A Party Called Grease

Yup, "Grease" is the word...the word that transported me back to my childhood days when I fondly recall my 4-year old self holding a hairbrush for a microphone and singing along "You're the One that I Want" while going down a flight of stairs at my lola's house, imitating the song's choreography.

Now, with 9Works Theatrical's staging of the updated version of "Grease", the younger generation can watch what "Grease" is all about (in case they have never seen the movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John) while those who saw the movie and grew up with its songs can enjoy the 1950s pop culture all over again.

A powerhouse cast that is led by Gian Magdangal (Danny Zuko) and Frencheska Farr (Sandy Dumbrowski) promises to electrify its audiences and make them fall in love with the characters once more.  Joining Magdangal and Farr are Iya Villania and Jennifer Blair-Bianco (alternating as Betty Rizzo), newcomer Rafa Siguion-Reyna (Kenickie), Reb Atadero (Roger), Mark Tayag (Sonny Latierri), and Vince Lim (Doody) completes the T-bird members, while Carla Dunareanu (Marty), Peachy Atilano (Frenchie), and Sarah Facuri (Jan) rounds up the Pink Ladies.  Supporting cast members are Carlos Canlas (Johnny Cash), James Stacey (DJ Vince Fontaine), HArold Cruz (Eugene Florcyzk), Sab Jose (Patty Simcox), Angela Padilla (Miss Lynch), and Carmelle Ros and Ciara Sotto (alternating as Cha-cha Digregorio).

"You're the One that I Want"

And as for the Teen Angel who serenades Frenchie during "Beauty School Dropout," each show will feature a surprise guest for the role -- each one a notable stage, film or TV actor. The Teen Angel during the preview that I watched was Franco Laurel while JM Rodriguez, Raul Montesa and Michael de Mesa have appeared in the succeeding shows.

The Grease cast class picture

Watching the show, I couldn't help but stomp my feet, wiggle my fingers and sing-along to "Grease" favorites such as "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease Lightning," and of course, "You're the One that I Want."  I really enjoyed the whole production and I must say that casting was perfect so congratulations to the artistic team led by  director Robbie Guevara and assistant director Lorenz Martinez, and to the production team led by executive producer Santi Santamaria.

Want to have a musical blast from the past? Join the gang and party with "Grease" at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City on all weekends of November until December 1, 2013, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday gala at 8 pm, Saturday matinees at 3:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 4 pm.



Filed under EVENTS

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

9Works Theatrical will be staging "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" in February 2012. See Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang come to life in the show that will be directed by Michael Williams and assisted by Christopher de Venecia.

The cast include Tonipet Gaba as Schroeder, Robbie Guevara as Charlie Brown, Mio Infante as Linus, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Lucy, Sweet Plantado as Sally Brown, and Lorenz Martinez as Snoopy.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" will run from February to March 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Please call 9Works Theatrical at 557-5860 or 0917-5545560 for inquiries.

Related entry: Meet the Peanuts Gang

Filed under SHOWS

Meet the Peanuts Gang

Growing up, I've gathered quite a number of friends that remain friends until now. My childhood friends include Linus, Sally, Schroeder, Lucy, Charlie and Snoopy. Yes, you read it right...the Peanuts Gang! And they were friends with kids from other generations as well, having been created by Charles M. Schultz (1922 - 2000) as a syndicated daily and American comic strip that ran from October 2, 1950 until February 13, 2000 but continue to this day.

Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang

So why am I blogging about Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang? It's because I learned that 9Works Theatrical will be staging "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" in February 2012. How cute can that be? The show will be directed by Michael Williams and assisted by Christopher de Venecia.

The cast include Tonipet Gaba as Schroeder, Robbie Guevara as Charlie Brown, Mio Infante as Linus, Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Lucy, Sweet Plantado as Sally Brown, and Lorenz Martinez as Snoopy.

About Charles M. Schultz

Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000) was born on November 26, 1922 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Affectionately referred to as "Sparky," Schulz was a shy, introverted child. He mailed his submissions in to art school rather than attending in person. After being drafted into World War II, Schulz returned home and took a position as a teacher at the same art school (which is now known as The Art Instruction School, Inc.) in Minneapolis. There Schulz would make friends with a boy named Charlie Brown and unfortunately have his heart broken by a little red haired girl.

Filed under SHOWS

Sweet Charity's Sweet Success

I love watching theater productions especially when I have no clue on what the story is about. I just want to sit back, watch with fresh eyes and mind, and go with the flow of the acts with no biases whatsoever. Such is the case when I watched 9Works Theatrical's Sweet Charity on preview night and because I don't want the experience to be pre-empted, I just kept the programme that was given inside my bag.

