When Salvador Dalí Illustrated Alice in Wonderland

In 1969, “a collaboration of epic proportion took place as the Lewis Carroll classic was illustrated by none other than Salvador Dalí... Published by New York’s Maecenas Press-Random House in 1969 and distributed as their book of the month, the volume went on to become one of the most sought-after Dalí suites of all time. It contains 12 heliogravures, one for each chapter of the book, and one original signed etching in 4 colors as the frontpiece, all of which the fine folks at the William Bennett Gallery have kindly digitized for your gasping pleasure:”

Frontpiece

Down the Rabbit Hole

Mad Tea Party

The Queen's Croquet Ground

Notice the trademark limp watch in the Mad Tea Party panel? The rest of the eye-popping artworks here.

Euridis, a Filipino adaptation of Jean Anouilh's Euridice, Nov. 29-Dec. 4

Handog ng Shaharazade ang "Euridis", mula sa "Euridice" ni Jean Anouilh, salin sa Filipino nina Guelan Luarca at Kim Quilicot, disenyo ng musika nina DQ at Paolo Owyong, disenyo ng kasuotan ni Marrah Africa, disenyo ng entablado ni Monica Sebial, sa direksyon ni Baby Jay Crisostomo.

Pag-ibig ang nagdala kay Euridis kay Orfeo. Dalisay ang kanilang pagmamahalan. Hanggang umabot sa punto na kinailangan nilang bitawan ang kanilang mga kaibigan, mga magulang, at kahit ang kanilang nakaraan. Ngunit, may nakaraan si Euridis na pilit niyang tinatago. Siyang hindi pagiging tapat ang papatay sa kaniya. Ano pa ba ang pwedeng bitawan ni Orfeo para makitang muli ang kaniyang mangingibig?

Ang mga pagtatanghal ng "Euridis" ay magaganap sa Sta. Ana Arts Center, Maynila sa ika-02 ng Disyembre, alas-otso ng gabi, ika-03 ng Disyembre, alas-kwatro ng hapon at alas-singko ng gabi. Ang mga ticket ay mabibili sa halagang P150. (Sta. Ana Arts Center, Manila, Dec. 2, 8p.m.; Dec. 3, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.)

Maaaring bumili ng tickets kay Simon, 0916-9013454.

(Shaharazade is a non-profit organization of theater artists with the intent of performing timely stories to cause social awakening, and to uphold the Filipino Language. "Euridis" runs November 29-December 4, with shows on December 2 (8 p.m.) and 3 (4 p.m. and 8 p.m.), 2011 at the Sta. Ana Arts Center, Manila.)

Isay Alvarez goes jazz at Teatrino in Greenhills, Dec. 1

After very successful shows at the Skarlett Jazz Kitchen in July and last Nov. 24, ISAY SWINGS OUT with the AMP BIG BAND will have another show at Teatrino on December 1, 2011. The show is a tribute to her singing idols like Sylvia la Torre, Katy dela Cruz and other Filipino jazz greats.

Some of the songs in the repertoire are: Moonlight Serenade, Our Love is Here to Stay, Someone to Watch Over Me, Cheek to Cheek, Fever, No Money No Honey, Balut, Waray Waray, Kung Ayaw Mo na sa Akin, Mahal na Mahal kita, Galawgaw, Hahabol Habol (duet with Robert Seña) and many more.

To following are excerpts from some of the rave reviews the show has garnered:

Rito Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer: “She has graced the West End stage, but the versatile singer-actress has since laudably chosen to come home and perform for her countrymen. And if her recent sold out concert, “Isay Swings Out” was any indication, it was easy to see how handily she could out-sing or out-perform many of the aforementioned names, with a repertoire as diverse as her performing skills. It was also interesting to note how Isay’s voice remained stable throughout the songs’ shifts in beats and tempos.”

Jaime T. Lopez III, People’s Journal: “Mataginting at buong buo ang pag-awit ni Isay na lalong napaigting nang napakagaling na pagsaliw ng AMP Big Band. Sadyang napahana ang Kano naming pinsan- di niya mapigilang pasigaw niyang sinabi sa aking…”that’s a singer!” Natapos ang palabas at umalis kami sa pinagdausang lugar na masaya at kontento at may muling dagdag na paghanga sa kakayahan ng musikang Pinoy na di lang magsagawa ng de-kalidad na musika kundi sa pagkatha din nito.”

Tickets reasonably priced at P1000 only. You may give these out to your valued clients, family, friends and staff. Call 09228986644, 8998089 or 8919999.

Mamma Mia! in Manila starting Jan. 24, 2012

The international tour of the Broadway and West End smash musical “Mamma Mia!,” featuring the classic songs of Abba, will be staged at the CCP Main Theater starting Jan. 24 for a limited season only.

The musical has become a global entertainment phenomenon. “Mamma Mia!” personalizes Abba songs in a fresh, vital and immediate way that simultaneously retains their pop integrity yet also does something more that is an essential requirement of good musical theater: to advance an appealing story and comment on it.

The story begins 22 years ago when creative producer Judy Craymer first met Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the songwriting geniuses behind Abba. Meeting the men who had written ‘Dancing Queen,’ one of the greatest pop songs of all time, Craymer was suddenly inspired. She was triggered by the song “The Winner Takes It All,” its lyrics telling a roller-coaster story of love and loss, which became the basis in creating what would become “Mamma Mia!”

