last time someone basked in her on-cam benediction?]



PLUS: Here's the connection--

Ima Castro in the raw

Ima Castro, Kim of the UK national tour of Miss Saigon, and also the succeeding Kim to Lea Salonga in the 2001 Manila production of the mega-musical, is back in town to begin rehearsing for the lead part of the Nubian princess Aida in Atlantis Productions' June 24-July 10 mounting of the Elton John-Tim Rice Broadway musical.

Ima has been based in London for the last 10 years, four of those as wife to the actor who played Chris to her Kim in the Miss Saigon-UK tour. Unfortunately, they are now divorced. Ima says she has kept herself busy as one of the featured performers in two touring revues highlighting Broadway and West End musicals. She's also part of an all-female quartet that performs “big diva songs,” in her own words--from Whitney Houston hits to showstoppers from musical theater.

In Manila, not only is Ima starring in Aida, but she's also following that up by doing the role of Vanessa in Atlantis' next production, In the Heights, which runs September 2-18, also at the RCBC Theater, Makati City. For Aida, her co-stars include Myke Salomon as Radames, father-and daughter Hajji and Rachel Alejandro as Zoser and Amneris, respectively, Alys Serdenia as Nehebka and pop singer Josh Santana, in his musical-theater debut, as Mereb. Directing the show is Chari Arespacochaga.

With Aida, says Ima, she's learning to adjust to a lower vocal register. The score is difficult to sing because of the range--there are high notes aplenty, which is her forte, but the role of the captive Nubian princess, especially as incarnated by Heather Headley, who sang and acted the part to a triumphant Best Actress Tony on Broadway, calls for a darker, more soulful sound, pitched to a lower timbre. Ima says she's been practicing the songs even before leaving London for Manila, but still needs to get into the thick of rehearsals to be able to grasp the score fully.

At the presscon introducing her as Aida, though, this internationally lauded singer-actress had more immediate concerns--like how to dodge questions from some show-biz writers that bordered on the highly personal and intrusive. After mentioning that she's now divorced, she got barraged with questions like: Why did you separate? What happened? There was no sex anymore heeheehee? Could he perhaps be gay hahaha? Ima could only fudge and laugh along nervously, all the while keeping her cool.

It reminded me of a similar scene: At the presscon for Atlantis' earlier Next to Normal, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, about to play one of the most challenging roles in her extraordinary 30-year career in musical theater, couldn't get to talk about the part of Diana Goodman, or her craft, or anything about theater--not before the show-biz reporters present (not all, but a few) could first ask her something like: Would you consider playing a cougar role opposite somebody like Markki Stroem (Next to Normal's newbie actor)?

Argh.

No teaser performance was scheduled, but Ima was nevertheless obliged to sing for the TV cameras when the request came. She sang some lines from Sun and Moon, a bit from Aida, and--the “power song” TV needed to hear--the refrain from the pop hit Shine. You might have seen the seconds-long exposure on TV. This is how it went, unedited:



Atlantis Productions' “Aida” runs June 24-July 10, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. A limited number of shows are now available for show-buying and fund-raising opportunities. Call Atlantis 8927078 or 8401187.

Gantimpala Theater launches 34th season, announces auditions

Gantimpala Theater announces its 34th theatrical season and its forthcoming audition on May 31.

Artistic Director Tony S. Espejo says, “This year, the company pays tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, as we join in the commemoration of his 150th birthday celebration. We present Philippine literary and theater classics, whose lessons very much resonate with the messages and morality of our beloved National Hero.”

Opening the season is “Noli Me Tangere,” the longest-running Filipino theater classic. Known as “Kanser,” the stage adaptation penned by Jomar Fleras, with Adriana Agcaoli as director, presents the many colorful characters and situations of Rizal’s provocative novel.

Next is “El Filibusterismo,” also adapted for the stage by Fleras, the play highlighting the many schemes of Don Simoun, the jeweler from hell who wants a revolution. Jose Estrella directs.

“Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal?” the original production of which was done in cooperation with Musical Theater Philippines, with book, libretto, and music by Nonoy Gallardo under Tony Espejo's direction, covers the life of Dr. Jose Rizal from his childhood to his execution, coming alive on stage through stirring songs and rousing dances.

For children's theater, Gantimpala presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with book and libretto by J. Dennis Teodosio and music by Jesse Lucas. Espejo also directs this children’s musical.

The third play in the Four Classics is “Ibong Adarna,” originally billed as "Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magkakapatid na Anak nang Haring Fernando at nang Reyna Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania." Ed Maranan adapts the corrido into a play, with Roobak Valle as director.

Concluding the season is “Florante at Laura,” Francisco Baltazar’s literary masterpiece presented as a komedya, with script by Bonifacio Ilagan under the direction of Roeder and Jose Jeffrey Camañag.

The general audition, meanwhile, is set on May 31, Tuesday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., at the Rehearsal Hall of the Open Air Auditorium Building in Luneta, Manila.

