Two more teasers below. Sam Concepcion is Peter Pan, Michael Williams is Captain Hook (mahvelous--check out the vid!), in Peter Pan--A Musical Adventure, which opened yesterday and runs until October 30 at the Meralco Theater.
Peter Pan has new music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and the late Willis Hall. Pinky Marquez plays Mrs. Darling, Kyla Rivera is Tinkerbell, Joy Virata is the Narrator, Tippy Dos Santos and Cara Barredo alternate as Wendy, and Kakki Teodoro is Tiger Lily.
Peter Pan is directed by Jaime del Mundo and Rep's associate artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, with musical direction by Jojo Malferrari, choreography by Deana Aquino, set design by Gino Gonzales, costume design by Raven Ong and lighting design by John Batalla.
Contact 5716926 and 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld 8919999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils and add “Rep Phils” in Facebook.
Koro Ilustrado, an all-male choir directed by multi-awarded conductors Edmund Alan Piquero and Anna Abeleda-Piquero, is staging its third major concert titled "Like!" on October 1, 2011, Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Philamlife Theater, UN Avenue, Manila.
The concert will feature a collection of classical, OPM and pop ditties that gained popularity on the Internet. The concert is co-presented by Dell for the benefit of the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Charity Ministry.
For tickets, call 02-5024508 or email koroilustrado@yahoo.com.
All the world's onstage--a single stage--as theater troupes from around the globe perform all of Shakespeare's plays in three dozen languages in the Bard's symbolic London home.
Shakespeare's Globe theater announced details Tuesday of a festival that will see all 37 of William Shakespeare's plays performed in 37 languages, from Urdu to Swahili, over six weeks in 2012.
The “Globe to Globe” festival includes companies from six continents, including the world's most populous countries, China and India, and the youngest--South Sudan, which became an independent nation in July...
The festival, part of the cultural warmup to next summer's 2012 London Olympic Games, reflects the ability of Britain's most famous playwright to reach audiences in myriad languages and cultures. [It] will be a complex logistical exercise, and producer Tom Bird said the ground rules given to participants were simple--don't bring a set, rely on costumes and movement and “revel in the music of your own language.”
The Globe is a recreation of the open-air theater where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed. Many patrons stand in the open air as “groundlings” like their Elizabethan predecessors... Adventurous and energetic theatergoers can see all 37 plays for 100 pounds ($160)--if they are willing to stand. -- “The Bard goes global with 37 plays in 37 languages”
Among the announced participants:
• South Sudan (Juba Arabic), Cymbeline
• New Zealand (Maori), Troilus and Cressida
• Poland, Macbeth
• India (Hindi), Twelfth Night
• Greece, Pericles
• Africa (Swahili), Merry Wives of Windsor
• Israel, The Merchant of Venice
• Palestine, Richard II
• Serbia, Albania and Macedonia, Henry VI
• China, Richard III
• Belarus, King Lear
• Afghanistan, A Comedy of Errors
• England (the Globe's own production), Henry V
• England (London's Deafinitely Theatre), Love's Labor's Lost in British Sign Language
• USA (Chicago), Othello
PLUS: In London last year, I had a few non-negotiables: watch as many shows as I could at the West End, visit the British Museum, tour Buckingham Palace, and drop by at Shakespeare's Globe. The last I accomplished near midnight one day, when, after the 8 p.m. show of Jersey Boys, I hightailed it to the Millennium Bridge (photo below, in daylight--remember that giant steel bridge that got twisted like pretzels in the second-to-the-last Harry Potter movie?) fronting St. Paul's Cathedral. The opposite end of the bridge leads almost directly to the Globe theater.
A special show of Merry Wives of Windsor was available at half-price that day--at 11.59 p.m. The late hour wasn't about to deter me. I just needed to experience this one-of-a-kind place that faithfully recreates the theater experience of Shakespeare's time. Shivering in the autumn air, the bridge nearly deserted (except for a bunch of tipsy youths that briefly accosted me and my Flip video camera), I staggered across gripped by equal parts nervousness and sheer excitement. What I saw inside the Globe will be for another blog entry. But the going there--here, relive the moment with me:
Numbers performed by the cast at the recent presscon for the show. My phone-cam does a crappy job capturing the true vocal power of these classically-trained singers (for starters--look, no mikes!). A sentimental favorite, because I'm Bicolano: Sarung Banggi, sung by baritore Lawrence Jatayna and soprano Janine Santos, at 4:25 in the first video clip.
The Philippine Opera Company's “Ang Bagong Harana,” a musical journey that offers fresh takes on immortal and classic Filipino songs as performed by the some of the country’s foremost classically-trained singers and artists, will have a limited run on September 29-October 1, 8 p.m., with matinee at 3:30 p.m. on October 1, at the Carlos P. Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
The word “Harana” is the Filipino name of a traditional form of courtship in which a man woos a woman’s affection by singing underneath her window. The creation of each “Harana” suite is a product of thorough research with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore.
“Ang Bagong Harana” features Karla Gutierrez, Aizel Prietos, Charley Magalit, Janine Santos, Marian Santiago, Lawrence Jatayna, Jack Salud, Nazer Salcedo, Marvin Gayramon, Al Gatmaitan and Floyd Tena, showcasing the best of all the Filipino composers from different music eras and genres--Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, Francisco Santiago, Antonio Molina, Resti Umali, George Canseco, Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio, Jose Estrella, Constancio De Guzman and Felipe de Leon, to name some--in new arrangements for the show by Paulo Zarate and Jesse Lasatin.
For tickets, call Philippine Opera Company 8817168 or 0917-5272880 or TicketWorld at 8919999. Visit www.philippineoperacompany.com; or like “Harana” on Facebook.
Upstart Productions presents an exciting new take on William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” on Sept. 30, 2 p.m., at PhilamLife Theater, UN Ave., Manila.