The musical’s team did not change the lyrics, preferring instead to weave a contemporary, ironic, romantic comedy around the songs. Abba’s songs generally fell into two different generations—the slightly younger, playful songs like “Honey, Honey” and “Dancing Queen,” and the more mature, emotional songs such as “The Winner Takes It All” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” The idea of a cross-generational love story was devised.

When “Mamma Mia!” opened in London on April 6, 1999, one British critic said: “Mamma Mia! could put Prozac out of business!”

“Mamma Mia!” recently celebrated its 10th anniversary on Broadway, with the Empire State Building lit up in pink, white and blue in honor of the musical, which has become the 10th longest-running show in Broadway history, surpassing the record previously held by “Miss Saigon.”

“Mamma Mia!,” presented in Manila by Infinity, powered by Smart and Citibank, will be staged at the CCP Main Theater starting Jan. 24. Tickets are priced at P750, P1,000, P1,500, P2,000, P2,500, P3,000, P3,500, P4,000, P4,500, P5,000, P5,500, and P7,000. Senior citizens enjoy a 20-percent discount.

Call 8919999, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Weekday rates are priced at P750, P1,500, P3,000, P4,000, P5,000, and P6,000; including shows on Sundays, 8 p.m. Weekend matinee rates are P1,000, P2,000, P3,500, P5,000, P6,000 and P7,000. Family Package: buy 4 tickets to get 40-percent discount on 3rd and 4th tickets. Groups of 20 or more can also get a 10-percent discount.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown comes to town Feb. 2012

This coming February 2012, 9 Works Theatrical brings to life the timeless characters from Charles M. Schulz’ popular comic strip “Peanuts” via the Tony award-winning musical, “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, with book, music and lyrics by Charles Gesner, additional dialogue by Michael Mayer, additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, original direction by Michael Mayer and originally produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson, “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a funny and heartwarming musical told through a series of recognizable vignettes that look into an average day in the life of Charlie Brown and draws from the richness and universality of their everyday situations--making it the perfect family musical that will surely resonate with audiences young and old.

Playing the role of Charlie Brown is 9 Works Theatrical’s Artistic Director Robbie Guevara who is currently being seen onstage as Uncle Max in Resorts World Manila's “The Sound of Music.” He is also an established director for the stage.

One of the country’s most versatile performing artists, Carla Guevara-Laforteza will be playing the role of the bossy and crabby Lucy. Carla was recently seen as Maureen Johnson in 9 Works Theatrical’s production of “Rent” and as the Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines “Seussical.” In the ongoing “The Sound of Music” she plays Sister Berthe. She is currently under the management of Johnny Manahan of Star Magic.

Playing the role of Charlie Brown’s lovable dog Snoopy will be Lorenz Martinez, whose last appearance onstage was as Benjamin Coffin III in 9 Works Theatrical’s Rent.” He also plays Herr Zeller in “The Sound of Music.” He was the youngest to perform the role of the Engineer, in the Netherlands production of “Miss Saigon.”

Returning to the stage after a long acting sabbatical are veteran actors Tonipet Gaba, Sweet Plantado and 9 Works Theatrical’s Associate Artistic Director Mio Infante.

Touted as GMA 7’s resident “Kuya” and foodie, Tonipet Gaba, is a three-time Star Awards winner for Best Children’s show host. His stage credits include essaying lead roles in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Blood Brothers,” “Oliver,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Little Mermaid”. For this production, he will be playing the sensitive piano-playing Schroeder.

Playing Charlie Brown’s younger sister Sally is Sweet Plantado, who was the musical director for Vocals for 9 Works Theatrical’s “Sweet Charity”. Sweet is a performing-recording artist who is part of the Philippine premier vocal group The CompanY.

And finally, the blanket-toting Linus will be played by Mio Infante, one of the country’s top scenographers. Mio’s stage credits include “The King and I”, “Zorba”, “Evita”, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” the musicals, among others.

Veteran actor Michael Williams is directing the show, with Toff de Venecia as assistant director, Joseph Tolentino as musical director-instrumentation), Sweet Plantado as musical director-vocals), Mio Infante as scenographer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Mio Infante and Twinkle Zamora to do the costumes, Richard Lazaro as photographer, Larry Palma as graphic designer and Deana Aquino in charge of choreography.

The production team is led by Santi Santamaria (executive producer), Anna Santamaria (company manager), Toff de Venecia (marketing and PR director), Jonjon Martin (PR manager), Pamela Imperial (production manager) and Jojo Amboy (stage manager).

“You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” runs February 10-March 4, 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati. Friday shows at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

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 for inquiries.

“You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is produced by arrangement with, and the music and dialogue material furnished by TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

Ladies and gentlemen, our paragliding team at the SEA Games, Jakarta.

We were on our way back to Jakarta from a tea plantation in the neighboring province of Bogor, West Java, when my friend Dong looked up and saw paragliders dotting the late afternoon sky. Baka SEA Games 'yan, he said. True enough, we passed by a ridge that had a crowd of onlookers, plus vehicles and banners announcing the games. Here in the Indonesian interior, we just had to go up there and see if there were Filipino athletes around.

And there were. Meet the Philippines' official paragliding team (from left to right, below:) Richard Osal, Randell 'Buko' Raymundo, Spencer Mateo, Ernesto 'Jun' Flores and Mike Whittington. Two others weren't around for what turned out to be a practice run for the paragliding event, which would commence the next day.