It is open to professional and non-professional actors and actresses, ages 18 to 60 years old. They must bring photos (close up and whole body) and must ready themselves to read excerpts from the Four Classics.

For queries about the audition, call 5280603/5365860, or 0921-5286308. For information about the 34th Theater Season, call 8995745/8963503/9985622.

Visit www.gantimpalatehater.multiply.com, or like at www.facebook.com/gantimpala.

Virgin Labfest 7 schedule of shows

Below is the Virgin Labfest 7 schedule of shows, as announced by dramaturg/festival director Rody Vera. Unless otherwise indicated, all will be staged at the CCP's Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

June 29, Wednesday, 3 and 8 p.m.: Virgin Labfest 6 Revisited
• Ondoy, by Remi Velasco
• Balunbalunan, Bingibingihan, by Debbie Ann L. Tan
• Higit Pa Dito, by Allan B. Lopez

June 30, Thursday, 3 and 8 p.m.
• Isang Gabi Bago Magbukas ang Portrait of the Artist as Filipino ni Nick Joaquin, by Carlo Pacolor Garcia

July 1, Friday, 3 and 8 p.m.
• Kawala, by Rae Red
• Streetlight Manifesto, by Mixcaela Villalon
• Evening at the Opera, by Floy Quintos

July 1, Friday, 6 p.m.
• Chiaroscuro, by Lito Casaje (staged reading at the Bulwagang Amado Hernandez)

July 2, Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.
• Mga Lobo Tulad ng Buwan, by Pat Valera
• The Valley Mission Care, by Russel Legaspi
• Bawal Tumawid, Nakakamatay, by Joey Paras

July 3, Sunday, 3 and 8 p.m.
• Kinaumagahan, by Rachelle Rodriguez and Winnielyn Fajilan
• Requiem, by Christian Vallez
• Kafatiran, by Ricardo Novenario

July 6, Wednesday, 3 p.m.; July 8, Friday, 8 p.m.
• Isang Gabi Bago Magbukas ang Portrait of the Artist as Filipino ni Nick Joaquin, by Carlo Pacolor Garcia

July 6, Wednesday, 8 p.m.; July 7, Thursday, 3 p.m.
• Mga Lobo Tulad ng Buwan, by Pat Valera
• The Valley Mission Care, by Russel Legaspi
• Bawal Tumawid, Nakakamatay, by Joey Paras

July 7, Thursday, 8 p.m.; July 8, Friday, 3 p.m.: Virgin Labfest 6 Revisited
• Ondoy, by Remi Velasco
• Balunbalunan, Bingibingihan, by Debbie Ann L. Tan
• Higit Pa Dito, by Allan B. Lopez

July 7, Thursday, 6 p.m.
• House of Candles, by Nicolas B. Pichay (staged reading at the Bulwagang Amado Hernandez)

July 9, Saturday, 3 p.m.; July 10, Sunday, 8 p.m.
• Kawala, by Rae Red
• Streetlight Manifesto, by Mixcaela Villalon
• Evening at the Opera, by Floy Quintos

July 9, Saturday, 6 p.m.
• Hermano Puli, by Layeta P. Bucoy (staged reading at the Bulwagang Amado Hernandez)

July 9, Saturday, 8 p.m.; July 10, Sunday, 3 p.m.
• Kinaumagahan, by Rachelle Rodriguez and Winnielyn Fajilan
• Requiem, by Christian Vallez
• Kafatiran, by Ricardo Novenario

PETA offers lectures on choreography, songwriting, music appreciation

If you are an on-the-go corporate individual or a social butterfly who’s too busy to attend month-long workshops, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has the perfect 3-in-1 mix for you.

Expand your art horizons with PETA’s Lecture Series this May, and get a load of useful information about music and dance--all in just one day. Beginners and practitioners alike can engage in discussion with well-known artists and industry experts such as Steve Villaruz, Noel Cabangon and Vincent De Jesus.

CHOREOGRAPHY LECTURE BY STEVE VILLARUZ (8 a.m.-12 nn)
A packed four-hour lecture full of tips and techniques in choreographing performances and presentations, from a man who has choreographed nearly 100 dance works performed both here and abroad. Steve Villaruz is the artistic director of the UP Dance Company, president of the World Dance Alliance-Philippines, and VP for Southeast Asia of World Dance Alliance–Asia Pacific.

SONGWRITING BY NOEL CABANGON (1 p.m.-5 p.m.)
Compose songs with ease and be up-close and personal with one of the country’s finest musicians, Noel Cabangon. Get to know the basics of songwriting as Noel shares tips and his own experiences in creating songs that not only entertain but also send across a message.

MUSIC APPRECIATION BY VINCENT DE JESUS (6 p.m.-10 p.m.)
Learn to appreciate music, its different forms, styles, and genres from prolific and multi-awarded composer Vincent De Jesus. Even non-music lovers will be fascinated with the many exciting topics to be discussed.