Set in the present day, the story--originally about victorious soldiers returning home to their fair maidens in Messina, Sicily--centers around the much more teen-friendly world of competitive sports. Thus, the soldiers have become hotshot college basketball players; the maidens have turned into enthusiastic cheerleaders; and the city of Messina has become the fictitious Messina University, the school the players proudly represent.
“Although we’re using the original lines of Shakespeare, our version is definitely a lot of fun. I am sure students will enjoy it,” says Joel Trinidad, director and Upstart co-founder.
“You can make a Shakespeare play understandable without changing the words,” says Emerita Alcid, co-founder of Upstart and the show’s producer. “You just need the right directorial approach.”
“A Shakespeare play is just like any other play. It’s got a plot, conflict, characters, and everything else a modern day play has,” adds Trinidad. What makes Shakespeare challenging to most present-day audiences is comprehension, since many of the words, expressions and idioms that were common in the Elizabethan era are no longer in use today. But, “as long as the actor understands exactly what he’s saying, the audience will, too. They may not get every single word, but they will definitely understand what’s going on.”
“But comprehension is only part of the task,” says Alcid. “Once the audience understands what’s going on, they can start enjoying themselves and that’s what we’re going for.”
“The comedy, the romantic moments, the wit: that’s all there, in the original text,” says Trinidad. “There’s a reason these plays have been popular for 400 years,” adds Alcid.
The cast includes Lesley Leveriza/Issa Litton as Beatrice, Reuben Uy as Benedict,
Nic Campo/Bibo Reyes as Claudio, and Anne Gauthier/Bea Garcia/Sitti as Hero.
As part of the theater company’s educational thrust, every performance of the show includes free instructional guides (for teachers), souvenir programs that double as study aids (for students), and free post-show open forums (for all members of the audience).
Tickets are priced at P300. For information, call 0949-7917270 or e-mail upstartproductionsinc@gmail.com. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Tanghalang Pilipino presents "Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez," at CCP's Tanghalang Huseng Batute from September 30 to October 23, 2011.
The three plays are "Sierra Lakes," "Bombita" and "Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko Mahal Kita," directed, respectively, by Tess Jamias, Dennis Marasigan and Tuxqs Rutaquio.
Tony Perez is an important playwright in contemporary Philippine drama. A prolific artist with several volumes of published works, his plays deal with adult themes such as intense love, betrayal, separation, compassion, poverty, hunger, marriage, birth, and death. This trilogy traces his artistic development as a playwright.
"Sierra Lakes" is a tension-filled play that explores issues among four people caught in a complicated web of love and desire. The cast includes Bodie Cruz, Adrienne Vergara, Rayna Reyes, Dan Jarden de Guzman and Regina de Vera.
"Bombita" is a black comedy which questions the blind obedience and subservient behavior of young rookies in the military. Funny, but almost in a pathetic way, it reveals the emotional and intellectual shortcomings of our men in uniform. Cast includes Acey Aguilar, Jelson Bay, Riki Benedicto, Martha Comia, Regina de Vera, Anthony Falcon, Russell Legaspi, Gino Ramirez, Jonathan Tadioan and Marco Viana.
"Nobyembre, Noong Akala Ko Mahal Kita" is a psychological drama, the second play in Perez's thought-provoking trilogy about love, friendship and companionship, and their consequences in our lives ("Oktubre, Noong Tayo’y Nagmamahalan Pa" is the first and "Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?" concludes the trilogy. Cast includes Mayen Estañero, Majorie Lorico and Jonathan Tadioan.
For tickets and schedules, contact 0917-7500107, 0918-9593949, 2183791, 8323661, 8321125 loc. 162. Or Paulo Perez at 0928-2574747 or Lei Celestino at 0908-8941384.
For the fourth year in a row, the Ateneo Alumni Association is staging the Ateneo Art Auction to raise scholarships for the Ateneo School of Humanities, while also promoting Filipino art and artists.
This year’s live auction will be held on October 1, Saturday, 4 p.m. at the Finale Art File, located at the La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.
To be auctioned are over 60 major works by the country’s most respected artists (Kiukok, Onib Olmedo, Santiago Bose, Nena Saguil, Romulo Olazo, Danny Dalena, Julie Lluch, Lao Lianben, Gus Albor, Nestor Vinluan, Lynyrd Paras, Rodel Tapaya, Winner Jumalon and Norman Dreo. It will also have paintings by Alrashdi Mohammad, an emerging artist from Mindanao. One of the big-ticket items is a 1974 set of four paintings by National Artist H.R.Ocampo from a prominent collector.
Last year, the auction’s proceeds reached about five million pesos, four million of which went to the Humanities Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The featured works at the 2011 Ateneo Art Auction will be on view at Finale on September 29-30, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and on October 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Interested bidders are encouraged to register and submit bids by sending email to Program Manager Nicole Paterno at nicolepaterno@alumni.ateneo.edu. For more information, visit www.ateneoartauction.com. Or call the Ateneo Alumni Association 4266001 local 4688.
[Artwork: Claiming Their Piece of Paradise, by Gilda Cordero-Fernando]
It's my birthday today. Thank you for the greetings, and for having kept this blog company through the years. With your indulgence, I'd like to follow the lead of my dear friend and co-Fabcaster Migs. I want your money--for a good cause. If you have extra cash to spare, please consider donating to the campaign he and other friends have launched to raise HIV awareness through peer education and counseling.
Echoing Migs: I want your material gifts. I want your money. All so we can enable impactful educational programs and counseling to stop the spread of HIV. I want all of us to be well and healthy. So for my birthday, I would still request for your love and friendship--but this time, I would add: as your gift, please donate to The Love Yourself Project.