Richard, Spencer and Jun are all Singapore-based. In the last year or so, they've been hopping over to Indonesia on weekends and holidays to para-glide, all for fun. Mike is a Pinoy-American based in Palawan. Buko, Manila-based, is the president of the Philippine Paragliding and Hang-gliding Association, besides running his own ad production house.

They're in Jakarta, by the way, as official Philippine delegates, but on their own, not on government sports payroll. It's the first time paragliding has been included as an official event at the SEA Games, largely at the insistence of the Indonesian team which has, said Buko, become close friends with them and have been most gracious hosts. Despite the lack of Philippine government support at this time, the team is happy enough to have the chance to compete for the flag. "We're really here for fun and our passion for flying, and we'd like more people to know about the sport," said Richard, an IT professional in Singapore.

I've not kept up with the news, and can't say right now if our paragliding guys have notched any medals. But whether they do end up victorious or not, on that hill with them we were the proudest Pinoys there were.

A Rizal descendant leads cast of Dulaang UP's Noli Me Tangere: The Opera, opening this week

Spanish-Filipino actor and singer Kuya Manzano counts the national hero Jose Rizal as his great grand uncle. It seems destiny, then, for him to end up portraying Ibarra, the lead character in "Noli me Tangere: The Opera," Dulaang UP's staging of the classic Felipe De Leon work, with libretto by Guillermo Tolentino based on Rizal's immortal novel.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" runs November 16-December 4, 2011 (Wednesday to Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, and is directed by Alexander Cortez.

Manzano arrived from Spain five months ago to begin rehearsals for "Noli." In the last 13 years, he’s been performing in musical theater, zarzuela, opera, spoken theater, TV and films in Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and China.

Arman Ferrer alternates as Ibarra. The cast also includes Elainne Vibal and Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara, Jonathan Velasco and Michael Dominic Santos as Padre Damaso, and Onyl Torres as Padre Salvi. Cynthia Guico and Aissa Inumerable play Tia Isabel; Jean Judith Javier, Joy Abalon-Tamayo, Rica Nepomuceno alternate as Sisa; and Frederick Hipol is Elias.

Camille Lopez Molina and Pablo Mariano Molina provide vocal coaching and musical supervision, with pianist Noel de la Rosa as accompanist.

Production designer Gino Gonzales uses Philippine indigenous materials for the sets, and the inabel cloth from the Ilocos region for the costumes. The creative team also includes lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, sound designer Jethro Joaquin, choreographer Dexter Santos and videographer Winter David. Special props are designed and executed by John Gaerlan, with Pow Santillan rendering the graphics design and photos by Jojit Lorenzo.

For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact Cherry Bong Edralin 0917-7500107, or the Dulaang UP Office 9261349, 9818500 local 2449 or 4337840.

Gantimpala Theater caps 34th season with Florante at Laura

Gantimpala Theater caps its 34th season with Francisco Balagtas’ “Florante at Laura”, one of the most enduring Filipino literary masterpieces, adapted into a play by award-winning playwright Boni Ilagan, and directed by brothers Roeder and Jose Jeffrey Camañag.

“Boni Ilagan wrote such a superb script!” says Jeffrey Camañag. “His interpretation of the classic focuses on the many facets of love--from its purest form to its most corrupted version. His understanding of Balagtas’ words allows audiences the opportunities to witness Florante’s encounters with love--his love for knowledge, his love for his parents, his brotherly love for his best friend Menandro, his romantic love for Laura, his love for his enemies, and ultimately, the love for his country and the Higher Cause.”

“We are highlighting the beauty of the language and the elements of komedya,” he adds. “What we give the public now is a tribute to Florante and Laura, as literary characters, a tribute to Francisco Balagtas and his mastery of the Tagalog language, and a tribute to the komedya, which is a true Filipino theater form.”

Alternately playing the Albanian prince Florante are Yutaka Yamalawa and Rafa Esplana. Ellrica Laguardia portrays Laura, princess and Florante’s sweetheart.

Completing the characters are Arkin Da Silva and Alfred Urieta (alternately playing Adolfo/Makata), Gilbert Bacolod (Haring Linceo/Balagtas), Tess Jamias (Reyna Floresca), Billy Parjan (Duke Briseo), Leo Ponseca (Aladin), Wenah Nagales (Flerida), Benjie Cayetano (Sultan Ali-Adab), Paul Jake Paule (Minandro), Ronald Concepcion (Antenor), Michael King Urieta and Rayond Talavera (Batang Florante/Batang Adolfo alternates) and Julius Empredo (Osmalik).

Helping the brothers Camañag realize the warring world of Moors and Christians are Andy Villareal (lights designer), Joey de Guzman (Set Designer), Toni Muñoz (music designer), Meyo de Jesus (video Designer). Ian de Leon (choreographer), Charyl Chan de Guzman (production manager), Luis Galang (stage manager).

Remaining performances are on November 18 -19 (10 a.m./2 p.m.), AFP Theater, Quezon City; and November 25-26 (11 a.m./2 p.m.) Cinema 3, SM Southmall, Las Piñas City.

For tickets, please call the Gantimpala Marketing Office 8995911/8995745/9985622. Visit www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com and www.facebook.com/gantimpala.

Philippine Normal University's The Fourthwall Theater presents Ang Tao

The Fourthwall Theater, the Philippine Normal University's drama group, is staging “Ang Tao,” a Filipino translation of the medieval morality play “Everyman,” on November 27, 2011, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., at St. Scholastica’s College Little Theater, Manila.