PETA’s Lecture Series will be on May 25, to be held at the PETA Theater Center, located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila Quezon City. Each four-hour lecture is at P500 per participant. Reserve a slot now!

Contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office 7256244, 4100821 or 0917-5769339, petatheater@gmail.com. This project is supported by 2nd Avenue.

Rachelle Ann Go, Eric Santos make their musical-theater debut in Atlantis Productions' The Little Mermaid

Atlantis Productions, which recently staged the hit musical “Next to Normal” and will soon open the Elton John/Tim Rice pop rock musical “Aida,” has found its mermaid Ariel and Prince Eric for its upcoming staging of the Broadway musical “The Little Mermaid,” which runs November 18-December 11, 2011 at the Meralco Theater.

Rachelle Anne Go is one of the most awarded singers of her generation. She was the grand winner of “Search for a Star” in 2004 and won the Silver Medal that same year at the Shanghai Music Festival. She currently appears in GMA-7’s “Party Pilipinas” and is managed by Viva Entertainment.

Singing champion Erik Santos will likewise make his professional musical-theater debut as the Prince in “The Little Mermaid.” Erik shot to fame when he won the first “Star in a Million” competition, since then becoming a multi-awarded recording and concert artist and a mainstay of “ASAP XV!”

Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, the stage adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” will feature the movie's most popular songs--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, as well as 10 new songs by Menken and Glenn Slater, plus a book by Tony-winning playwright Doug Wright.

Atlantis' production of “The Little Mermaid” will be directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, who were in Hawaii last year to take an Asian puppetry workshop which they will apply in creating many of the production's sea creatures.

Garcia says, “We are thrilled, once again, to bring another beloved Disney classic to the Philippine Stage. Disney’s 'The Little Mermaid' started the renaissance of Disney’s animation department and has some of the most memorable songs written for an animation classic. We are creating a 'Little Mermaid' unlike any other. It will be an exciting fusion of East-meets-West elements. Our underwater kingdom will be completely Asian in theme and our above-water world will be Western, representing two different worlds. We will also be using traditional forms of Asian and Western puppetry including Wayang shadow play, bunraku, nang kaloung and Western hand puppetry. We can’t wait to begin!”

A complete cast will be announced at a future date. Atlantis Productions’ staging of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is made possible through a special licensing agreement with Music Theatre International.

With choreography by Cecile Martinez, set design by Lex Marcos, costume design by Erik Pineda, lighting design by Jay Aranda, puppetry design and execution by Liz and Benny Batoctoy and Sam Fuentes, and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico.

Tickets on sale now! For more information, call Atlantis Productions 8927078 or 8401187.

Defending the Caveman on its last weekend, May 20-21

Catch the last two performances of “Defending the Caveman,” the “perfect date play” (BusinessWorld) that’s also the longest-running one-man show in Broadway history, on May 20 (Friday) and May 21 (Saturday), 8 p.m., at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Starring Joel Trinidad and directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy, this “hilarious” and “insightful” (The Manila Bulletin) piece tackles the countless differences between men and women in a humorous, engaging and highly entertaining way.

Says producer Ria Pangilinan, “I wasn't really sure if people would want to see this kind of show here if it didn't star a mainstream personality. I still remember people's reactions when we first told them about 'Caveman.' Disinterested, he moment they heard 'monologue by a man!' It really took a lot of creative persuasion to initially make people watch even just a rehearsal. But Joel along with directors Cathy and Michael, had one goal in mind: to make Joel own the show against all odds so that his unique personality and sincerity would come across to the audience. And I think they did a fantastic job! The number one reason people found out about the show was through a friend. Some people have actually seen the show more than twice, bringing a different group of people with them. We've certainly cone a long way from forcing our friends to watch 'a monologue by a man.'”

Stand-up comic Rob Becker wrote “Defending the Caveman” over a three-year period, during which he made an informal study of anthropology, prehistory, psychology, sociology and mythology, resulting in a play with funny insights on contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zones.

“Defending the Caveman” has now played in over 35 countries in more than 16 different languages--and still counting.

The show is mounted by CTE Productions and Theater Mogul in cooperation with San Miguel 632-Home Delivery Service, BusinessWorld and TheMillionaireSocietyNow.com

Tickets are available at Ticketworld 8919999 or ticketworld.com.ph. Or call 2150788, 0917-5378313, or e-mail cteshows@gmail.com. Recommended for adult audiences only.

Return to the sound of 'paraiso'--er, Smokey Mountain

First time on YouTube--this video clip (below) of the original Smokey Mountain--Geneva Cruz, Tony Lambino, Jeffrey Hidalgo and James Coronel--in a reunion appearance at ABS-CBN's The Music of Dreams concert in 2001, some 10 years after they had disbanded. By then, the four members of Ryan Cayabyab's kiddie pop group were all grown-up, Geneva, Jeffrey and James having gone on to full-time singing or show-biz careers with varying degrees of success, and Tony retiring from the scene altogether to become, for a time, a professor at Ateneo de Manila.

