Forbidden Broadway: Musical Parody At Its Best

I have blogged about "Forbidden Broadway" last month as a teaser, having been invited to the press launch for a taste of things to come.  For those reading about the play for the first time, let me give you a capsule of what the fuzz is all about.

"Forbidden Broadway" is what New Yorkers call "the funniest show in New York" and is the Off-Broadway smash hit that is all about spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals. 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 the Opera, Wicked, Les Miserables, Mama Mia!, Cats, Hairspray, and Rent, among others.  It also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers but you'll have to watch the show to know who these are. 

Upstart Productions, through the talented actor, writer, director and producer Joel Trinidad, brings this musical parody to Manila for a limited run this May 2012.  "Forbidden Broadway" is a two-act, four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles and playing about 20 or more roles individually. The four actors who were tapped for the show are Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano.

The fab four (l-r): Caisa Borromeo, Lorenz Martinez, Liesl Batucan and OJ Mariano  

At the recent press preview, I was somewhere in-between knowing what the show was about and anticipating which Broadway musicals and personalities are going to be spoofed plus the variety of costume changes that had to be done quickly throughout the show.  Boy, what I witnessed I wasn't ready for and so I kept on laughing the whole time without the guilt of offending those on the other side of the globe. As Joel Trinidad shared, "Forbidden Broadway pokes fun at all the big hits of Broadway, but in a good-natured way that's never petty and mean." 

I loved everything in the show but my most favorite was the "Wicked" suite.  Watch out for the witch, the cute flying monkeys and the...as much as I'd like to share the wackiest scene ever, I have to restrain myself in divulging too much, so I leave this to your imagination.  I also loved "Annie," "The Phantom of the Opera," and the showdown of Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera because of "West Side Story."

Liesl, Caisa, Lorenz and OJ -- all of whom I've seen perform in previous productions -- were all naturally funny! I wonder how they were able to finish the show without bursting into laughter or even breaking into a grin?  With a script that's so hilarious, if I was one of the cast, I can imagine myself giggling and choking midway through songs.  Kudos to the four talented cast members for being great and disciplined performers. I also commend the lone pianist, Dingdong Fiel, who provided good music and crazy antics as well.  


As mentioned in my previous post, guest artists like Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Jett Pangan, and many more will be popping on stage but only one surprise guest per show.  Luckily, the special guest at the preview is none other than respected actor Noel Trinidad, who delayed his trip abroad just to participate in his son's (yes, he is Joel's father) show for the first time ever.

The cast with the night's special guest Mr. Noel Trinidad (center)

and here with director Mr. Joel Trinidad (center)

"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.


Related Reading: A Good Kind of Forbidden

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A Good Kind of Forbidden

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.

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:

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.

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'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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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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September Concert Scene

The merry "ber" months usher in, not only the Christmas season, but also the "concert season." Proof of this is the long line-up of shows for September alone. If you are in the mood to watch with your family or friends, My Happy Realm is glad to share the following:

All-4-One and Color Me Badd

Two American R&B groups who became popular in the 90s, All-4-One and Color Me Badd, are in Manila for a series of back-to-back shows. They will perform their greatest hits and will do a special tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson (now this I have to see. All-4-One is best known for the songs "I Swear," "I Can Love You Like That" and "So Much in Love" while Color Me Badd is known for hits "I Adore Mi Amore" and "All 4 Love."

Show will be held on September 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum; September 9 at Waterfront Hotel in Cebu; September 10 at Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro; and September 12 at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod.

China Crisis xSimple Minds

xSimple Minds Live!

Next stop is another back-to-back concert, this time with 80s (to early 90s) rock bands China Crisis and xSimple Minds, billed as "the superstars of the new romantics movement." China Crisis was just here in Manila last January for shows at Eastwood City and Venice Piazza and I must say that I enjoyed that, despite the traffic caused by heavy rains that day in Eastwood. See my previous blog post about it here: China Crisis...Live in Manila. As for xSimple Minds, they are most memorable, for me that us, with their song "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from John Hughes movie The Breakfast Club.

China Crisis xSimple Minds concert will be held on September 9 at the SMX Convention Center. Furthermore, Simple Minds will also do shows on September 10 at Eastwood City and September 11 at Venice Piazza.

The Company of Side A

On the local music scene, I am most excited about the joint show of The Company and Side A band because I grew up with their songs and I don't think there can be any other singing group or band that can match what they have achieved in their generation, that even today's young ones can still relate to their music. The Company is most memorable with "Everlasting Love," "You Changed My Life," and "Araw Gabi," among others. On the other hand, Side A made their mark with "So Many Questions," "Tell Me," "Forevermore" -- the list could go on and on.

The Company of Side A will be held on September 16 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

American Idol Live! Tour 2011

Past American Idol winners and runners-up have done shows in Manila, mostly solo shows and if I'm not mistaken, it was back in 2009 that a back-to-back concert of David Cook and David Archuleta happened. This September show is a first featuring a whole batch of finalists from American Idol, the latest season led by grand winner Scotty McCreery.

Expect a variety of musical styles and production numbers from the 10 performers on September 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

All Time Low

For the younger generation, there is All Time Low, an American pop punk group that was formed while the members were still in high school back in 2003. The close-to-zero knowledge on this band pretty much reveals my age because I am clueless when it comes to their popular songs (I may have heard their songs on the radio but I won't be able to tell if those songs were theirs).

Anyway, for those interested, All Time Low's concert will happen on September 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Westlife, The Gravity Tour 2011

Fans of the good looking Irish boy band, Westlife, can rejoice as they perform in Manila for The Gravity Tour 2011, minus member Brian McFadden, who left the group in 2004. The group may seem to have lied low in the past years but they have been busy doing concerts and music albums, the latest of which is their Gravity CD.

The concert on September 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is for the promotion of their new CD, but I hope that there'll be room for some of their greatest hits like "Swear it Again," "If I Let You Go," "Unbreakable," and others.

Broadway Showstoppers

Here's another show featuring homegrown yet world class talents -- Broadway Showstoppers -- headlined by Leo Valdez, with special guests Joanna Ampil and Ima Castro. As the title suggests, look forward to a night of musical brilliance of broadway songs from Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, and many more.

Grab the chance to watch this one night only show at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on September 27.

Toni G. @ 10

Ending the September line-up is the 10th anniversary celebration concert of local showbiz' "Multimedia Star" Toni Gonzaga. The show will tell the story of Toni's decade-long journey in showbusiness, featuring songs of her life and from her recordings.

Toni G. @ 10 will be held on September 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

There you go, a busy month for the concert scene...wait until its October as more great shows come our way.

Click titles to see related posts:

My Romance with AI - A.I. David Cook, David Archuleta, Adam Lambert and Lee Dewyze

China Crisis...Live in Manila - China Crisis press con/concert in 2011

My Few Seconds with A.I. 2009 Winner Kris Allen - Video Q&A

Music Fest 2010 - American Idol Kris Allen's press con/concert

My Public Life in 2009, Part 1 - Concerts in Manila in 2009