The production is under the supervision of Prof. Pat Villafuerte, a multi-awarded writer and PNU professor.

The Fourthwall Theater, composed of teacher-artists manned by Drama Education and Theater Arts specialists of the PNU, has performed in various schools and universities and has rendered workshops to empower education through drama and theater arts. It's under the supervision of Mark Ryan Hernandez, who awarded Best Director by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Tourism in the 2004 Gawad Eksena Eskwela: Theater Festival held in Intramuros, Manila.

“Ang Tao” is a morality play and allegorical drama about how Christians should live and what a person must do to save his soul. A morality play is, in effect, a sermon that is acted out. The characters of a typical morality play include personifications of virtues (such as hope and charity), vices (such as pride and sloth), or other qualities, as well as personifications of objects (such as money) or activities (such as death or fellowship).

The show is tailor-made for all students taking up English, Literature, Social Studies, Filipino, Values Education, Music, Arts, Dance and Theater classes.

For inquiries and tickets, call production manager Rommel Maglaya 0922-8666917 or e-mail mr.maglaya@gmail.com

2011 Aliw Awards--complete list of nominees and winners

The following list is based on the program made available to guests. Winners in boldface.

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR
Solenn Heusaff

BEST TEEN PERFORMER (MALE)
Elmo Magalona

BEST TEEN PERFORMER (FEMALE)
Julie Anne San Jose

BEST NEW ARTIST
Marcelito Pomoy
Angeline Quinto
Zia Quizon

BEST NEW ARTIST (FEMALE GROUP)
Opera Belles

BEST NEW ARTIST (MALE GROUP)
Voyz Avenue

BEST CHORAL GROUP
University of the Visayas Chorale
Ateneo Chamber Singers
Ateneo Glee Club
UST Singers
UP Singing Ambassadors
TSP Chorale

BEST DANCE COMPANY
Ballet Manila
Philippine Ballet Theater
Salinlahi Dance Company
Bungkos Palay--Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Liceo de Cagayan de Oro Folkloric Dance Troupe
Sining Katutubo Dance Assembly--Pagsanjan, Laguna

BEST CULTURAL GROUP
Tanghalang SLU, Baguio City
St. Dominic Savio Cultural Group
Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry
Gantimpala Theater Foundation

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST
Joseph Esmilla (Violin)
Mary Ann Espina (Piano)
Christopher Oracion (Flute)
Rudolf Golez (Piano)

BEST EMCEE (FEMALE)
Issa Litton
Miriam Quiambao
Nicole Lehiyala
Donita Rose
Iza Calzado

BEST EMCEE (MALE)
Tim Yap
Michael Lim
Marc Nelson
Raymond Gutierrez
Rovilson Fernandez
Jobert Sucaldito

BEST STAND-UP COMEDIAN (MALE)
Wendel Valdez (22nd Street)
Ate Gay (Laffline/Punchline)
Boyet Sanchez (22nd Street)
Rex Navarrete (Resorts World)

BEST STAND-UP COMEDIAN (FEMALE)
Pokwang (Endangered Species, Aliw Theater)
Rubi Rubi (22nd Street)
Beverly Salviejo (The Library)

BEST CLASSICAL PERFORMER (MALE)
Randy Gilongo
Al Gatmaitan
Dondi Ong
Andrew Fernando

BEST CLASSICAL PERFORMER (FEMALE)
Camille Lopez Molina
Karla Gutierrez
Fame Flores
Clarissa Ocampo

BEST NON-MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Fake - UP Playwrights Theater
Joy Luck Club - Repertory Philippines
American Hwangap - Tanghalang Pilipino
Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo - Pro.Pro
Kagilagilalas na Buhay ni Lam Ang - Tanghalang SLU
Rajah Indarapata - MSU

BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Magsimula Ka - Spotlight Artist Center
Cory the Musical - Philippines Stagers Foundation
Hinilawod - Hiyas Kayumanggi
Next to Normal - Atlantis Productions

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Tony Mabesa - Fake (UP Playwright Theater)
Dan Rommel Riopay - Florante at Laura/ Lam Ang (Tanghalang SLU)
Jomari Jose - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Paolo O'Hara - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Ronaldo Bertubin - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Pepito Sumayan - Rajah Indarapatra (MSU)

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)
Menchu Lauchengco Yulo - Little Woman (Repertory Philippines)
Audie Gemora - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Bobby Garcia - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Arthur Casanova - Once on this Island (Brent School)
Vince Tandada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Robert Sena - Magsimula Ka (Spotlight Artist Center)

BEST ACTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Joel Lamangan - Fake (UP Playwright)
Mario O'Hara - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Bembol Roco - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Cris Pasturan - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Chase Cervera - Lam-ang (Tanghalang SLU)
Teroy Guzman - Screen: Macbeth (College of Arts & Letters, UP Diliman)

BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Redgie Jimenez - Alibugha (Pro.Pro)
Vince Tanada - Cory ng Edsa
Gerald Santos - Sino ka ba Jose Rizal (Gantimpala Theater Foundation)
Jett Pangan - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Nyoy Volante - In the Heights (Atlantis Production)

BEST ACTRESS (NON-MUSICAL)
Gina Pareno - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Frances Makil Ignacio - Joy Luck Club (Repertory Philippines)
Ana Abad Santos - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Joanne Salazar - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Shamaine Buencamino - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)

BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Pinky Marquez - Little Women (Repertory Philippines)
Rachel Alejandro - Xanadu (Atlantis Productions)
K-La Rivera - In the Heights (Atlantis Productions)
Nikki Gil - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo- Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Cris Villonco - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)

BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE
Bodgie Pascua - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Joel Trinidad - Kaos (Resorts World)
Jerald Napoles - Caredivas (Peta)
Romnick Sarmenta - Screen:Macbeth (College of Arts & Letters (UP Diliman)
Joe Gruta - El Filibusterismo (Gantimpala Theater)

Note: Romnick Sarmenta and Joe Gruta are listed in the program but their names were not called during the show and were not included in the list of nominees flashed on the screen.

BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE
Jay Valencia Glorioso - In the Heights/A Little Night of Music (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Aida (Atlantis Productions)
Sheree - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Glory Ann Nacional - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Tanya Manalang - Kaos (Resorts World)
Cindy Maree Liper - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Cory ng Edsa - Philippine Stagers Foundation
In the Heights - Atlantis Production
Hinilawod - Hiyas Kayumanggi
Noli Me Tangere - Tanghalang Pilipino
Sino ka ba Jose Rizal?- Gantimpala Theater Foundation

Note: This category was printed in the program but was not included in the show.

BEST SPECIAL CONCEPT PRODUCTION
Kaos - Resorts World
Laro - CCP
Bedazzled 11 - Club Mwah
Vice Ganda Todong Sample sa Araneta - Viva/ Showtime
Ballet, Band & Ballads with Side A - Ballet Manila

BEST PERFORMER IN A SPECIAL CONCEPT PRODUCTION (FEMALE)
Sylvia La Torre - Laro (CCP)

Note: Irene Marcos Araneta received the trophy on behalf of Sylvia La Torre.

BEST PERFORMER IN A SPECIAL CONCEPT PRODUCTION (MALE)
Gian Magdangal - Kaos (Resorts World)

BEST CONCERT STAGE DIRECTOR
Louie Ignacio - Charice, Home for Valentine
Kokoy Jimenez - Pops in Fashion
Ernie Duque - Beyond Limits
Floy Quintos - Lea Salonga/David Pomeranz
Freddie Santos- Broadway Showstoppers

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR-CONCERT
Mel Villena- Pops in Fashion
Soc Mina - Beyond Limits
Louie Ocampo - What Love Is
Homer Flores - Divine Diva & Premier Balladeer

BEST PERFORMER IN HOTELS, MUSIC LOUNGES, BARS (FEMALE)
Sitti - Martinis Bar (Mandarin Hotel)
Lolita Carbon - Freddie's Bar
Juris - Bagaberde
Girl Valencia - Tap Room Manila Hotel
Jonalyn Viray - Bagaberde

BEST PERFORMER IN HOTELS, MUSIC LOUNGES, BARS (MALE)
Bo Cerrudo - Teatrino
Jimmy Bondoc - Bagaberde
Guji Lorenzana - 19 East

BEST PERFORMER IN HOTELS, MUSIC LOUNGES, BARS (GROUP)
Draybers - Resorts World
Aegis Band - 22nd Street
Bloomfields - Rockville Bar
Kamikazee - Bagaberde

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT (MALE)
Gerald Santos - Music Museum
Eric Santos - Meralco Theater
Jose Mari Chan - Thunderbird Hotel

Note: Jose Mari Chan name wasn't called but his name appears in the program.

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT (FEMALE)
Dulce (La Dulce Vita) - Music Museum
Angeline Quinto - SM Skydome
Yeng Constantino (Rakenrol Jamming)- Aliw Theater

BEST COLLABORATION IN A CONCERT
Jonalyn Viray/Julie Anne San Jose/Francesca Farr (Beyond Limits) - Music Museum
Jose Mari Chan/The Company (It's Complicated) - SMX Convention Center
Aisa/Juris/Princess - SM Skydome

BEST MAJOR CONCERT (MALE)
Martin Nievera - Tribute
Vice Ganda - Todong Sample sa Araneta
Jed Madela - Christmas at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
Richard Poon - The Crooner
Leo Valdez - Broadway Showstoppers

BEST MAJOR CONCERT (FEMALE)
Pops in Fashion - Resorts World
Lani Misalucha @ Resorts World - Resorts World
Charice Pempengco - David Foster & Friends/ Charice: Home for Valentine
Toni Gonzaga (Toni @ 10) - Araneta Center

BEST COLLABORATION FOR A MAJOR CONCERT
Martin Nievera/Sarah Geronimo - What Love is
Richard Poon/Pokwang - The Crooner & Comedienne
Zsa Zsa Padilla/Basil Valdez - Divine Diva & Premier Balladeer
The Company/Side A - In the Company of Side A

MUSIKAHAN DULAANG RIZAL AWARD
Noli Me Tangere - Tanghalang Pilipino
Rizal X - Dulaang UP
Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal? - Gantimpala Theater Foundation
Pagsaulog ni Rizal sa Dapitan - Local Gov't of Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Note: All four were cited for the award.

SPECIAL AWARD
Roxanne Lapus
IPAG (Integrated Performing Arts Guild)
UP Pep Squad
Joseph Valerio
Ivy Violan
Cris Vertido--Theater
Mitch Valdez

Note: All were cited for the award.