As the story unfolded, I joined the heroine's journey of trying to find true love in a crazy world. Charity Hope Valentine is a dance hall hostess who have just been dumped by her love interest who ran away with her hard-earned money. She seeked comfort and solace in the company of her friends, who were dancers for hire in the club, but did not close her heart in the hopes of finding her happiness someday. In the process of sorting things out and finding other things to do with her life, she sought out to join a group for some cultural enlightenment. As she made her way up the building where the group meets, she met shy accountant Oscar Lindguist. Unfortunately, the two got stucked in the elevator for hours and with Oscar being a claustrophobic, things got crazy and funny at the same time. I must say, the elevator scene is THE highlight of the play!

Lady in red, Nikki Gil as Charity Hope Valentine

I won't reveal the rest of the story...that's for you to find out soon while Sweet Charity is still being staged. Will just share these tidbits: the show features the popular song Big Spender; and as director Robbie Guevarra shared at the press con, the show includes numbers that have no relation whatsoever to the scenes but they are there as show stoppers, a performance or segment of a theatrical production, popular way back in the 60s and 70s, that induces a positive reaction strong enough to pause (stop) the production (show).

The Fandango Ballroom girls singing Big Spender

Sweet Charity cast is led by mainstream singer/actress Nikki Gil and a singing contest find Kris Lawrence. This is Nikki Gil's second time to do a theater production, the first time being last year's Legally Blonde The Musical, but she was so good with her portrayal of Charity and showed exceptional vitality in her singing and dancing parts. The newbie to the theater scene, Kris Lawrence was a revelation as he tackled the role of Oscar like a pro.

Leads Nikki Gil and Kris Lawrence as Charity and Oscar

Tender scene on a ferris wheel ride

Joining Nikki and Lawrence are Ciara Sotto-Oconer (as Helene), Sheree (as Carmen) and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (as Nickie) plays Charity's co-dancers and closets friends; stage veteran Miguel Faustmann plays Herman, the authoritarian owner of the Fandango Ballroom and Charity’s boss; OJ Mariano, who was previously in the cast of RENT, plays the dual role of Vittorio Vidal, the charming, egotistical and confident Italian film star Vittorio Vidal; and Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck, the mesmerizing leader of the Rhythm of Life Church; and Angela Padilla as Ursala March, the melodramatic actress and Vittorio’s jealous girlfriend.

OJ Mariano as hippie Daddy Brubeck

Joining the ensemble are Caisa Borromeo, who I last saw in Repertory Philippines' Shakespeare in Hollywood; Chinie Nepomuceno; prima dancers Vinia Pamplona and Carmelle Ros as dancehall hostesses opposite Charity, as well as other theater veterans Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista, Francis Matheu, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

The cast of Sweet Charity

Over-all, 9Works Theatrical's staging of Sweet Charity is a sweet success for the world-class performances and great assemblage of talents both on stage and off stage. Working with director Robbie on Sweet Charity are assistant director Lorenz Martinez, musical director for orchestra Joseph Tolentino, musical director for vocals Sweet Plantado, sound designer Chuck Ledesma, scenographer Mio Infante, lighting designer Martin Esteva, and costume designers Mio Infante and Hanna de los Reyes.

Sweet Charity opened last Aug. 5 and will run with performances on all weekends of August at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For information, call 557-5860, 586-7105 or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

No Day but Today...to Watch RENT

As Jonathan Larson described the play in a one-sentence summary, “RENT is about a community celebrating life, in the face of death and AIDS, at the turn of the century." It is about how a group of friends, dealing with drug problems and AIDS affliction, had to cope with the complications that came with the life they have. It is also about loving and fulfilling dreams and seizing the moment amidst chaos.

I’ve watched 9Works Theatrical’s initial staging of RENT last 2009 and I have yet to watch the movie version, but RENT 2011 has something new to offer: new cast members and new surprise moves (pole dancing) that came with better acting and singing performances.

RENT COUPLES: Roger & Mimi (left) Angel and Tom (right)

Gian Magdangal still plays Roger (with alternate Al Gatmaitan), a once successful but now struggling musician who, from the tragic suicide of his last girlfriend, fell in love with fellow AIDS victim Mimi; Fred Lo takes up the role of Mark again, Roger’s housemate and a not-so less fortunate young man who chose to live the Bohemian life to pursue his dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker and was left by his girlfriend Maureen for a woman; Mimi, the drug dependent club dancer, formerly essayed by General Luna’s vocalist Nicole Asensio and alternate Cara Barredo, is now played by Gian’s real life partner Sheree Bautista (Viva Hot Babes) alternating with Ciara Sotto.