(Wikipedia says Lambino now works at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication. Wow. Hidalgo, on top of his singing and occasional theater stints, was 11th placer in the Chemical Engineering national licensure exams, while Coronel now owns call centers in the USA, Philippines, India and Sri Lanka! I hope to God this entry is true.)

The four were joined at the concert by Kaya, then a new group that Mr. C had formed. It's interesting to hear how Kaya--specifically its lone boy vocalist--sings Paraiso, Smokey Mountain's enduring hit (actually, a hit by the group's second-generation members, which sung it to a smashing grand prize finish at the 1992 Tokyo Music Festival.)

When Smokey Mountain first came along (in 1989), the reigning mode of music was still plainspoken pop singing. Regine Velasquez and her birit were already on the rise, but the dominant sounds remained those by the likes of Kuh Ledesma, Zsazsa Padilla, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Joey Albert--soothing, melodious, strongly emotional vocals without the pyrotechnics. Smokey Mountain's first album was of the same mold--Kailan and Can This Be Love, for instance, were cannily crafted ballads that benefited from their young vocalists' simple, earnest approach to the songs--Geneva Cruz for Kailan, Jeffrey Hidalgo for Can This Be Love.

But, in 2001, with Kaya performing Paraiso, the soundscape had changed. Kaya's boy vocalist now sung the lines with the unmistakable curlicues of R&B. Pop was giving way to that genre's more elaborate musical delivery, and in the Philippines, the sea change would be spearheaded by Jaya, whose early hits, beginning with Dahil Tanging Ikaw, represented an admittedly refreshing change in the local airwaves with their sleek, soulful vibe.

Listen closely, and you can hear that musical evolution in this clip--from the memory of the original Smokey Mountain's Paraiso sung without the kulot (Geneva Cruz's attempt at rockin' her lines notwithstanding) and a new crop of younger singers taking over and remaking it in their own manner--in the sound, flourish and inflection that would characterize their own musical generation.



PLUS: How they sounded then, in the flush of their teenhood: Geneva Cruz (Kailan), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Can This Be Love?), the Smokey Mountain of James Coronel, Shar Santos, Chedi Vergara and Jayson Angangan (Paraiso)--

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Celebrating its 25th year, Tanghalang Pilipino brings back Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

In honor of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, "Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s 25th theater season.

The critically acclaimed musical, adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, will be restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Leading the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra are singer/TV host Mark Bautista (alternating with Arnold Reyes) and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara (understudied by Tasy Garucha). Joining them are Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto (Elias), Al Gatmaitan and Reyes (Padre Salvi), Ring Antonio (Don Victorina), Garry Lim (Don Tiburcio) alternating with Jonathan Tadioan, Red Nuestro (Kapitan Tiago), Jenny Villegas (Tia Isabel), Angeli Bayani (Sisa) and Paolo Rodriguez (leproso).

The ensemble includes Jenny Garcia, Pamela Imperial, Janine Santos, Sherine Ann Koa, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Kat Castillo, Martha Comia, Erick Arenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jejie Esguerra, Von Ryan Yu, Berl William Angeles, Paolo Rodriguez, Baron Barbers and Greg de Leon.

Comprising the artistic staff are Audie Gemora (director), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Ryan Cayabyab (composer and arranger), Bienvenido Lumbera (librettist), Jed Balsamo (musical director), Mio Infante (set designer), Salvador Bernal (costume designer), Eric Cruz (costume consultant) Katsch Catoy (lighting designer), Agnes Locsin (choreographer) and Christine Crame (dance master.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" runs August 5-28, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Interested sponsors, show-buyers and block buyers may call Tanghalang Pilipino (632) 8323661 or 8321125 local 1620/1621, or CCP box-office 8323704.

Another look at Rizal in Dulaang UP's Rizal X, opening July 2011

Dulaang UP's "Rizal X" is a new work that aims to re-discover and re-introduce the the National Hero, Jose P. Rizal, to the times we live in. The production will compile different points of view about Rizal, his works and his life, in a collaboration of text, dance, music, film, visual arts and vignettes, using the various media popular to today's generation.

This original production will feature young and promising actors, the live music of Happy Days Ahead and the works of different poets, playwrights, choreographers, filmmakers and artists. Among the works to be sampled are those by Dong Abay,Gerson Abesamis, Manix Abrera, Chips Beltran, Layeta Bucoy, Winter David, Deo Dela Cruz, Jeffrey Garcia, Al Garcia, JM De Guzman, Vlad Gonzales,Adi Lopez, Floy Quintos, Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Rene Villanueva.

The cast includes Reb Atadero, Natasha Cabrera, Red Concepcion, Jules Dela Paz, Bea Garcia, Alchris Galura, Jean Judith Javier, Yanah Laurel, Nicco Manalo, Maita Ponce, Reuben Uy and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.