Here’s how: Register (if you haven’t yet) and logon to http://groupon.ph/ – there’s a donation campaign for The Love Yourself Project starting 9/11. Donate P100, P400, or P1,000! Frenzy the condom-maker has agreed to match each donation with condoms that we, The Love Yourself Project, can distribute for free among participants of our education and counseling programs. [Update: The Groupon promo has ended. You may donate directly to Love Yourself, Inc., Banco De Oro savings account no. 001-520-524-143.]
Or, you can join the next The Love Yourself Charity Photoshoot! The likes of Joey Javier Reyes, Risa Hontiveros, Boy Abunda, Rocco Nacino and Paolo Avelino, as well as scores of other generous individuals, have posed for Ian Felix Alquiros' expert lenses in their Love Yourself shirts.
What: The Love Yourself Charity Photoshoot (Part 2!) When: September 24, 2011 – Saturday – 12nn-10pm Where: The Room, G/F Crowne 88 Condominium, #88 Panay Ave., Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City.>
Registration link: http://theloveyourselfproject.blogspot.com/p/open-shoot-registration.html
FAQ 1. Do I have to bring anything?
Bring Php1,000 as your donation to The Love Yourself Project. With this, you can avail of the free Love Yourself t-shirt, basic grooming, and the photoshoot. Aside from this, you are not expected to bring anything else.
2. Are the Love Yourself t-shirts available for sale, separate from the photoshoot package?
Yes, they can be purchased at the venue for Php400 each.
3. Will there be lots of people in the venue?
We hope to have a lot of people there to support the project! But for the actual photoshoot area, we shall keep the number of people to a minimum so you can concentrate on projecting your best look without being conscious of many people watching. For your photoshoot, it should be your own private moment – so relax and focus on looking great!
5. May I bring a friend who wants to go for the same photoshoot but has not registered in the website?
Sure, the more the many-er!
If you have other questions, email TLYproject@gmail.com. Otherwise, see you there – we’ll have fun!
Complete details, including directions to the venue, here.
Unlimited Text is a “fun-raising project” for the benefit of the newly formed Philippine Theater Actors Guild. It happens on Sept. 26 and Oct 3, 2011, 9 p.m., Taumbayan Restaurant, 40 Gener St. corner K-1st St., Kamuning, Quezon City (Gener St. is perpendicular to E. Rodriguez Blvd.).
From Topper Fabregas, one of the prime movers: I just wanted to share something a bunch of us theater folk cooked up. It's a night of staged readings of scenes from relatively well-known material. We're hoping to start a series of them around the city. Our first stop is this coming Monday at Taumbayan.
Our goal was to get a diverse cast of theater actors under one roof and have them read out some really great scenes. We've added a little twist to every scene just to spice things up too. This'll hopefully get people to fall in love with “text” all over again (and to celebrate the Filipino theater actor na rin).
Unlimited Text, curated by Ana Abad Santos, is free admission. A hat will be passed after the show. “Celebrate the actor and the text, the wealth and diversity of talent in Philippine theater and the power of adaptation. All in the spirit of fun.”
1. From Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA
Scene: Helena, Sonya and Astrov
On a decaying farm, Uncle Vanya and his niece Sonya suffer a thankless job to sustain an estate in decline. Now, Professor Serebryakov and his wife Helena have returned to visit, bringing with them chaos and disruption. Constant visits from the charismatic Astrov are not helpful. From this tumultuous mess grows three consuming love affairs, each of which is destined to wither in disappointment before it has reached bloom.
Adapted and directed by: George de Jesus III
Cast: Gwyn Guanzon, Jojit Lorenzo, Red Concepcion, Gabriel Santos
2. From Aaron Sorkin's THE SOCIAL NETWORK Aaron Sorkin's THE SOCIAL NETWORK chronicles the rise of Harvard computer-tech MarkZuckerberg as he creates the now globally famous website Facebook. In the opening scene, Mark argues with his soon-to-be-ex girlfriend Erica about his need to be accepted to one of Harvard's exclusive final clubs. After insulting her several times, Erica dumps Mark and walks out of the bar. Just like that he's 0 for 2; he doesn't have a girlfriend and he's not a final clubs member. These are the two main driving forces of Mark's character. His pursuit of creating the site, at all costs, is a way to win the approval of a woman he scorned. Facebook is Mark's own exclusive club and he is the President.
Directed by: JoMari Jose
Cast: Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora
3. John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT: A PARABLE In a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, a popular priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled 12-year-old black student is questioned by the school's principal.
Directed by: Jake Macapagal
Cast: Paolo O'Hara, Roselyn Perez
4. Rolando Tinio's MAY KATWIRAN ANG KATWIRAN MAY KATWIRAN ANG KATWIRAN, by National Artist for Theater Rolando S. Tinio, looks at the relationship between the Senyor (landowner) and his Kasama (peasant). The play was written in 1972 and described by the playwright as “Dulang may Labingwalong Tagpo at Labindalawang Awit" (Play with Eighteen Scenes and Twelve Songs) . In the prologue, the playwright, in true Brechtian fashion, guides the audience in viewing the play, thus "Huwag amen nang amen sa iaasal ng mga tauhan sa aming dula. Huwag sabihing 'Ganyan ang buhay!' Sa halip, laging itanong-- 'Dapat bang ganyan?' Pakialaman kung makatwiran ang kanilang pangangatwiran. Maging mapanuri sa kanilang karanasan.”
Directed by: Joel Saracho
Cast: Peter Serrano, Neil Tolentino
5. Yasmina Reza's ART ART was originally written in French by Yasmina Reza and adapted in English by ChristopherHampton. It is a play about three men who have remained friends through the years and how they find their friendship on shaky ground after one of them buys a painting, a white canvas with white lines. The painting triggers arguments about many issues that have not been discussed before, and little by little these men start to reevaluate themselves, their relationships and their trust in one another.
