'Mama Mia!' Extended Run

We now have the chance to watch the smash hit musical 'Mama Mia!' that has performed around the world -- here in Manila at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

‘Mama Mia!’ is a musical based on the music of Abba, the popular Swedish group that ruled the music charts in the seventies. The musical includes such Abba hits as ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘Money, Money, Money’, ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Voulez Vous’ and ‘SOS’.

Shows were initially slated from January 24 until February 5 -- Tuesday thru Sunday at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 3 pm matinee show. Due to insistent public clamor, show dates were extended until February 19. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld.

Related post: Oh, 'Mama Mia!' (press launch)

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Oh, 'Mama Mia!'

"I've been cheated by you since I don't know when; so I've made up my mind, it must come to an end..." goes the classic song of 70s group ABBA titled 'Mama Mia'. If those lines made you sing, then chances are: a) you are a fan of ABBA; and b) you were able to watch the film 'Mama Mia!' starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan.

But did you know that even before the movie come out, 'Mama Mia!' has been touring around the globe as a theater production? Yes, 'Mama Mia!' on stage started way back in 1999 in London, has been seen by over 50 million people worldwide and has been on Broadway for more than a decade.

At the recent launch in Dusit Thani, Lunchbox Productions and Concertus brought two of the lead stars in ‘Mama Mia!’, Sara Poyzer and Charlotte Wakefield, who portray the mother and daughter characters Donna and Sophie, respectively, to give the guests a sneak peek of the exciting show.

In January 2012, we will have the chance to watch the smash hit musical 'Mama Mia!' on stage at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

‘Mama Mia!’ is a musical based on the music of Abba, the popular Swedish group that ruled the music charts in the seventies. The musical includes such Abba hits as ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’, ‘Thank You for the Music’, ‘Money, Money, Money’, ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Voulez Vous’ and ‘SOS’.

Shows will be from January 24 until February 5 -- Tuesday thru Sunday at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 3 pm matinee show. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld.

UPDATE as of Jan. 25, 2012:

Mama Mia is extended until February 19!

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A Wooden Puppet's Tale

Who doesn't know the story of the wooden puppet who wished to be a real boy? And that his nose grew long every time he told a lie?

As an early Christmas offering, TANGHALANG PILIPINO, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is proud to bring back Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), from November 18 to 20, 2011.

This adaptation by George de Jesus of the well-loved classic tale of Carlo Collodi will be filled with songs, humor and colorful costumes that will surely delight the whole family. Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? will retell the magical adventures of the wooden puppet whose quest to become a real boy leads him to learn about life, love and honesty.

This top-notch production also aims to impart socially-relevant insights as it tackles environmental awareness and addresses the urgent need to teach the young generation to be active participants in environmental protection.

Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? features Tanghalang Pilipino’s very own Actors Company; a creative team of multi-talented theater artists.

Give your friends and loved ones an early Christmas treat! Bring your kids to the CCP and let them enjoy the spectacle, music and merriment as you enter the magical world of Pinocchio.

For more information, please call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-3661.

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STOMP in Manila

The international theatrical sensation STOMP is now in Manila for the first time for a limited 8-day run of shows. The show features a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, similar to what we usually see in an ad in the cinemas before the movie starts.

STOMP will open our ears and make us aware of the interesting sounds that come from things around us that we tend to ignore. The show uses random everyday objects as performance instruments -- lids, buckets, trash bins and even matchsticks -- to create a show-stopping spectacle. STOMP has no words yet everyone can understand it and there are fun resonating moments for kids and adults alike.

In the press preview held yesterday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), I got to meet and chat with some of the cast members. First there was Nigel Clarke who has been doing STOMP for 13 years now. He left the show 10 years ago thinking,"I thought I was out...they pulled me back in!" An explosive energy in the company, Nigel indeed has STOMP in his blood and springs in his feet.

(l-r) me, Nigel Clarke of STOMP and my colleague Dya

The second cast member that I met was Michael Landis, a nice burly guy from San Diego who played the percussion. A man of few words (or maybe I didn't ask him much) he gladly did a short stint on the drums for me to video and here it is.

Michael Landis describing percussion

Among the chaos of interviews and photo shoots left and right, I saw this one performer seated quietly and taking sips of his bottled water. Obviously tired from the preview performance and interviews, his face instantly lit up into a smile when I approached him for a photo and some questions. He is Johannes Bohun from Vienna, Austria and he studied music and played drums in different bands and theatre productions before he joined STOMP in 2001.