Concept, direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos, music and lyrics by William Elvin Manzano, musical arrangement by Happy Days Ahead. Headwriters and dramaturges are Katte Sabate and Chic San Agustin, set Design by Leeroy New, lights design by Voltaire De Jesus, costume Design by Mitoy Sta. Ana, technical direction by Ohm David, musical direction by Irish Pangilinan, photography by Jojit Lorenzo and poster Design by Tuxqs Rutaquio.

"Rizal X" opens on July 20, 2011 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman. For ticket inquiries, reservations, sponsorships and special bookings, call Cherry Bong 0917-7500107 or Nick 0915-1916384.

Miss Marmelstein--or how Arthur Laurents discovered 'the greatest star'

I remember Arthur [Laurents] telling me one afternoon while he was casting “I Can Get It for You Wholesale” about having just discovered a remarkable new actress. Her name was Barbra Streisand, he said. He told me how she had awkwardly entered from the wings with music pages falling behind her. Halfway across the stage, she realized what she had done, became embarrassed and walked back in embarrassment to pick them up. Then she asked for a chair to sit in while she sang. They brought her one, she sat in it, then looked around in a panic, stuck her hand in her mouth, took out some gum and put it under the chair. Arthur said: “At that moment, I knew she was a professional.”

-- STEPHEN SONDHEIM, in Comparing Stage Notes on Laurents

She played a supporting part in I Can Get It for You Wholesale, but by the end of its brief run, that remarkable young actress had become a star, and the Streisand legend was born. Her character was Miss Marmelstein, a harried, frantic Jewish secretary fretting about how people never seemed to get her name--Yetta Tessye Marmelstein--right. Before this, Streisand, a struggling actress from Brooklyn, had been singing for her supper in New York clubs. At one point, she even worked as a switchboard operator, which so bored her out of her wits that she experimented with answering the phone in a variety of accents and going by the alias Angelina Scarangella.

I Can Get It for You Wholesale was her first foray on the Broadway stage, but even then the famous bullheadedness already showed. She fought to have her sitting-on-a-chair schtick incorporated into her big musical moment, and the endearing awkwardness of the scene--this kooky-looking, put-upon young woman with the big schnoz and even bigger voice swiveling on a chair, hilariously bemoaning her fate--proved her instincts right. It's all there in the original cast recording--Streisand in blazingly youthful voice lighting into Miss Marmelstein and turning the song into a bona-fide musical comedy gem.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

“The evening's find,” wrote Howard Taubman in the New York Times, “is Barbra Streisand, a girl with an oafish expression, a loud irascible voice and an arpeggiated laugh. Miss Streisand is a natural comedienne, and [the composer] Mr. Rome has given her a brash, amusing song, 'Miss Marmelstein,' to lament her secretarial fate.”

And from the biography Her Name is Barbra by Randall Riese: “I saw her opening night in 'Wholesale,'” recalls Barbra's friend Don Softness over thirty years later, and still with a measure of awe, “and she literally stopped the show. People were on their feet screaming and yelling for five minutes. It was eerie. It was electrifying. She was this mousy little girl who had this great big stage presence. The opening night audience in New York was a sophisticated one, and there was no doubt in their mind that they were seeing show business history in the making.”

It was 1962. Barbra Streisand was 19 years old. Funny Girl--and that prophetic musical declaration, I'm the Greatest Star--were just around the bend.

Attention, fellow film nuts!

The Moscow film company behind some of the greatest classics of Soviet cinema on Wednesday said it had agreed to make dozens of its best-known movies freely available on YouTube.

The agreement between Mosfilm and YouTube means that an initial batch of 50 films that still have legendary status in Russia but are little known outside will for the first time find a wide foreign audience.

The unabridged films have been posted with subtitles and Mosfilm said it will add five more films every week, meaning that by the end of the year a library of 200 films will be available in high definition. [Among the films: Andrei Tarkovsky's 1975 arthouse classic "Mirror"]

The Mosfilm channel is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/mosfilm

-- Soviet film classics find new life on YouTube

PLUS: My hoard of Russian-language films so far--not to gloat here (though there's that, too, chuckle chuckle) but to emphasize that if you desire getting some serious education about world cinema, especially from a country that for much of the 20th century stood in existential opposition to the West and its greatest image-maker, America's Hollywood, the films are there. Among the essential titles that have appeared locally at one time or the other: the seminal Eisenstein (Battleship Potemkin, Ivan The Terrible), Pudovkin (Mother) and Tarkovsky (Solaris, Nostalghia, Andrei Rublev); the works of latter-day masters such as Sukorov (Russian Ark) and Mikhalkov (Burnt by the Sun); the monumental epics by Bondarchuk (War and Peace) and Gerasimov (Quiet Flows the Don); Chukhrai's war drama Ballad of a Soldier--one of the most heart-tuggingly lyrical movies I have seen. But Russian cinema isn't all stern, ponderous stuff. It also has its contemporary gangster film (the blockbuster Brother 1-2), slam-bang action thriller a la Transporter (titled, what else, Russian Transporter), urban romantic comedy (Moscow Doesn't Believe in Tears), horror (Nails), even the taboo-breaking gay flick (You I Love). Yes, you just have to know where to look for these films--and it won't be at AstroVision or Odyssey, that's for sure. открыть глаза (otkrytʹ glaza)--Open your eyes!