This version has been adapted and modernized. Aside from that, the characters' genders were changed into females. It is a contemporary take on friendship, ego, taste, tolerance, conflict and art.
Adapted and Directed by: Bea Garcia
Cast: Delphine Buencamino, Reg de Vera, Clyde Enriquez
The chart-topping London boys' vocal group Libera is coming back to Manila for a Christmas concert on October 25 at the PICC Plenary Hall, and on October 28 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
The singers of Libera range from seven to sixteen years old. They attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Libera packages itself as not a choir, but as an alternative, classical-crossover kind of boy band.
The group's repertoire varies from classical pieces by Beethoven, Debussy, Pachelbel et.al, to Gregorian chants and Latin rite liturgies. Among the group’s most popular renditions are “Always With You,” “Far Away,” “Going Home,” “How Can I Keep from Singing,” “Sing Forever,” “Ave Maria,” “Sanctus” and “Adoramus.”
Libera came to the Philippines for the first time in October 2009 and performed sold-out concerts in Manila and Cebu. Among its most-applauded numbers were “Orinoco Flow” by Enya, in reference to the island of Cebu, and “Bayan Ko,” the unofficial anthem of the EDSA Revolution, which got the boys a standing ovation.
The second Philippine tour is in celebration of the PHL-UK Friendship Week and for the benefit of the British Alumni Association’s Foundation for Disadvantaged Children and the Children’s Hour, in cooperation with the British Embassy Manila, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, The British Council, EMI and PolyEast Records.
Tickets for the PICC concert on October 25 are priced at P1000, P2000, P2500, P4000, P5000, and P7000, available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall & Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4, and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and TicketWorld Office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Building, Makati City. Call +632 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Or contact BAA 0927-8780166 or e-mail baa.secretariat@gmail.com.
In Cebu, Libera will perform on October 28 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Tickets are priced at P750, P900, P1500, P2500, and P3500. For ticket inquiries, contact the Arts Council of Cebu Office 032-2330452, 0917-3287917 or artscouncilcebu@ymail.com
Portions of the anti-planking bill (House Bill 5316) filed by Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo:
“Parents and teachers have reason to be alarmed if these similar protest actions will have as a scheme and scene [SIC] otherwise warm and living bodies laid down across street highways as though they were offerings to the gods.
“The parent in me tells me that this precedent in the case of the this [SIC] massive transport strike where militant street protesters who are students of various schools have to lie down or serve as ‘planks’ across the road to disrupt what should be normal traffic could just be very dangerous in the future. Life and limb are pretty much at risks [SIC] here were [SIC] unbelieving bus drivers or law enforcement authorities might just ram through these warm and living bodies rolled out on highways.
“Lest this picture read in newspapers or posted in the internet might evolve into a new mindset that just might go viral or very contagious, let it be nipped in the bud. The Filipino psyche of our young children in school is under attack--right here and now.”
Full news report here. Part of me would like to believe the news report had transcribed excerpts of the bill erroneously. But the uniform tone of the text, not just the tortured phrasing and syntax, tells us this all came from a single writer/source. No wonder our laws tend to confound rather than clarify.
"It was the best part," says Paulo Szot, relaxing in his smart flat, a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral. "And it still is." The Brazilian baritone, whose soulful voice is in demand by opera companies the world over, is not talking about having just made his debut at the Paris Opera, as Guglielmo in Così Fan Tutte. He's referring to playing the romantic lead in a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, a role that has brought him a deluge of fan mail, love letters--and even red roses...
Such are the consequences of playing Emile de Becque, the exiled French plantation owner in South Pacific, which opened last month at the Barbican in London. It's a lavish production that has travelled from Broadway, where it won numerous awards in 2008, including several for Szot, and was a sell-out for more than two years. "When he delivers Some Enchanted Evening," wrote one New York critic, "it's not as a swoon-making blockbuster, but as a measured and honest consideration of love."
PLUS: That enchanted moment--when the bass/baritone sound defined courtly ardor for a generation of listeners (Exhibit B: If Ever I Would Leave You from Camelot).
Another take--Reba McEntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell in the 2005 Carnegie Hall concert production of South Pacific. Not much into Ms. McEntire, but Mr. Stokes Mitchell--ah, let's just say he paved the way for Mr. Szot.
Dulaang UP's Dulaang Laboratoryo presents "Pulses," a new play for awareness of HIV and acceptance of people living with HIV. The play, inspired by true stories, is written by Icarus and Iscariot and directed by Pat Valera.
"Pulses," the acting thesis production of Celine Fernando, Cacai Hernandez and Gry Gimena, runs Sept. 22, Thursday 7 p.m.; Sept. 23, Friday, 7 p.m., and Sept. 24, Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Tanghalang Hermogenes Ylagan, Faculty Center
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
The cast includes Paul Jake Paule, Jules dela Paz, Nicco Magno, Elora Espano and Al Garcia.
Lights design by Meliton Roxas, original music by Teresa Barrozo, original songs by William Elvin Manzano and Fitz Bitana, choreography by Katte Sabate and Al Garcia,
stage design by Sigmund Pecho and video design by Aaron Misayah.
Dulaang Laboratoryo is under Dulaang UP. It stages the thesis productions of the students taking certificate and/or degree programs in Theater Arts under the university's Department of Speech Communication and Theater Arts.
The Fabcasters' tribute to AJ (Bakla Ako, May Reklamo?), featuring selected soundbites of AJ from various Fabcasts. (Photos from AJ's Facebook.) Thanks, McVie.
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man. -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Ateneo BlueRepertory, presents its mid-season production, "Black Prom," a
musical based on Stephen King's "Carrie." "Black Prom" is the story of how Carrie White, a girl tormented and bullied by her classmates, discovers telekinetic powers just in time for her senior prom--a night no one will ever forget.
