Jekyll and Hyde

One of my much-awaited musicals to watch this year is Jekyll & Hyde and I couldn't contain my excitement when preview time finally arrived. I was looking forward to watching veteran thespian and director Michael Williams and famous singer and stage actor Jett Pangan, who both alternate as Jekyll/Hyde.

The classic tale of the epic battle between good and evil, Robert Louis Stevenson's Jekyll & Hyde is about Henry Jekyll, a brilliant doctor whose experiments on human personality, in the hopes of finding a cure for his father's illness, led him to create his murderous alter ego Edward Hyde.

The dimly-lit stage and the clever play lights immediately set the tone of the play -- light and shadow, good and evil. The Victorian operating theater, which served as the stage itself for the characters, and the Greek chorus were innovations that Repertory Philippines' associate artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo brought onto the production and this she shared in the press preview, "The show was not written like that but I have an amazing cast. I took a lot of risks and had lots of sleepless night because I am answerable to the board for the outcome of the production." Ms. Yulo couldn't help but cry when the audience applauded her brilliance and efforts that she had to go backstage for a few seconds to calm herself.

The "amazing cast" with director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo

(middle, standing behind Jett Pangan) and

assistant director Rem Zamora (extreme left, standing)

An overwhelmed and teary-eyed Yulo

at the press conference after the preview

The "amazing cast" that Ms. Yulo refered to are: Michael Williams and Jett Pangan who alternates as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Mr. Edward Hyde; Kalila Aguilos as Lucy Harris; Cris Villonco as Emma Carew; Junix Inocian as lawyer Gabriel John Utterson; Steve Cadd as Sir Danvers Carew; Jack Salud as Simon Stride; Red Nuestro as Bishop of Basingstoke; Mayen Bustamante-Cadd as Lady Beaconsfield; Oliver Usison as General Lord Glossop; Reuben Uy as Lord Savage; Jamie Inocian as Sir Archibald Proops; Jamie Wilson as Spider; James Stacey as Poole; Natalie Everett as Nellie; Hans Eckstein as Bisset; and the awesome Ensemble are Cara Barredo, Teenee Chan, Tricia Amper-Jimenez (who is understudy for Emma Crew), Liza Infante-Robinson, Giannina Ocampo, Edu Briones, Topper Fabregas, David Fabros and Gary Junsay.

Jett Pangan's Jekyll to Hyde moment while singing

"This Is The Moment"

I watched Jett Pangan in last year's run of Next to Normal (where he played opposite Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and from which he garnered a Best Actor nomination) and I must say that he was indeed very good in theater. But his role here as Jekyll/Hyde is a real revelation. He performed with such passion and energy that the audience felt it from start to finish, not to mention the highlight scene where he sang "This Is The Moment" before transforming himself from the gentle doctor Jekyll to the monstrous Hyde. There may be no costume or make-up change to mark the transition (they intentionally veered away from that) but the great lighting effects sure did the job very well. I must say, Mr. Pangan looked really sinister and menacing when bathed with the red and blue lights.

Cris Villonco and Michael Williams:

Emma Carew and Henry Jekyll's tender scene

I have yet to watch Michael Williams essay the role but I'm sure his version will be totally different but equally effective. I saw him do the Jekyll role with Cris Villonco for one brief number at the press call and they do have the chemistry. Met him for the first time after the press preview and he was such a warm person. He even gladly took a photo of me and some friends on the set's risers as a souvenir.

Cris Villonco is really a good match for sweet roles and her singing is consistently par excellence with the other plays she has done the past years which I was able to watch.

Kalila Aguilos shone bright as ill-fated Lucy Harris

Another great performance was delivered by Kalila Aguilos as the prostitute Lucy who fell in love with Jekyll but was desired by Hyde. Her acting and singing prowess are impeccable so much so that I felt the emotions that her character was conveying, be it love, pain or fear. I last saw her as Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux (villain to Eula Valdez' heroine role) in Zsazsa Zaturnnah last year and even then, her brilliance was evident.

Junix Inocian as Utterson, friend to Pangan's Dr. Jekyll

The respectable Junix Inocian was meant to give life to the role of Utterson, Dr. Jekyll's trusted and loyal friend. He has long been in theater and was a part of the original cast of London's Miss Saigon and played the coveted role of the Engineer. But I must say, my most vivid memory of him was his role as Kuya Mario in Batibot, a children's television show that I used to watch when I was younger.