"La Vie Boheme"

Because of stage chemistry and their emotion-filled rendition of “I’ll Cover You,” Job Bautista and OJ Mariano are back again as Angel Dummott Schunard (a young drag queen) and Tom Collins (Angel’s love interest), respectively; performance artist/activist Maureen Johnson is again played by Carla Guevara-Laforteza who alternates with the youngest but equally talented cast member, Mian Dimacali; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer and Maureen’s lover; and Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin Coffin III, former roommate of Mark and Roger turned building’s landlord, who wants to turn it into a multimedia studio, complete the major characters.

The rest of the ensemble is composed of Peachy Atilano, Harold Cruz, Johann dela Fuente, Pam Imperial, Gary Junsay, Anna Santamaria, Alys Serdenia and Mark Tayag.

The cast gamely poses after their performance at the press preview.

So what did I look forward to on my second time to watch RENT? I was intrigued about the pole-dancing component in the choreography of the song “Out Tonight” and was anticipating to see Ciara Sotto play Mimi but it was Sheree Bautista who was on stage the night I watched. I got to say that she did pretty well, owing to the fact that she only started to learn pole dancing in January and has had only three lessons before opening night. What I didn’t expect was for Job Bautista, as Angel, to do some pole stunts as well, this despite the fact that he can leap and bound tables with grace and balance on high heels. Of course, what is RENT without the inspiring "No Day But Today" and the heart-warming “Seasons of Love?”

Girls just wanna have fun... from watching RENT.

What are you waiting for? Catch RENT at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at RCBC Plaza, Makati, on the remaining show dates on February 25, 26, 27, and March 4, 5 & 6, 2011. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 p.m., with 3:30 p.m. matinee show on Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. For more details and ticket information, visit www.9workstheatrical.com.

Thanks to 9Works and JOT for the opportunity. Thanks to sis Marj for lending me the cam for the pics.

RENT is here!

I've heard about RENT when the play was staged here in Manila some years ago. I never know though that there was a movie version. Am as raw as one could get when I went to the press conference last January 18 at the Rockwell Club -- no knowledge of what RENT was all about.

The play by Jonathan Larson, for the most part, is about people afflicted with AIDS and how they cope with the complications that come with it. It is also about loving and fulfilling dreams in trying times in the characters' lives.

Director Robbie Guevarra shared that they have a good mix of newbies and veterans in the cast. From the 300 that auditioned, the number was trimmed to 75 for the call back then was down to 16 for the final casting:

Roger - Gian Magdangal (Footloose, West Side Story)

Mark - Fred Lo (N.O.A.H.)

Mimi - Nicole Asensio / Cara Barredo (Mulan Jr., The Fantasticks)

Angel - Job Bautista

Collins - OJ Mariano

Maureen - Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Miss Saigon, Spelling Bee, Avenue Q)

Joanne - Jenny Villegas

Benny - Noel Rayos (Company, Hairspray)

Ensemble - Raul Montesa (Man of La Mancha, Sweeney Todd), Guji Lorenzana (West Side Story), Gary Junsay (Sweeney Todd), Johann de la Fuente (Footloose, Spelling Bee), Anna Santamaria, Ring Antonio (Once On This Island, Sweeney Todd), Peachy Atilano

Swings - Harold Cruz, Kyla Rivera (Footloose, Beauty and the Beast)

When they sang the trademark song "Season of Love" (which goes "five hundred twenty-five hours, six hundred minutes...") , I knew I heard it before but did't know the title. Another fave song of mine in the play is "No Day But Today" which tells us to live life to the fullest and be not afraid to dream and to love.

The media preview last February 3 was worth the traffic and long travel that I had to endure, coming from the Music Fest 2010 (Kris Allen, Jabbawockeez and Boyce Avenue) press conference at Eastwood Mall earlier. I enjoyed the play tremendously and would love to watch it again if given a chance. Fred, Gian and Nicole (as Mark, Roger and Mimi respectively) shone bright as the stars of the show but Job and OJ (as Angel and Collins) can give them a run for their money. Carla as Maureen was great in her "Over the Moon" performance.

RENT can be seen at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Opens on February 5, RENT will run on February 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.

I hope that more people will begin to appreciate plays again and support the efforts of theater producers to impart culture and appreciation of the arts. Watching stage plays is a good departure from the totally pop culture of watching movies as there's more satisfaction in watching live performances and unedited talents.

Photos from:

1) http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com/2009/11/broadwayworldcom-rent-manila-announces.html

2) http://nodaybuttoday2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/time-is-what-you-make-it.html