BlueRepertory's 20th season explores the theme, "Who is Man, who is Beast?" Its latest production follows the successful staging of the classic Menken-Ashman musical, "Little Shop of Horrors."
The show runs September 14-24 at the Rizal Mini-Theater, Ateneo de Manila University.
For ticket inquiries, contact Aldrich Alcantara 0915-8454454. Like on Facebook www.facebook.com/bluerepblackprom and at www.facebook.com/blueREPERTORY.
A few lines into her song, Pinky Marquez stops, begs her audience's indulgence and says she must start again because she was thrown off by the hideous static. Amid laughter and cheers, she doubles back and finishes her number with aplomb. Watch:
This was at the presscon for the Repertory Philippines and Stages collaboration Peter Pan--A Musical Adventure, which makes its Asian premiere on September 29-October 30 at the Meralco Theater. Singer-actor-TV host Sam Concepcion plays Peter Pan, while veteran actor-director Michael Williams is Captain Hook.
Peter Pan has new music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and the late Willis Hall. George Stiles says: “...The score for 'Pan' is one of our favourite pieces of work. It's a show with a stunning world of pirates, Lost Boys, Mermaids, Crocodile and flying children!
The score revels in being able to blend the great British traditions of Gilbert & Sullivan with a contemporary world of dreams and adventure. I think Anthony’s lyrics really shine and have the same delight in the language that so infects the Barrie play--they were a joy to set.
For a second before you go to sleep tonight take a moment, close your eyes and imagine, fly and visit your other land where the child never never grows up...”
Aside from Sam, Pinky and Michael, other cast members include Cara Barredo and ABS-CBN talent Tippy Dos Santos (alternating as Wendy Darling), Nacho Tambunting (John), Juan Miguel Santos (Michael), Robbie Zialcita and Kyla Rivera.
Peter Pan is directed by Jaime Del Mundo and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, with musical direction by Jojo Malferrari, choreography by Deana Aquino, set design by Gino Gonzales, costume design by Raven Ong and lighting design by John Batalla.
Contact 5716926 and 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld 8919999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils and add “Rep Phils” in Facebook.
After the successful back-to-back run of the historical dramas “Kanser (Noli Me Tangere) and “El Filibusterismo,” Gantimpala Theater presents “Ibong Adarna,” a play based on the “Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magkakapatid na Anak ng Haring Fernando at nang Reina Valeriana sa Kahariang Berbania,” written by Ed Maranan, under the direction of Roobak Valle.
Three brothers from the Kingdom of Berbania, Don Pedro, Don Diego and Don Juan, set out to capture the elusive mythical bird whose enchanted songs are said to be the cure to their father's lingering illness, Haring Fernando.
“Bringing life to Ibong Adarna on stage is always exciting for us. This Filipino folklore is filled with adventure and magic, dance, and lessons about finding oneself and the hero within, ” says artistic director Tony Espejo.
“Playing Don Juan is Kristian Chua, who is a homegrown Gantimpala actor. He was a summer workshopper, then became part of the Actors’ Company, trained and gained expertise in production work and acting. He was initially molded in our Four Classics as koro/taong bayan. He is proof that we are doing our share in honing and training new theater artists.”
Chua’s first major Gantimpala role was Greg Marforri in “Taluktok” under Espejo’s direction, presented during the company’s Pearl Theater Festival. He played Victor in “Silang Magigiting” and Isagani in “El Filibusterismo” a season after.
“I’ve been doing 'Ibong Adarna' since 2006 as a kawal,” says the latest Don Juan. “Being part of this production, regardless of the role that you’re playing, is something you can really be proud of because of its magic and spectacle. Doing the lead role is challenging, nerve-wracking and exciting. I hope the audiences will like my performance; can’t wait when the curtain finally rises.”
The other major players are: Jay Gonzaga (Don Pedro), Junjun Quintana (Don Diego), Edwin Domino (Haring Fernando), Malou Crisologo and Pamela Hundana (alternately playing Reyna Valeriana), Abel Napuran (Haring Salermo), Joey de Guzman (Ermitanyo), Sharlene Rivera (Prinsesa Leonora), Vera Capiral (Prinsesa Juana), Mathew Manalaysay (Ibong Adarna) and Cris Pastor, as Maria Blanca, the princess who holds the key to Don Juan’s heart and the mystery behind the fabled bird.
Providing live musical accompaniment are Maui Bayani, Smith Bitoon and JR Oga. Dances were originally researched and choreographed by the late National Artist for Dance Ramon Obusan.
The artistic and production team are Andy Villareal (light designer), Raul Nepomuceno Jr. (choreographer), Joey David (stage manager) and John Paulo Garcia (production manager).
Performances are on September 18, (7 p.m.), at the Open Air Auditorium in Luneta, Manila; September 23-24, September 30-October 1 (10 a.m./2 p.m.), at the AFP Theater, in Quezon City; and October 7-8 (11 a.m./2 p.m.), at Cinema 3, SM Southmall, in Las Piñas City.
For tickets and other queries, please call the Gantimpala Marketing Office 8995911 or 9985622. Visit: www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com or www.faceboook.com/gantimpala.
“Tanghalin Ang Tanghalan: 1st National Conference on Theater Aesthetics” will be held on September 28-29, 2011 at Silangan Hall, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila through the assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Teatro Sambisig, Inc.
This conference aims to provide a venue for sharing and critical discussion among theater artists and scholars. The conference highlights include a presentation of research results of the “Tanghalan: A Preliminary Survey and Research on Regional Theater Aesthetics” and a sharing-discussion that is hoped to be generated among theater scholars, artists and students, along with critical lenses in appreciating the richness and diversity of theater work through the inputs of participating theater practitioners. Proceedings of the conference will be developed as resource materials for theater artists, teachers and students.