HALL OF FAME AWARDEES
Roxanne Lapus
Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan
Boy Abunda

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Johnny Litton (Hosting)
Fides Cuyugan Asencio (Opera)
Maniya Barredo (Ballet)
Joey Pepe Smith (Rock Music)
Tony Mabesa (Theater)
Nora Aunor (Movies)

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Charice Pempengco

14 more performances of PETA's Care Divas this December

Philippine Educational Theater Association's "Care Divas" remains a popular contender among the must-see plays of the year. The comedy musical penned by Palanca award-winning playwright Liza Magtoto was set to have a limited thirty-six-show run from February-March 2011. However, with great word-of-mouth came requests for more shows.

Since then, one additional show has led to another, and barely nine months since it opened, "Care Divas" has had sixty-nine shows--more than double the number of the play's scheduled performances!

As a Christmas treat to the fans of the musical, and as a tribute to all OFWs coming home this Christmas, PETA is producing an additional 14 performances of "Care Divas" this December.

Fans and first-time viewers will be treated to a limited engagement--a night of music, laughter and explosive production numbers that will transport them to a remote Israeli Tel Aviv club, where daytime gay caregivers transform into fabulous divas at night.

Don't miss the last 14 performances of "Care Divas" at the PETA Theater Center (No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City) on December 1 and 8, 8 p.m.; December 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing 7256244, 4100821 or 0917-5642433, petatheater@gmail.com.

Top Serbian pianist performs in Manila

The Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines (PTGP) and the UST Conservatory of Music will present distinguished Serbian pianist Dorian Leljak in a solo concert on November 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Philamlife Auditorium.

A multi-awarded pianist who enjoys a successful career worldwide as soloist, chamber musician, teacher and jurist in prestigious international competitions, Leljak has won several international piano competitions, including the Rachmaninov Competition-Belgrade, Novi Sad Piano Competition, as well as the University of Novi Sad Merit Award, Yale University Mary Clapp Howell, Irving Gilmore and Parisot Prizes.

He is a member of the jury at many international piano competitions including the Cleveland International Piano Competition (USA), Rome International Piano Competition (Italy), Enschede International Piano Competition for Young Musicians (The Netherlands), International Piano Competition in Namur/Waterloo (Belgium), Chopin Mazovia Piano Competition (Poland), Top of the World Piano Competition Tromsø (Norway) and EWON Cheonan Competition (Korea).

Leljak is a Professor of Piano at the prestigious Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia and at the Royal College of Music in London. He is currently the Artistic Director of the International Isidor Bajic Piano Competition, President of the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA) and the World Piano Conference (WPC), President of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA)–Voyvodina, Executive Director of the Panopticum Musicum/Musica Ricercata/Omnibus Musicus International Music Schools, as well as the Southeast Europe Representative for the ABRSM (London).

For his Manila engagement, Leljak will perform Chopin’s Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Op. 45, Mazurka in C Sharp Minor, Op. 63, No. 3, Mazurka in B Minor, Op. 33, Nr. 4, Nocturne in B Major, Op. 62, No. 1, Nocturne in E Major, Op. 62, No. 2 and Barcarolle, Op. 60 and Rachmaninov’s Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 36 (Second Version).

For tickets and information, please call the UST Conservatory of Music (7314022; 4061611 loc. 8246) or PTGP c/o Melissa Taqueban (0917-8081497).

2011 Aliw Awards--nominees and winners for Theater

Yep, even while on the road, I had a friend monitor the awards night and results for me. Winners in boldface. (Complete list of nominees and winners in other categories to follow.)

BEST NON-MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Fake - UP Playwrights Theater
Joy Luck Club - Repertory Philippines
American Hwangap - Tanghalang Pilipino
Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo - Pro.Pro
Kagilagilalas na Buhay ni Lam Ang - Tanghalang SLU
Rajah Indarapata - MSU

BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Magsimula Ka- Spotlight Artist Center
Cory the Musical - Philippines Stagers Foundation
Hinilawod- Hiyas Kayumanggi
Next to Normal - Atlantis Productions

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Tony Mabesa - Fake (UP Playwright Theater)
Dan Rommel Riopay - Florante at Laura/ Lam Ang (Tanghalang SLU)
Jomari Jose - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Paolo O'Hara - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Ronaldo Bertubin - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Pepito Sumayan - Rajah Indarapatra (MSU)

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)
Menchu Lauchengco - Little Woman (Repertory Philippines)
Audie Gemora - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Bobby Garcia - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Arthur Casanova - Once on this Island (Brent School)
Vince Tandada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Robert Sena - Magsimula Ka (Spotlight Artist Center)

BEST ACTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Joel Lamangan - Fake (UP Playwright)
Mario O'Hara - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Bembol Roco - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Cris Pasturan - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Chase Cervera - Lam-ang (Tanghalang SLU)
Teroy Guzman - Screen: Macbeth (College of Arts & Letters, UP Diliman)

BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Redgie Jimenez - Alibugha (Pro.Pro)
Vince Tanada - Cory ng Edsa
Gerald Santos - Sino ka ba Jose Rizal (Gantimpala Theater Foundation)
Jett Pangan - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Nyoy Volante - In the Heights (Atlantis Production)

BEST ACTRESS (NON-MUSICAL)
Gina Pareno - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Frances Makil Ignacio - Joy Luck Club (Repertory Philippines)
Ana Abad Santos - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Joanne Salazar - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Shamaine Buencamino - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)

BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Pinky Marquez - Little Women
Rachel Alejandro - Xanadu
K La Rivera - In the Heights
Nikki Gil - Sweet Charity
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo- Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Cris Villongco - Noli Me Tangere

BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE
Bodgie Pascua - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Joel Trinidad - Kaos (Resorts World)
Jerald Napoles - Caredivas (Peta)
Romnick Sarmenta - Screen:Macbeth (College of Arts & Letters (UP Diliman)
Joe Gruta - El Filibusterismo

Note: Romnick Sarmenta and Joe Gruta are listed in the program but their names were not called during the show and were not included in the list of nominees flashed on the screen.

BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE
Jay Valencia Glorioso - In the Heights/ A Little Night of Music (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Aida
Sheree - Sweet Charity
Glory Ann Nacional - Cory ng Edsa
Tanya Manalang - Kaos
Cindy Maree Liper - Cory ng Edsa

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Cory ng Edsa - Philippine Stagers Foundation
In the Heights - Atlantis Production
Hinilawod - Hiyas Kayumanggi
Noli Me Tangere - Tanghalang Pilipino
Sino ka ba Jose Rizal? - Gantimpala Theater Foundation

Note: This was printed on the program but this category was not included in the show.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (THEATER)
Tony Mabesa

First look: Jett Pangan + This Is the Moment

Excuse the rather crappy sound. But you get the drift--that voice WILL be heard.

From Amadis Ma. Guerrero's Musicals to enliven Rep’s 75th season: “Jekyll & Hyde,” (by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricuse) is based on the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. It marks the first time singer-actor Jett Pangan appears on the Rep stage and marks as well the return of Junix Inocian to Rep. Pangan interpreted the hit song “This Is the Moment” to loud applause. Yulo directs.

Michael Williams will alternate with Jett Pangan in the title role. The musical runs March 16-April 15, 2012 at Onstage Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Nominees revealed for 2011 BWW Philippines Awards--voting now open

From BroadwayWorld.Com Philippines: Congratulations to BroadwayWorld.com Philippines Awards' nominees, whose names are below, and were shortlisted from around 500 nomination entries sent from October 6 to 31 (covering a 13-month eligibility period from September 2010 to October 2011).

Read more: http://philippines.broadwayworld.com/article/We-Hear-You-Nominate-you-Favourites-for-the-first-BroadwayWorldcom-Philippines-Awards-20111020#ixzz1ckEv0ztp

You may now vote for your favourite nominees; voting deadline is December 31. Click here to vote.

BEST MUSICAL
In the Heights (Atlantis Productions Inc.)
Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Sound of Music (Resorts World Manila)
Peter Pan (Repertory Philippines/Stages Production Specialists Inc.)
Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Care Divas (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)

BEST PLAY
American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Ang Post Office (Philippine Educational Theater Association)

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Bobby Garcia (Next to Normal)
Jaime del Mundo and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Peter Pan)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Little Women)
Robbie Guevara (Sweet Charity)
Chari Arespacochaga (Aida)
Christopher de Venecia (Little Shop of Horrors)
Dexter Santos (Orosman at Zafira)
Vince Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Gary Labad (Ang Post Office)

BEST LEADING ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Jett Pangan (Next to Normal)
Felix Rivera (Next to Normal)
Sam Concepcion (Peter Pan)
Gian Magdangal (The Wedding Singer)
Kris Lawrence (Sweet Charity)
Mark Bautista (Noli Me Tangere)
Melvin Lee (Care Divas)
Ricci Chan (Care Divas)
Jerald Napoles (Care Divas)
Vince Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST LEADING ACTOR (PLAY)
Martin Delos Santos (Ang Post Office)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Next to Normal)
Ciara Sotto (Rent)
Mian Dimacali (Rent)
Caissa Borromeo (Little Women)
Nikki Gil (Sweet Charity)
Tippy Dos Santos (Peter Pan)
Cris Villonco (Noli Me Tangere)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS (PLAY)
Jay Glorioso (Love, Loss, and What I Wore)
Liza Infante (The 39 Steps)
Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (Fake)

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION
Gerard Salonga (Little Women)
Joseph Tolentino (Sweet Charity)
Pipo Cifra (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Cecille Martinez (In the Heights)
Deana Aquino (Sweet Charity)
Dexter Santos (Orosman at Zafira)
John San Antonio (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Raven Ong (Peter Pan)
Mio Infante (Rent)
Emy Tanada (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
Shoko Matsumoto (Next to Normal)

BEST SET DESIGN
Joey Mendoza (Little Women)
Gino Gonzales (Peter Pan)
Jeffrey Ambrosio (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST SOUND DESIGN
Chuck Ledesma (Rent)
Bobbit Jacinto (In the Heights)
Rards Corpus (Sound of Music)
Art Grabentina (Cory ng Edsa)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE/ENSEMBLE ROLE (MUSICAL)
Markki Stroem (Next to Normal)
OJ Mariano (Rent)
Michael Williams (Peter Pan)
Jeff Arcilla (Little Women)
Johann dela Fuente (The Wedding Singer)
Jon Jon Martin (The Wedding Singer)
Miguel Faustmann (Sweet Charity)
Myke Salomon (Care Divas)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE/ENSEMBLE ROLE (PLAY)
Jeremy Domingo (American Hwangap)
Nicco Manalo (American Hwangap)
Jonathan Tadioan (Bombita)
George de Jesus (Amphitryon)
Joshua Deocareza (Titus Andronicus)
Nic Campos (Shakespeare in Hollywood)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE/ENSEMBLE ROLE (MUSICAL)
Bea Garcia (Next to Normal)
Tex Ordonez (In the Heights)
Ciara Sotto (Sweet Charity)
Sheila Valderrama (Sweet Charity)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE/ENSEMBLE ROLE (PLAY)
Cris Villonco (The Joy Luck Club)
Frances Makil Ignacio (The Joy Luck Club)
Liesl Batucan (American Hwangap)
Skyzx Labastilla (Titus Andronicus)