Taking a bow to the applause and standing ovation

Suffice to say, I loved Repertory Philippines' production of Jekyll & Hyde. It had the same feel as their previous staging of Sweeney Todd and I'm a sucker for the dark and strange. Enough said.

(l-r) Cris Villonco, Kalila Aguilos and Jett Pangan

are all smiles during the Q&A

(l-r) Michael Williams, Junix Inocian and Steve Cadd

Directed by Mechu Lauchengco-Yulo, the rest of the artistic and production team behind the second offering of Repertory Philippines' 75th season are: Baby Barredo, artistic director; Rem Zamora, assistant director; Onyl Torres, musical director; Natalie Everett, choreographer; John Batalla, lighting designer; Joey Gonzalez-Mendoza, set designer; Raven Ong, costume designer; Rosa Lumagbas, assistant to the costume designer; Gidget Tolentino, production manager and sound engineer; Ayam Barredo, company manager; Perky Parong, stage manager; Pol Roxas, sound technician; Pablito Salvador, lighting technician; and Adul Lasin, set execution and scenic artist.

The cast on the operating theater set

at the Jekyll & Hyde preview's press conference

Jekyll & Hyde will be shown at Onstage Greenbelt until April 22 with the following show schedules: 8 pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays on March 30 & 31, April 13, 14, 20, 21 & 22; 3:30 pm shows on Saturdays and Sundays on March 31, April 1, 14, 15, 21 & 22. Tickets at P1,500 (Orchestra Center), P1,000 (Orchestra Side) and P800 (Balcony). Call 571-6926 or log on to Ticketworld to inquire and reserve tickets.

Filed under SHOWS

Loveable Leading Ladies

I expected a comedy but I watched a riot! Repertory Philippines' "Leading Ladies" had me laughing from start to end when I watched the press preview a day before opening night.

"Leading Ladies" by Ken Ludwig is a comedy which will show the answer of two very unfortunate English Shakespearean actors to the question "How far would you go for three million dollars?" Jack and Leo will do whatever it takes to hatch a plot to pass themselves off as two English women to scam an elderly woman of her fortune.

Leading the cast are Topper Fabregas as Jack and James Stacey as Leo; supported by Cris Villonco as Meg; with Giannina Ocampo, Jamie Wilson, Juno Henares, Hans Eckstein, and Oliver Usison.

Directed by Michael Williams, the rest of the artistic and production team behind the second offering of Repertory Philippines' 75th season are: Baby Barredo, artistic director; Menchu Launchengco-Yulo, associate artistic director; John Batalla, lighting designer; Denis Lagdameo, set designer; Gidget Tolentino, production manager; Ayam Barredo, company manager; Dingdong Rosales, stage manager; Pol Roxas, sound technician; Pablito Salvador, lighting technician; and Adul Lasin, set execution and scenic artist.

Shows will run until March 4 at Onstage Greenbelt 1, on the following schedule: 8 pm shows on February 24 and 25; March 2 and 3; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on February 19, 25 and 26; March 3 and 4. For tickets, call 571-6926 or logon to Ticketworld.

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Defending the Caveman

The 'battle of the sexes' never really ends as long as male and females don't understand each other. Books have been written using the 'Venus-Mars' comparison while shows and columns present the 'he said-she said' sides of the story. Now a one-man comedy presents the pre-historic side of the equation to try to answer these questions: Why do men leave their dirty underwear on the floor? Why do women have trouble reading maps? Why do men greet each other with insults? Why do women love to cuddle? Why don’t men like to talk? And why can’t women ever seem to stop?.

Rob Becker's "Defending the Caveman," a long-running show in Broadway, makes it back on stage in Manila this January 2012 after a series of successful runs, most recent was last year. Featuring theater artist, playwright, producer and director Joel Trinidad, "Defending the Caveman" will be directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy. Why, you may ask, would a one-man show need two directors? “Well, because there are two sides to the Battle of the Sexes,” explains Williams, “and we want to make sure we present both sides fairly.” “Joel can represent the men, obviously,” adds Azanza-Dy. “We need him to be able to speak for the women, too.” Trinidad agrees: “I don’t want offended women lurking outside the stage door after the show, waiting for me to come out so they can beat me up.”