• A CRUEL ROMANCE (Eldar Ryazanov)
• THE ADMIRAL (Andrei Karvchuk)
• AGONY RASPUTIN (Elem Klimov)
• ALEXANDER NEVSKY (Sergei Eisenstein)
• ANDREI RUBLEV (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• ARSENAL (Alexander Dovzhenko)
• AUTUMN MARATHON (Georgy Danelia)
• BALLAD OF A SOLDIER (Grigori Chukrai)
• THE BARBER OF SIBERIA (Nikita Mikhalkov)
• BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (Sergei Eisenstein)
• BROTHER/BROTHER 2 (Aleksei Balabanov)
• THE BURNING LAND (Mikahil Ptashuk)
• BURNT BY THE SUN (Nikita Mikhalkov)
• CAPTIVE (Aleksei Uchitel)
• CHERRY TOWN (Gerbert Rappaport)
• THE CHILDHOOD OF MAXIM GORKY (Mark Donskoi)
• COME AND SEE (Elem Klimov)
• THE COMMISSAR (Aleksandr Askoldov)
• THE CRANES ARE FLYING (Mikhail Kalatozov)
• THE CUCKOO (Alexander Rogozhkin)
• THE DAWNS HERE ARE QUIET (Stanislav Rostotsky)
• DESTINY OF A MAN (Sergei Bondarchuk)
• EARTH (Alexander Dovzhenko)
• FATHER AND SON (Alexander Sokurov)
• FATHER OF A SOLDIER (Rezo Chkheidze)
• FRANZ + POLINA (Mikhail Segal)
• HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER (Aleksei Popogrebsky)
• THE ITALIAN (Andrei Kravchuk)
• IVAN’S CHILDHOOD (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• IVAN THE TERRIBLE, PARTS 1-2 (Sergei Eisenstein)
• KINO-EYE/THREE SONGS ABOUT LENIN (Dziga Vertov)
• MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA (Dziga Vertov)
• THE MIRROR (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• MOLOCH (Aleksandr Sokurov)
• MONGOL (Sergei Bodrov)
• MOSCOW DOESN’T BELIEVE IN TEARS (Vladimir Menshov)
• MOTHER (Vsevolod Pudovkin)
• MOTHER AND SON (Alexander Sokurov)
• NAILS (Andrey Iskanov)
• NOSTALGHIA (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• OCTOBER: 10 DAYS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD (Sergei Eisenstein)
• PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS (Sergei Bodrov)
• QUIET FLOWS THE DON (Sergei Gerasimov)
• THE RETURN (Andrei Zvyagintsev)
• RUSSIAN ARK (Aleksandr Sokurov)
• RUSSIAN TRANSPORTER (Oleg Pogodin)
• SADKO (Aleksandr Ptushko)
• SIBERIADE (Andrei Konchalovsky)
• SOLARIS (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• THE STEAMROLLER AND THE VIOLIN (Andrei Tarkovsky)
• STRIKE (Sergei Eisenstein)
• THE SUN (Aleksandr Sokurov)
• TCHAIKOVSKY (Igor Talankin)
• THEY FOUGHT FOR THEIR MOTHERLAND (Sergei Bondarchuk)
• WAR AND PEACE (Sergei Bondarchuk)
• YOU I LOVE (Olga Stolpovskaya & Dmitry Troitsky)

Rama at Sita on video--the return! (p. 2)

Part 1 here.

More praise from the archives:

Fusing Hindu traditional musical strains with contemporary pop, the musical adaptation [of "Ramayana"] electrifies, [but] the spectacle doesn't bury the epic's heart and soul. The sumptuous production design is easily one of the most lavish this reviewer has seen in recent years. -- Cora Llamas, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Robert Sena is in a class of his own with his portrayal of the evil Ravana. Jaya's Soorphanaka is only a 10-minute appearance in Act 2, but she does bring the house down with that voice and pizzazz. The role of the storyteller Vishvamitra is sagely acted by Edward Granadosin. -- Raul Teehankee, Manila Bulletin

7. Iisa Ang Tibok/Awit Ng Pagsinta--Ariel Rivera, Chiqui Pineda, Edward Granadosin, Chorus. After Rama wins the hand of Sita in a competition, the couple are wed in glittering ceremonies.