Me with Johannes Bohun of STOMP

I asked him what particular "instrument" did he play in STOMP and he explained that since they are only twelve in the cast but only eight perform on stage at a time, each performer must take on 3 roles and master three "instruments" so that should one not be able to perform, another can step in. He further explains that you can watch STOMP more than once and it will still be exciting because, "Each show is different as it features a different set of (eight) performers every time."

STOMP was born out of a 10-year collaboration between its creators, Luke Cresswell ans Steve McNicholas. Founded in Brighton, UK in 1991, it is now on its 9th year in London's West End and on its 17th year on Broadway. There are currently four STOMP companies performing worldwide. The company that is now here in Manila is on its Asian leg with Philippines as the first stop. Next two destinations will be Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Big boys of STOMP having fun with bin and lids

The show may seem like child's play but with the movements and the rigorous efforts to make sounds out of the "instruments", doing one STOMP show lasting for 1 hour and 40 minutes is comparable to one football match. Hmmm, that's a lot of burned calories and so I wonder if I join the cast, how many pounds will I lose? Just a thought, ha ha ha. As if I can join the company and make my own "noise." I'll just go and buy a souvenir of this magnificent show at the booth located in the lobby.

STOMP keepsakes and wearables

STOMP will run from October 18 to 23 at the CCP, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. Tickets are priced at P750, P1000, P1500, P2000, P3000, P3500, P4000, P4500, P5000 and P5500 (exclusive of TicketWorld fees). Senior citizens enjoy a 20% discount. All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Manila, Metro East, Festival Mall and Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Malls (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4, and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths). You may also call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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Hans Brumann Rizal-Inspired Creations

Tanghalang Pilipino is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and they opened the season with “Noli Me Tangere: The Musical” as a tribute to the national hero Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. Click here to read post about the theatre production and the gala event.

Showcased are specially designed Rizal and Noli Me Tangere-inspired jewelries by renowned jeweler Hans Brumann, who donated four charm bracelets, which he crafted himself, for a fund-raising silent auction for the benefit of Tanghalang Pilipino. These bracelets are made of a combination of pearls and either silver or 14k gold chains with charms inspired by Jose Rizal's famous novel. Click here to view close-ups of the bracelets.

Hans Brumann charm bracelets for auction

If you’d like to bid for any of the charm bracelets, visit the online auction or visit the exhibit at the CCP to fill out a form. Winners of the Jewelry Auction will be announced on August 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the CCP Little Theater Lobby. Winners will be informed via e-mail and letter in advance by Tanghalang Pilipino and are requested to claim their bracelets on the night of the official announcement.

Going back to the subject of this blog entry, I wanted to share with you some of the exquisite jewelries on display, some of which were inspired by the women in Rizal’s life, both real and fictional. While these are not part of the auction, interested parties can also purchase these items.

(l-r) Consuelo and Gertrude necklaces

Consuelo is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 45 diamonds 0.49 ct. on 18k yellow gold 60 cm chain. Gertrude, on the other hand, is 18k white gold pendant with 1 fresh water pearl, carabao horn, 29 diamonds 0.26 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and ring

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, 9 tsavorites, 1 keshi pearl, 6 amethyst, 56 diamonds 0.54 ct. on black cord with matching ring made of 18k white gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, keshi pearl, kamagong wood and 6 diamonds 0.09 ct.

(l-r) Crisostomo & Maria Clara necklace and earrings

Crisostomo & Maria Clara is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, sapphire, carabao horn, 17 diamonds 0.21 ct. on 18k white gold 60 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold/yellow gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, mother of pearl, 48 sapphire and 10 diamonds 0.05 ct.

(l-r) Leonor necklace, earrings and ring

Leonor is 18k white gold/rose gold neckpiece with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 keshi pearl, 15 amethyst, 3 ruby, 10 sapphire and 120 tsavorite, with matching earrings of 18k rose gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, 2 fresh water pearls, horn and 8 diamonds 0.25 ct, and matching ring of 18k rose gold with 1 South Sea Pearl, 1 Tahiti pearl, horn and 5 diamonds 0.15 ct.

(l-r) Retablo necklace and earrings

Retablo is 18k white gold pendant with 2 fresh water pearls, horn, narra, and 133 diamonds 1.45 ct on 18k white gold 50 cm chain with matching earrings made of 18k white gold with 2 South Sea Pearls, narra wood, and 78 diamonds 0.41 ct.