BEST THEATER COMPANY
Atlantis Productions Inc.
9 Works Theatrical

BEST THEATRICAL VENUE
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
CCP Little Theater
PETA Center Theater
Newport Performing Arts Theater (Resorts World Manila)

The Love Yourself Cafe on Nov. 19

Imagine having a cozy, casual conversation among friends -- open, friendly, funny, yet substantial and enriching. This is what the Love Yourself Cafe is all about. A safe space for casual conversations, on topics that dare, with people who care, to question and share.

The first-ever cafe event is happening on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. The topic will be: Love & Relationships Among Men. It will be hosted by Migs the Manila Gay Guy and facilitated by the Fabcasters.

This is a private, by-invitation event that will happen at a discreet, secret location in Makati. If you are interested, request for an invitation via this link. Limited slots available.

Audition for new indie movie by creative team behind Cinemalaya and Busan-winning film Niño

A new indie movie by Loy Arcenas and Rody Vera, director and screenwriter, respectively, of the award-winning film "Niño", is in the works.

Auditions will be held on Nov. 6, Sunday, for the part of Joanna, a transvestite, small-time fashion designer, who is seriously considering a sex change.

Preferably long-haired. Age: 24-27. Height: 5'5" to 5'8". Silent type. No-nonsense demeanor. Down-to-earth but ready to fight if pushed to the limit. Sharp feminine features or aspires to that. Hindi malandi. Hindi madaldal. Definitely not a screaming queen. No muscular or athletically toned guys.

Auditions will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Union Square One Condo, 15th Ave., Cubao, QC. If interested, e-mail resume to opencasting2008@yahoo.com.

Atlantis Productions' Disney's The Little Mermaid opens Nov. 18 at Meralco Theater

Atlantis Productions stages "Disney’s The Little Mermaid," the Broadway musical based on the 1989 Disney animated film with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The musical, with book by Doug Wright and 10 new songs by Menken plus lyrics by Glenn Slater, runs Nov. 18-Dec. 11, 2011 at Meralco Theater, Ortigas.

Some of Disney’s most popular songs are featured in the show, including "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea."

Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos make their professional musical theater stage debut as Ariel and Prince Eric in Atlantis' production, jointly directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga.

Go was the grand winner of Viva-GMA7 "Search for a Star" competition in 2004 and won the silver medal that same year at the Shanghai Music Festival. She currently appears on GMA-7’s "Party Pilipinas."

Erik Santos won the first ABS-CBN "Star in a Million" competition in 2003, and is now a mainstay of ABS-CBN's "ASAP XV."

Other cast members include Jinky Llamanzares as Ursula, Calvin Millado as Triton and OJ Mariano as Sebastian.

Garcia and Arespacochaga were in Hawaii last year to take Asian Puppetry workshops, which will help them create many of the sea creatures.

"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," says Garcia.

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

For tickets/details, contact 8927078, 8401187 or visit www.atlantisproductionsinc.com.

PLUS: Previously released, Rachel Ann Go's take on Part of Your World--

Dulaang UP's new children's play Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang, Nov. 23-Dec. 11

For its mid-season production, Dulaang UP stages "Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang," a children’s play adapted from Gilda Cordero-Fernando's children’s short story "The Magic Circle," written by Rody Vera and directed by José Estrella.

The play runs November 23-December 11, 2011 at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan (THY), Faculty Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

The story chronicles the adventures of a young boy named Jepoy Baybayin and his pet dog Galis as they go on a magical journey bursting with fantastic characters and strange happenings.

Jepoy and Galis are invited to a wedding underneath a balete tree, in the middle of a dark forest. No exact wedding date. They only have to wait for a sign: when it rains while the sun is shining, that's the time to go and witness the vows of the tikbalang couple. Jepoy and Galis meet the Tatlong Maria: Makiling, Sinukuan and Cacao of the mountains, the enormous Doña Geronima with her clean and shiny plates, the Spanish-speaking dwarf maitre d' Pacqui, talking pythons and frogs, tiyanak debutantes, ballroom dancing aswangs, the four musicians of San Roque and a woeful kapre named Kap.

Yet this wondrous banquet is not just frolic and festivity. It is also an urgent plea to the only human guest, Jepoy, no matter how young and poor he is, to tell his world to change things before it's too late.

"Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang" is a gentle reminder for children of all ages of the responsibility to care for our environment. It also serves to refresh our memory on the richness of our folk literature with its repertoire of fascinating stories and characters that are rendered nearly forgotten by American popular culture.

Award-winning sculptor Leeroy New’s designs the sculptural costume pieces, while another multi-awarded artist, Don Salubayba, lends his talent through unique shadow puppetry that adds yet another exciting dimension to the show. Complementing these are Lex Marcos’ set and lights and Tj Ramos’ sound design.

For ticket inquiries, contact Cherry Bong Edralin 0917-7500107 or the DUP Office 9261349.