Watch Defending the Caveman on January 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15, 2012, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4TH Floor, RCBC Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue cor. Ayala Avenue, Makati. Tickets are at Php1,200 for orchestra center, Php1,000 for orchestra side and lodge, and Php500 for balcony. Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or log on to their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

You may also text 09175378313, call 2150788, or e-mail cteshows@gmail.com to order. Join CTE Productions on Facebook and follow @cteshows on twitter for updates.

Filed under SHOWS

Repertory Philippines 2012 Season

2012 is very special for Repertory Philippines as it marks the theatre production company's 45th anniversary. Their first play in 1967, "Miss Julie" only had seven people in the audience and only three were paying customers. Since then, under the wings of Ms. Zenaida "Bibot" Amador and Ms. Baby Barredo. Repertory has come a long way, having established itself as the country's premiere English speaking theatre company.

At the recent launch of its 2012 season's line-up at Enderun College in McKinley Hills, Repertory Philippines presented excerpts of the five shows and introduced its cast members.

"Next Fall" by Geoffrey Nauffts is a beautiful and funny story of modern romance -- a gay couple who, five years into their relationship, is still agonizing over differences in religion. Headlining the play are Bart Guingona and David Bianco, directed by Audie Gemora. "Next Fall" won the 2010 John Gassner Award and, in the same year, was nominated for the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play; Tony Awards for Best Play; Outer Critics Cirlce Awards for Outstanding New Broadway Play.

8 pm shows on January 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28; February 3 and 4; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on January 1, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29; February 4 and 5.

"Leading Ladies" is a comedy which will show the answer of two very unfortunate English Shakespearean actors to the question "How far would you go for three million dollars?" Jack and Leo will do whatever it takes to hatch a plot to pass themselves off as two English women to scam an elderly woman of her fortune. Directed by Michael Williams.

8 pm shows on February 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; March 2 and 3; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on February 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26; March 3 and 4.

"Jekyll & Hyde" dares to show that "Everyone has a dark side." This evocative tale of the epic battle of good and evil based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart.

A musical play, "Jekyll & Hyde" features the hit song 'This Is The Moment' and will be given life by three well-known personalities in the field of music and theatre -- Michael Williams, Cris Villonco and Jett Pangan. "Jekyll & Hyde" will be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

8 pm shows on March 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31; April 13 and 14; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on March 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31; April 1, 1 and 15.

Another show to watch out for is "The Wizard of OZ" based on the book by Frank Baum. Who doesn't know Dorothy and her ruby slippers, the yellow brick road and three unforgettable characters -- the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman and the Cowardly Lion.

"The Wizard of OZ" will once again showcase the powerful vocals and acting bravado of Bituin Escalante, this time as the Wicked Witch of the West. Directions under Ms. Joy Virata. Note that this stage version is not based on the famous MGM film and will not include songs from the movie. Showing from August 18 to December 16, 2012.

"Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical" is a stage adaptation of the Disney Channel's "Camp Rock" films about young people exploring their talents in a summer music camp. This adaptation will give kids and tweens the opportunity to experience "Camp Rock" in a deeper way and will introduce them to the world of theatre.

"Disney's Camp Rock" will feature a bunch of talented young stage actors, the new Rep generation, under the helm of Audie Gemora. Showing from November 16 to December 16, 2012.

For tickets, call (632) 571-6926 or logon to Ticketworld.

Filed under SHOWS and EVENTS

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

Happy Thoughts and Fairy Dust

I grew up reading and watching stories about Peter Pan, the "boy who wouldn't grow up" and the cute bunch of lost boys in Neverland. This magical tale entertained me with mermaids, Indians, pirates and of course, fairies. I remember back in college, I even called my male barkadas my "lost boys" and I was their Wendy. So when I learned that two of the Philippines' premier theater groups -- Stages Production Specialists and Repertory Philippines -- will join forces to bring Sir James Barrie’s classic legend Peter Pan to life in Manila, I just can't wait to watch it.

"Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure" first opened in Denmark, Copenhagen in 1996 and won two top awards for Best Song (“When I Kill Peter Pan”) and The Orchestra's Award at the International Musical Of The Year. The Manila show will be a first in Asia and theater stalwarts JAIME DEL MUNDO and MENCHU LAUCHENGCO-YULO spearheads the production as co-directors.