And my two favorites among the collection:

Josephine necklace (wish I took a clearer photo)

Josephine is 18k white gold/yellow gold pendant with 1 baroque South Sea Pearl, horn and 70 diamonds on 18k white gold 60 cm chain.

Teodora neckpiece

Teodora is18k white gold neckpiece with carabao horn and 142 diamonds 1.72 ct.

The jewelry exhibit can be viewed, together with costumes designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Little Theater Lobby, until August 28, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

In line with national hero Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, Noli Me Tangere: The Musical is being staged by Tanghalang Pilipino to mark the theatre company’s silver anniversary.

I was invited to see the gala performance and witnessed the opening of the accompanying exhibit at the CCP lobby which displayed intricately made Filipiniana dresses loaned from Slims Fashion and Art School and the Metropolitan Museum Manila, and pieces inspired by Rizal’s works by renowned jeweler Hans Brumann (the jeweleries are for sale and some items will be auctioned for the benefit of Tanghalang Pilipino).

Filipiniana dresses from Slims and the Metropolitan Museum

Noli Me Tangere-inspired jewelries from Hans Brumann

Leads for Noli Me Tangere: The Musical are Cris Villonco as Maria Clara, and Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal as Crisostomo Ibarra. "Kuya" Bodjie Pascua (of the original children’s TV show Batibot) takes a turn as the evil Padre Damaso and Tanghalang Pilipino's ensemble of talented stage actors fill out Rizal's enduring portrayal of the Philippines under colonial rule: Al Gatmaitan as the scheming Padre Salvi (who shall be seen next in Ang Bagong Harana); Garry Lim at Tad Tadioan alternates as Don Tiburicio; Ring Antonio as Donya Victorina; Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto alternates as Elias; Red Nuestro as Kapitan Tiago; Jenny Villegas as Tia Isabel (whom I didn’t recognized as she looked so feminine and beautiful here as opposed to her role as the lesbian lawyer Joanne Jefferson in RENT); Angeli Bayani as Sisa; and Paolo Rodriguez as Leproso.

Cast of Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

I am not an expert reviewer of plays and what I am sharing here are my personal observations based on other plays I have watched before. I would like to commend Cris Villonco who tackled the role of the heart broken Maria Clara with more maturity than her past roles in other productions. No questions on her vocal prowess here but I am in awe because she was able to sing her songs clearly, hitting even the high notes perfectly, despite the fact that she is required to cry in the scenes at the same time. Gian Magdangal, on the other hand, had such a strong presence that when he first stepped out on stage, someone in the audience muttered, “Ang gwapo naman ni Ibarra.” I couldn’t help but smile and agree with her. Gian attacked the role with intensity I have not seen before, having watched him previously in RENT and KAOS. This is the first time I have seen both Cris and Gian in a straight Filipino play and both did so well in the delivery of their dialogues and songs.

Gian Magdangal as Crisostomo Ibarra and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara

I learned that this is Mark Bautista’s first foray into theatre and I would’ve wanted to see him portray Ibarra. Maybe I’ll just catch him on his next production.

Mark Bautista as Crisostomo Ibarra with Villonco and Al Gatmaitan as Padre Salvi

Like the rest of the local theatre companies, preparations for this landmark production was not without struggles but having watched the gala performance, those struggles were not evident as Tanghalang Pilipino’s passion for the stage showed in their performance. The critically acclaimed musical, adapted for the stage by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and composer Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work, offered songs with beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics that clearly told the story and depicted a range of emotions --from vibrant celebrations to tension-filled fights to feelings of betrayal and heart-wrenching cries of a love forlorn. Under the direction of theatre veteran Audie Gemora, the actors portrayed their roles with soul, had good blockings and use of the simple stage. Choreography by Agnes Locsin showed synchronized movements and graceful dances. To realistically show how people in Rizal’s era dressed, the actors were all beautifully garbed in period Filipiniana costumes designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical will run until August 28 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Contact Tanghalang Pilipino at 8323661 for ticket reservation.

Interested sponsors, show buyers, and block buyers for the next shows of Tanghalang Pilipino may call 8321125 local 1620 for more details and look for Ms Yanna Acosta or Ms Lorelei Celestino.

For more information visit http://tanghalangpilipino.org.ph.

Cast photos from Tanghalang Pilipino

UPDATE AS OF AUG. 28: Noli Me Tangere: The Musical has been extended and will have two (2) more shows on September 9 and 11. :)