8. Tayo Na, Nariyan Na--Ariel Rivera, Chiqui Pineda, John Arcilla, Pinky Marquez, Eugene Villaluz, Franco Laurel, Chorus. The newlyweds return to Ayodhaya, only to be confronted by an upheaval. Kaikeyi, one of the king's wives, has blackmailed the king to install her reluctant son Bharata as the new sovereign. Rama and Sita, accompanied by Lakshmana, are exiled to a far-off forest. End of Act 1.




9. Ako'y Iyung-Iyo--Ariel Rivera, Chiqui Pineda. In a cave in the enchanted forest, the exiled Rama and Sita share their first night of bliss. (A splendid touch here: shadowy dancers garbed as Hindu statues form Kama Sutra poses around the couple!)




10. Buktot, Ako'y Buktot/Harot, Ako'y Harot--Robert Sena, Jaya. The witch Maricha (Arlene Borja) reports the presence of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to Ravana and his sister, Soorphanaka. The evil siblings decide to disguise themselves and try to pry the newlyweds apart. (Prepare to be blown away by the powerhouse vocals of Robert Sena and Jaya!)




Coming up: more musical numbers right up to the finale!

Philstage honors four performing arts icons, bares nominees for 2010 Gawad Buhay!

[Complete list of nominees below]

Performing arts icons Ryan Cayabyab, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Tony Espejo and Tony Mabesa will be conferred the Philstage Natatanging Gawad Buhay honors in the 2010 Gawad Buhay!: The Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts, to be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on May 25, 2011, 7 p.m.

Artists and productions of Philstage member-companies will also vie for 44 other performance, creative and technical awards.

Now on its third year, Gawad Buhay! is the first-ever industry awards exclusively for the performing arts juried by an independent panel of critics, scholars, artists and theater enthusiasts. Outstanding individual and group achievements in various artistic and technical aspects of play, musical and dance productions and performances are honored based on quarterly citations deliberated by the jury who are required to watch all productions of Philstage member-companies for the entire year. From the four quarterly citations, the jury selected the final nominees qualified to win the awards by the end of the performance season.

Philstage is the only alliance of professional performing arts organizations in the Philippines. Its members include Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), PETA, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Trumpets and Gantimpala Theater Foundation.

Below is the complete list of the 2010 nominations in various categories:

OUTSTANDING PLAY
American Hwangap (Filipino version), Tanghalang Pilipino
Ang Post Office, PETA
Equus, Repertory Philippines
Tatlong Mariya, Tanghalang Pilipino

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Little Women, Repertory Philippines
Romeo and Bernadette, Repertory Philippines

OUTSTANDING DANCE PRODUCTION
Ballets and Ballads, Ballet Manila
Halo-Halo ni Juan, Ballet Manila
Crisostomo Ibarra, Ballet Philippines
Neo-Filipino 2010, Ballet Philippines
Peter Pan, Ballet Philippines
September Gala, Ballet Philippines

OUTSTANDING STAGE DIRECTION
Ana Abad Santos, Duets
Loy Arcenas, Tatlong Mariya
Audie Gemora, Equus
Lutgardo Labad, Ang Post Office
Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Little Women

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Play)
American Hwangap
Duets
Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Musical)
Little Women
Romeo and Bernadette

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (Dance)
Ballets and Ballads
Crisostomo Ibarra
Neo-Filipino 2010
Peter Pan
September Gala

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Angeli Bayani, Tatlong Mariya
Mailes Kanapi, Tatlong Mariya
Gina Pareno, American Hwangap (Filipino version)
Joy Virata, Duets

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Martin De Los Santos, Ang Post Office
Miguel Faustmann, Equus
Mario O’Hara, American Hwangap (Filipino version)

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Liesl Batucan, American Hwangap (Filipino version)
Che Ramos, Tatlong Mariya
Pheona Barranda, Equus

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Nicco Manalo, America Hwangap (Filipino version)
Mario O’ Hara, Tatlong Mariya

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
Caissa Borromeo, Little Women
Ayen Munji-Laurel, Banaag at Sikat
Cris Villonco, Romeo and Bernadette

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
Robert Sena, Si Juan Tamad, Ang Dyablo at ang Limag Milyong Boto
PJ Valerio, Romeo and Bernadette

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
Cara Barredo, Little Women
Angeli Bayani, Banaag at Sikat

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
No nominee

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, The Nutcracker

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
No nominee

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
Mylene Aggabao, The Nutcracker

MALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A CLASSICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
No nominee

FEMALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION
Candice Adea, Peter Pan
Carissa Adea, September Gala
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballets and Ballads
Camille Ordinario Joson, Neo-Filipino 2010

MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION
JM Cordero, Crisostomo Ibarra
JM Cordero, September Gala
Rudy De Dios, Ballets and Ballads
Rudy De Dios, Halo-Halo ni Juan
Cyril Fallar, Peter Pan

FEMALE FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION
Carissa Adea, Crisostomo Ibarra
Veronica Ylagan, Neo-Filipino 2010

FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MODERN DANCE PRODUCTION (Male)
Angel Gabriel, Crisostomo Ibarra
Richard Yadao, Peter Pan

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPT
No nominee

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL LIBRETTO
Bienvenido Lumbera, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING ADAPTATION OR TRANSLATION
Joi Barrios LeBlanc, American Hwangap (Filipino version)
Bienvenido Lumbera, Banaag at Sikat
Rody Vera, Ang Post Office
Rody Vera, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION
Jeff Hernandez, Ang Post Office
Gerard Salonga, Little Women

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL COMPOSITION
No nominee

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY FOR A PLAY OR MUSICAL
Edna Vida, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY FOR A DANCE PRODUCTION
Carissa Adea, Rey-Sing
Novy Bereber, To Whom It May Concern
Augustus Damian III, Rebel
Augustus Damian III, Reconfigured
Cyril Fallar, Dancer’s Crux
Alden Lugnasin, Words and Phrases
Carlo Pacis, Shifting Wait
Edna Vida, Peter Pan

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
Joy Virata, Duets
Dennis Lagdameo, Equus
Salvador Bernal, Banaag at Sikat

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
John Neil Batalla, Equus
John Neil Batalla, Little Women
Martin Esteva, Duets
Barbi Tan-Tiongco, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN
Jethro Joaquin, Duets
Jethro Joaquin, Equus
Jethro Joaquin, Tatlong Mariya

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
Loy Arcenas, Tatlong Mariya
Dennis Lagdameo, Equus
Lex Marcos, Ang Post Office
Joey Mendoza, Little Women
Tuxqs Rutaquio, Duets

Nikki Gil, Kris Lawrence in 9 Works Theatrical's Sweet Charity, opening in August

This coming August, 9 Works Theatrical presents the dance comedy musical “Sweet Charity,” with TV star Nikki Gil playing the lead role of kooky dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine. Gil was last seen as Elle Woods in the local production of the musical “Legally Blonde” in 2010.

With book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, “Sweet Charity” was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse when it premiered on Broadway in 1966. With over 600 performances, the production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year before opening in London a year later. A 1969 film version starred Shirley MacLaine. A Broadway revival in 2005 featured Christina Applegate.

Singer/TV host Kris Lawrence plays Oscar Lindquist, Charity's love interest. Lawrence recently released his album “Moments of Love” and is regularly seen on GMA-7’s “Party Pilipinas.”

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Nickie and Ciara Sotto-Oconer as Helene will play Sweet Charity’s closest confidantes, while Sheree Vidal-Bautista will play Carmen, one of Charity’s co-dancers.

Other cast members include Miguel Faustmann, OJ Mariano, Tasy Garrucha, Caisa Borromeo, Chinie Nepomuceno, Vinia Pamplona and Carmelle Ros, Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista. Francis Matheu, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

The artistic team is composed of director Robbie Guevara, assistant director Lorenz Martinez, band musical director Joseph Tolentino, scenographer Mio Infante, lighting designer Martin Esteva, and costume designers Mio Infante and Hanna de los Reyes.

“Sweet Charity” will open August 5, to run on all weekends of the month at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. A limited number of performances are now available for fundraising and block-buying. Please call 5575860, 5867105 or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

The show is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 Tel: (212) 5414684. Visit www.mtishows.com

PLUS: Sweet Charity's most famous number, originally created by Bob Fosse and recreated by Fosse disciple Ann Reinking for the tribute revue Fosse, winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1999--

Paglipas ng Limang Taon, from Sipat Lawin Ensemble

The Sipat Lawin Ensemble presents "Paglipas ng Limang Taon," Rody Vera's translation of Federico Garcia Lorca's "When Five Years Pass."

The production runs May 12 (Thurs), May 13 (Fri), May 14 (Sat), May 15 (Sun) 7 p.m.; May 14 (Sat) and May 15 (Sun) 3 p.m., at Room PH400, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Featuring the Sipat Lawin Ensemble with guest artist Nicco Manalo. Direction and set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio.

Regular Tickets at P250. Discounted tickets for students available. For tickets, contact SLE 0917-5008753 or email sipatlawin.ensemble@gmail.com

Auditions for Tanghalang Ateneo's Ang Sintang Dalisay ni Julieta at Romeo

Tanghalang Ateneo's season-opening production of "Ang Sintang Dalisay ni Julieta at Romeo," by G.D. Roke, will be holding open auditions on May 11 and 12, 4-6 p.m., at the Fine Arts Theater, 3/F Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

Auditionees must bring a 2x2 picture and must be prepared to read an "awit" text, do a movement sequence, and improvise a scene.

We are also looking for musicians who can play native instruments (kulintang, gong, etc.).

The play will run July 2011 at the Rizal Mini Theater and will be directed by Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, Ph.D.

For more information, contact Julia Motoomull 0905-2216176.