Share in the discussion with theater artists from different regions! Guest speakers include Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Dr. Prospero Covar, Dr. Priscelina Legasto, Dr. Lulu Torres-Reyes, Dr. Orlando Magno, Mr. Nestor Horfilla, Mr. Lutgardo Labad, Prof. Jerry Respeto, Mr. Roberto Mendoza, Mr. Manny Pambid and other luminaries in cultural research.
During the conference, regional research findings will be presented and validated through a critique and validation process by the speakers and the delegates. Through the participants' critical inputs and feedback, the conference hopes to come up with approaches in appreciating current practices in theater work.
Interested parties are requested to register through e-mail at tanghalinangtanghalan@yahoo.com or text 0919-2160440, 0917-3282582 or 0933-2525662 on or before September 20, 2011.
A conference fee of P800 will be charged to cover meals for two days and a conference CD kit. Observers are also welcome to listen to the discussion.
For questions, please contact BJ Borja (Publicity/Promotions Officer) through bjborja@gmail.com.
Have you seen Of Gods and Men? Please do. At the core of this true story is a question not very many of us are willing to answer: What would you do in the face of certain death? A group of monks living peacefully with a Muslim community in Algeria sees its austere, inclusive way of life threatened by encroaching Islamist terrorism. Staying put means eventually getting slaughtered. Should they go and save their lives for more productive endeavors in other places, or should they stay and be martyrs to their faith? What does martyrdom mean, anyway, in the modern world? Before his death, the head of the order, Father Christian, pens a farewell letter that casts the monks' seemingly mad, foolhardy decision in a sempiternal, profoundly moving light.
Should it ever befall me, and it could happen today, to be a victim of the terrorism swallowing up all foreigners here, I would like my community, my church, my family, to remember that my life was given to God and to this country. That the Unique Master of all life was no stranger to this brutal departure. And that my death is the same as so many other violent ones, consigned to the apathy of oblivion. I've lived enough to know, I am complicit in the evil that, alas, prevails over the world and the evil that will smite me blindly.
I could never desire such a death. I could never feel gladdened that these people I love be accused randomly of my murder. I know the contempt felt for the people here, indiscriminately. And I know how Islam is distorted by a certain Islamism.
This country, and Islam, for me are something different. They're a body and a soul.
My death, of course, will quickly vindicate those who call me naïve or idealistic, but they must know that I will be freed of a burning curiosity and, God willing, will immerse my gaze in the Father's and contemplate with him his children of Islam as he sees them. This thank you which encompasses my entire life includes you, of course, friends of yesterday and today, and you too, friend of last minute, who knew not what you were doing. Yes, to you as well I address this thank you and this farewell which you envisaged. May we meet again, happy thieves in Paradise, if it pleases God the Father of us both. Amen. Insha'Allah.
Tanghalang Ateneo, in its 33rd Season, celebrates the sesquicentennial of the birth of Jose Rizal with “Para Los Jovenes,” a dramatization of the mature Rizal’s stories for children.
Among these tales are his version of “Ang Pagong at ang Matsing” and select translations of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales “Si Gahinlalaki (Thumbelina),” “Ang Pangit na Sisiu ng Pato (The Ugly Duckling),” and “Ang Batang Babaing Mai Dalang Casafuego (The Little Match Girl)”--now presented in contemporary versions, viz: “The Ugly Ducking” in the context of a reality show, “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing” as a showdown between two gentlemen, “Thumbelina” as a superhero adaptation and “The Little Match Girl” revamped into a variety game show.
Through these works, Tanghalang Ateneo intends to prove that Rizal did not only prophesy the youth’s big role in nation-building, but also purposely contributed to the formation of the nation’s hope through the subtly subversive impetus of these stories--subtler than his other, more famous works, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” though written in the same period.
“Para Los Jovenes” is directed by Ron Capinding, with co-direction by Christopher Aronson, Zyril Carlos, Julius Tabios, and Charles Yee. The all-student ensemble features the company’s newest members. Maximillian Brillantes designs sounds, with lighting by Alysa Alberto and costume design by Rina Reinoso.
The show runs September 20-24, 2011, 8 p.m., at the 3rd floor, Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University. For inquiries, contact Atrio Hapitan 0927-7522027.
Young Artist Productions presents, "Hercules 12," a new musical with book and lyrics
by George de Jesus III and music by Jeff Hernandez.
Among the Greek myths and legends, nothing comes close in popularity and mass appeal to the story of Hercules. The son of the Greek God Zeus and the beautiful mortal Alcmene, Hercules is a great figure of valor and strength, whose bravery would earn him a place among the gods on Mount Olympus.
"Hercules 12" is a contemporary retelling of the story of Hercules, highlighting the 12 labors or tasks that he must undergo to purify his soul after unwittingly killing his wife. Using contemporary emo, R&B sounds and alternative rock rhythms, the musical combines current-sounding tunes with a stylized visual rendition of Greek theater traditions, updated through multi-media technology.
This original musical features Red Concepcion, Deo dela Cruz, Joshua Deocareza, Pipay Era, Bea Garcia, Derrick Gozos, She Maala, Noel Rayos, Gab Santos, Alys Serdenia, Athena Tibi, Reuben Uy and Geoff Taylor as Hercules.
"Hercules 12" runs Sept. 14, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sept. 15, 1 and 5 p.m., at Crossroad 77, Mother Ignacia cor. Scout Reyes Street, QC.
Ariel James Matela (Sept. 10, 1982-Sept. 8, 2011). Fellow blogger, co-Fabcaster, dear friend. Good night, fierce prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
From one of his last blog entries: I want to bathe in the rain. I want to play. I want to feel the strong (this one’s very strong) shower. I wan’t to feel like a child again. I can’t remember the last time I bathed in the rain. I don’t know why, but I just stopped. Perhaps the last time was during typhoon Milenyo several years ago. I didn’t only bathe in the rain, I also walked on a flooded street just to get home from work. It wasn’t child’s play, rather it was a quest for survival.
