Anything "forbidden" is almost always desired. Who can resist peeking at a surprise gift? Or eating another slice of sweet cake when no one is looking? I guess it is the challenge posed by the "forbidden pleasures" that our natural curiosity and persistence can't overcome at times.
When an invitation to join the press launch of "Forbidden Broadway" came my way, I was immediately curious to know what it is all about. It turns out that it is what New Yorkers call "the funniest show in New York and is the upcoming offering of Upstart Productions this May 2012 -- the Off-Broadway smash hit that is all about spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals.
And who on earth came up it such an idea? "Forbidden Broadway" was conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, a then unemployed actor who wanted a showcase for his talents. The original show opened in January 1982 in New York. The show has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of theOpera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mama Mia!, Cats, Hairspray, and Rent, among others. It also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers but I'm not revealing names now so you'd be curious enough to watch the show instead.
As to how "Forbidden Broadway" found its way to Philippine shores can be credited to Upstart Productions' Joel Trinidad, who is directing the show. Mr. Trinidad caught the show when he was in New York a couple of years ago and he shares, "I love Forbidden Broadway because it pokes fun at all the big hits of Broadway, but in a good-natured way that's never petty and mean." The full length, 2 acts show is like watching 20 or more Broadway musicals in one go and because it is well-written, the viewers need not be familiar with any of the featured musical to be able to appreciate the show.
"Forbidden Broadway" is a four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles, and the four actors who were tapped for the show are Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano. As Mr. Trinidad relayed at the press conference, "More than just great singers, dancers and actors, I needed performers who could be funny without trying." I agree on that a hundred percent because comic timing is something we are born with: either we have it or we don't. "I'm happy to say that my cast members -- Liesl, Caisa, Lorenz and OJ -- are all great performers who are definitely born with it," affirms Mr. Trinidad, referring to the cast as being naturally funny.
Watch this short video clip I took of their spoof of Rent's Season of Love:
To spice up every performance, guest artists like Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Jett Pangan, and many more will be popping on stage but only one surprise guest per show.
"Forbidden Broadway" will run from May 11 to 27, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Venue will be at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC PLaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
Stay tuned for updates to this show.
Upstart Productions' Joel Trinidad
And who on earth came up it such an idea? "Forbidden Broadway" was conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, a then unemployed actor who wanted a showcase for his talents. The original show opened in January 1982 in New York. The show has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of theOpera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mama Mia!, Cats, Hairspray, and Rent, among others. It also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers but I'm not revealing names now so you'd be curious enough to watch the show instead.
Liesl Batucan and Lorenz Martinez
OJ Mariano and Caisa Borromeo
As to how "Forbidden Broadway" found its way to Philippine shores can be credited to Upstart Productions' Joel Trinidad, who is directing the show. Mr. Trinidad caught the show when he was in New York a couple of years ago and he shares, "I love Forbidden Broadway because it pokes fun at all the big hits of Broadway, but in a good-natured way that's never petty and mean." The full length, 2 acts show is like watching 20 or more Broadway musicals in one go and because it is well-written, the viewers need not be familiar with any of the featured musical to be able to appreciate the show.
"Forbidden Broadway" is a four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles, and the four actors who were tapped for the show are Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano. As Mr. Trinidad relayed at the press conference, "More than just great singers, dancers and actors, I needed performers who could be funny without trying." I agree on that a hundred percent because comic timing is something we are born with: either we have it or we don't. "I'm happy to say that my cast members -- Liesl, Caisa, Lorenz and OJ -- are all great performers who are definitely born with it," affirms Mr. Trinidad, referring to the cast as being naturally funny.
Watch this short video clip I took of their spoof of Rent's Season of Love:
"Forbidden Broadway" will run from May 11 to 27, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Venue will be at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC PLaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
Stay tuned for updates to this show.
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