Sam Concepcion as Peter Pan

An all-star cast promises to enthrall the viewers and take them on a magical journey to Never Land: SAM CONCEPCION is the atletic and energetic Peter Pan, the leader of the Lost boys; MICHAEL WILLIAMS is Captain Hook, the delightful nemesis to Peter. JAIME DEL MUNDO is Mr. George Darling, a stern and unimaginative but loving father; PINKY MARQUEZ is the gentle and caring mother, Mrs. Mary Darling; TIPPY DOS SANTOS and CARA BARREDO alternate as Wendy Moira Angela Darling, the eldest of the Darling children, who takes on role of "mother" to the lost boys; NACHO TAMBUNTING is John Darling, Wendy's younger brother, a bookish young teenager who craved adventure; JUAN MIGUEL SANTOS is Michael Darling, the typical youngest child who doesn't want to miss what everyone else is doing; ROBIE ZIALCITA is Smee, Captain Hook's comedic sidekick; KYLA RIVERA is Tiger Lily, a willful princess of the Indian tribe; JOY VIRATA plays the older Wendy Darling.

And who are playing the Lost Boys and the well-loved fairy Tinker Bell? Just watch and find out.

Michael Williams as Captain Hook

The artistic and creative team of “PETER PAN” is led by Baby Barredo (Artistic Director), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Associate Artistic Director), Audie Gemora (President of STAGES), Jaime del Mundo/Menchu Lauchengco- Yulo (Directors), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), Gino Gonzales (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer).

“PETER PAN’s” production staff is composed of Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager) assisted by Jingay Kaimo of STAGES, Ayam Barredo (Company Manager), Ed Lacson (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of “PETER PAN” is led by Toots Tolentino (PR & Publicity) and Gian Carlo Vizcarra (STAGES), with Rem Zamora, Ayam Barredo and Oliver Usison (PR & Publicity, Marketing), Carlo Orosa (Head of Marketing – STAGES), Cherry Bong Edralin (Sales – STAGES), Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing & Sales) and Jeff Arcilla (Photography).

“PETER PAN - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE” opened last September 30 at the Meralco Theater and will run until October 30.

For inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and add “Rep Phils” in Facebook.

“PETER PAN” is presented by special arrangement with Macnaughton Lord 2000 Ltd.

So come one, come all and once more relive and enjoy the adventures of Peter Pan. Think only of happy thoughts and who knows, with some fairy dust, you might just fly to Neverland...just follow the "second star to the right and straight in till morning." :)

Photos from Repertory Philippines & Stages

Filed under SHOWS

Love, Loss and What I Wore

I remember prancing around in ruffled skirts during childhood birthday parties; feeling giddy on wearing a new dress to impress my crush; and buying a nice pair of heels for my college graduation. Just goes to show that each milestone in my life, in any woman’s life for that matter, is filled with different emotions matched with memorable fashion choices. Behind each halter top, faded pair of jeans, cocktail dress, painful set of stilettos, and designer handbag is a story to tell.

The sensational Off-Broadway show, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, written by sisters Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle) and Delia Ephron (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Hanging Up), vividly recounts a selection of comic and heartwarming stories from various women who remember key moments in their lives through the clothes they wore. The show is based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman, and has featured notable actresses such as Jane Lynch (Glee), Rosie O’Donnell, Brooke Shields (Blue Lagoon, Grease), Betty White (Golden Girls), Rita Wilson, Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Jamie Lynn Siegler (The Sopranos and Entourage), Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Kathy Najimy (Sister Act movie series), Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked), to name just a few.

Since its debut in 2009 at New York’s Westside Theater, Love, Loss and What I Wore has garnered praises from critics and delighted audience members who saw themselves or someone they knew in each funny and poignant tale. The show won the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience as well as the 2010 Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite New Off-Broadway Play. It has since then been staged in Los Angeles, Toronto, Brazil, Germany, Australia, and Paris.

Now, it’s the Filipina’s turn to be charmed and moved by these tales of life and fashion as CTE Productions brings the acclaimed off-Broadway hit to Manila with some of the best female artists in the scene today.

Love, Loss, and What I Wore includes theater luminary and current Associate Artistic Director of Repertory Philippines, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, veteran theater actress, writer, and emerging director Cathy Azanza-Dy, thespian and music industry sensation Bituin Escalante, and acclaimed classical vocalist, theater performer, and executive director for Music Artes Philippines, Jay Valencia-Glorioso. The show is directed by the same tandem behind the hit show Defending The Caveman, Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy.

Love, Loss, and What I Wore will have a one-weekend-run-only on July 14, 15, 16 and 17 at the RCBC Theater in Makati, Shows are at 8pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30pm.