I can easily go out now and bathe and play in the rain. I want to. And I don’t want to. I really don’t know. Something inside me is telling me that I must not. But something is also telling me that I must. I must relive my younger days when I boldly played under the rain – running around, jumping, screaming and playing – without regard for whether I’d fall and bruise myself or get bloodied in the process. I want to experience that again.
Now you'll have all the puddles to play in, my friend. Enjoy.
PLUS: From AJ's Ate Jinggay--This is AJ's ate, Jinggay. The prospect of AJ joining our creator is a happy occasion no matter how painful it would be for the family. One obstacle that the family needs to hurdle now are the hospital bills. The family of AJ implores the help of 1,000 volunteers to donate P500 each to help defray the cost of hospitalization expenses. We hope you can be one of them. You may contact our mom thru her mobile 0908-5701555/0927-9848142 or deposit it at BPI (Kidapawan) SA#8669-0851-93 of Eric John Matela. Thanks so much. JINGGAY
Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved musical, “The Sound of Music,” makes its much-anticipated return to Philippine theater at Resorts World Manila’s world-class stage--The Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Directing this new production is Roxanne Lapus. Leading the star-studded cast are theater superstars Joanna Ampil and Cris Villonco as Maria. Audie Gemora takes on the role of Austrian Navy Captain Georg von Trapp, with Ed Feist and Jon Joven as alternates.
Adding glitz to the line-up are Pinky Marquez and Shiela Franciso as the Mother Abbess, Pinky Amador and Lynn Sherman as the Baroness Elsa Schraeder, and Marvin Ong as Rolf. Other cast members include Robbie Guevara, Miguel Faustmann and Tanya Manalang.
Live orchestration will be provided by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, to be conducted by musical director Rodel Colmenar.
To mark Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th year, the UP Repertory Company presents "Miss Dulce Extranjera," by Nicolas Pineda.
The play focuses on the national hero's foreign-born wife, Josephine Bracken, who remains an enigma to most. Did Rizal really love and marry Josephine? Did they have children? Was she part of the Katipunan? These and other questions are explored by two writer-characters in the play, who join a competition with Dr. Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken as their main subjects.
"Miss Dulce Extranjera" stars Therese Carlos, Jun Acedo, Christian Bryle Leano, Jan Vincent Ibesate, Brian Andrew Vogel, Lehner Mendoza and the UP Repertory Company, under the direction of La Verne Lacap.
It runs September 8-9 (7 p.m.) and September 10 and 12 (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at the Aldaba Recital Hall, UP Diliman. For ticket inquiries, call Emma Escanilla 0906-1656157.
A repost--first, because the original clips were wiped out when my first account was terminated by YouTube; and second, to remind you, you and you who haven't watched yet, that Audie Gemora's lustrous new production of Noli Me Tangere, The Musical for Tanghalang Pilipino has additional shows this September 9 and 11. It's Gian Magdangal as Ibarra on Friday, Mark Bautista on Sunday. Go!
Music from the original Filipino musicals Katy!, Alikabok, Rama Hari, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
Performed by Emmy Cayabyab, Carlo Orosa, Robert Sena, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Monique Wilson, Cocoy Laurel, Audie Gemora, Nanette Inventor, Joy Viado, Sheila Francisco, Mitch Valdez, KL Dizon, Trumpets et al, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mr. C himself.
Highlights: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo transforming Magbalik Ka Na, Mahal (from Rama, Hari) into a searing torch song, Audie Gemora singing a magnificent Awit ng Isang Lawin (from El Filibusterismo, The Musical), Monique Wilson and Cocoy Laurel (scary intensity--though he did mess up his last note) dramatizing Ibarra's farewell to Maria Clara, Paalam na, Pag-Ibig (from Noli Me Tangere, The Musical.)
Excerpted from the ABS-CBN/CCP special Kulturang Handog sa Bayan, hosted by Charlene Gonzales and the late Rico Yan.
'Nuff said.
[Note: Rony Fortich, as you requested.:) Mickey Munoz, thank you for these now-vanished musical gems.]
Dulaang UP presents its third offering for its 36th season, "Titus Andronicus: Tinarantadong Asintado," Layeta Bucoy's Filipino adaptation of William Shakespeare's first tragedy, under the direction of Tuxqs Rutaquio.
Drenched in blood, "Titus Andronicus: Tinarantadong Asintado" intertwines political chaos and religious frenzy in a world where elections, showbiz and a town feast drown the people in murky violence. Two weeks before the elections, in a state of paranoia and extreme desire to win, a hitman fights back, and his story bloodily unfolds.
"Titus Andronicus: Tinarantadong Asintado" features a stellar cast led by Cinemalaya 2011 best actor Bembol Roco and best supporting actress Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino; GMA-7 actor Mike Tan; and theater actors Mailes Kanapi, Paolo O'Hara, Paulo Cabanero, Arnold Reyes, Rolando Inocencio, Cris Pasturan, Nicco Manalo, JK Anicoche, Nar Cabico, Delphine Buencamino, Olive Nieto and JR Macanas, along with the DUP ensemble.
The play runs September 14-October 2, 2011 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman. For inquiries, contact Cherry Bong Edralin 0917-7500107.
“I’ve seen part of the film starring Anthony Hopkins as Titus, so more or less. I have an idea of what kind of person Titus is. But I’m trying to create my own character of Titus... Stage acting is totally different from film or TV. I love theater because of the things an actor can express only in theater. I really consider theater as an actor’s medium simply because it gives you the chance to be creative enough to create your own character and style. Among the three mediums, I consider stage acting the hardest.”
Music credits: Hello There, The Freshmen Wipeout, The Surfaris
From the movie soundtrack of Shakespeare In Love, by Stephen Warbeck:
• The Beginning of The Partnership
• Greenwich
• The Missing Scene
• A New World
• The Arrival of Wessex
• Love and The Rehearsal
• The Play and The Marriage
• The Play, Part 1
• The Play, Part 2
• The End
The international theatrical sensation “Stomp” comes to Manila in October 2011 for the first time. The highly-anticipated show that features a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, from October 18-23, 2011, for eight shows only.
“Stomp” is a high-energy, percussive symphony, coupled with dance. Although “Stomp” is played entirely on non-traditional instruments, such as garbage can lids, buckets, brooms and sticks, it transforms the stage into a pulsating, witty and utterly irresistible theatrical event. It has little or no melody in the traditional sense, so it doesn’t matter if one's taste in music is jazz, classical, dance or pop. “Stomp” has no words, yet everyone can understand it.
“'Stomp' brings the house down!” (Independent on Sunday, UK)
Founded in Brighton, UK, in the summer of 1991, “Stomp” was the result of 10-year collaboration between its creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. It was previewed at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre and premiered at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, where it became the Guardian’s “Critic’s Choice” and won the Daily Express “Best of the Fringe” award.
Between 1991 and 1994, the original cast of “Stomp” played to capacity audiences around the world: from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Dublin to Sydney. The touring culminated in a sell-out season at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre in January 1994, where “Stomp” received an Olivier nomination for “Best Entertainment” and won “Best Choreography in a West End show”.
“Pure stage magic, you’ll be dancing in your seats!” (The Sunday Telegraph, UK)
“Stomp” began its run at the Orpheum Theatre in New York in February 1994 and quickly went on to win both an Obie and a Drama Desk award for “Most Unique Theatre Experience”. By the summer of 1994, the first American cast was in place at the Orpheum, freeing the original cast for sell out tours of North America and Japan.
“Stomp”, now on its 9th year in London’s West End and its 17th year on Broadway, has been seen by more than 15 million in 48 countries across 5 continents,
Tickets are priced at P750, P1000, P1500, P2000, P2500, P3000, P3500, P4000, P4500, P5000, P5500, and P7000. Senior citizens enjoy a 20-percent discount.
All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall & Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4, and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and TicketWorld Office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Building, Makati City. To book, call +632-8919999, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph
“Big, noisy and irresistible!” (Sun Herald, Australia)
Can anything top Roderick Paulate's spectacular first appearance in the 1987 gender-bending film Jack en Poy?
I had mentioned the scene here. Much of the color in the clip below has lost punch with the film's deterioration, but the scene still rocks. Roderick rocked--he was fierce and fearless and screamingly funny. It was in this movie that he first unleashed the persona he'd subsequently make into a mainstay of '80s Pinoy cinema, from Kumander Gringa to Petrang Kabayo at Ang Pilyang Kuting.
Roderick had done a couple of gay roles before Jack en Poy, but in this movie, he achieved star status, simply because he was far and away the best thing in it. Revisiting the movie now is to wince at Maricel's all-over-the-place brand of taray comedy and William Martinez's mugging before the camera. But Roderick--he dominated every frame he was in. Up to the movie's final stretch, despite the usual indignities his character was made to suffer, he refused to cede an inch to conventionality, neither becoming straight nor shushed up.
In the words of The Bakla Review: “His comedy was amazingly physical--he cranked his energy up to eleven; his body flipped and curled with every over-pronounced line--and he imbued the exaggerations with a deep sense of moral pride. He was an effeminate who kicked butt, a swishy but completely able action hero... unheard of until then and still unmatched.” [Boldface mine.]
Watch the clip below and see if you don't agree. A backgrounder: It's been 20 minutes into the movie, and no sight of Roderick yet. Tessie Tomas and Nova Villa play best friends who vow to have their firstborns married to each other one day. Nova's daughter Jacqueline grows up to be the tomboy Jack (Maricel), while Tessie's son Adolfo (“Kasi pinaglihi siya kay Adolf Hitler,” she explains to the priest during christening--then she and Nova Villa do a “Heil Hitler” salute. Ah, Pinoy movies!) is taken away by a childless aunt to Mindanao, never to be seen for many years.
When the aunt dies, Adolfo/Poy writes to say he's going back to Manila. Tessie and Nova, who've remained neighbors and BFFs, assemble their families (Jimmy Santos is Tessie's husband, Janno Gibbs is Maricel's younger brother--he has his own hilarious dream musical sequence with Manilyn Reynes as a giant witch singing I've Got You Under My Skin--ah, Pinoy movies talaga!) at the pier to wait for the grown-up Poy, whom they have not seen. Enter Roderick:
It's my birthday on September 11. I thought that it'll be a more meaningful birthday for me if I can help more people manage their health and life--so may I ask you a favor?
Go for your HIV test. Or if you're done, get a friend to go for his test. Spread the word that there is an HIV testing event we're organizing on Sunday, 9/11. It's free, convenient, and confidential. Remember that when one knows of his HIV status early, he can manage his health more appropriately. It need not be a death sentence. In fact, it can be a start to a happier life!
What: HIV Confidential Counseling and Testing--it’s FREE! No charge! When: Sunday, 11 September 2011 (10am to 5pm) Where: Playroom--35 West Avenue, Quezon City
(It will be held in a private (not in a government clinic) and discreet location, for your own privacy and convenience. The venue is inside a discreet building complex between Quezon Avenue and Del Monte Avenue. Between the restaurants ‘Mister Kebab’ and ‘Mang Inasal’. The front of the building complex has establishments such as ‘Slice n’ Dice’ and ‘Don Esteban’. Map here.)
