Barbie Live: A Dream Come True

What's almost always pink and sparkling?  Well, for me that would only mean Barbie, the fashion icon doll that has been a little girl's dream toy since the 1960s.  After a successful conquering of the globe with various versions of Barbie, now comes "Barbie Live! The Musical."

This Christmas season, Barbie lovers will be treated to a musical theatrical show that will bring the famous doll characters Barbie, Ken (Barbie's love interest) and Teresa (Barbie's best friend) to life.  "Barbie Live! The Musical" is set on a Hollywood sound stage and follows Barbie with Teresa on the set of their new film as Barbie reminisces on the lessons learned from her past movies like Swan Lake, Princess & the Popstar, and Mariposa & Fairy Princess in trying to help Teresa gain back her confidence and strengthen their friendship.

A cast of 19 singers and dancers, led by Chelsea Bernier (Barbie), Kristina Miller (Teresa) and Randy Dierkes (Ken), will be donning stunning costumes for their high energy numbers that kids and adults will relate to and enjoy. 

Barbie Live! lead casts Chelsea Bernier (Barbie),
Kristina Miller (Teresa) and Randy Dierkes (Ken)

Catch Barbie Live! in Manila from December 11-15, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  Book your tickets at smtickets.com or call 470-2222.  Get 20% discount when you use e-PLUS Tap to Pay to purchase Barbie Live! tickets.



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Maxie: A Musical to Love

I first heard about the plans to stage the live theater adaptation of the successful indie film "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" last 2012 and finally, it's here!  

The theater scene welcomed Bit by Company's production of "Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" as it opened to the public last November 8, 2013.  "Maxie" is the coming-of-age musical about a gay teen who is torn between his love for a young cop and his loyalty to his family.

Based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay (ufo Pictures, 2005), "Maxie" features book and lyrics by Nicolas B. Pichay, music by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio and Janine Santos, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos.

I know about the film but I was not able to watch it in its entirety so I had an almost blank canvass for my mind when I watched the press preview at the PETA Theater Center.  The stage design, meant to portray a slice of life in Sampaloc, Manila, was simple but every nook and cranny was utilized to its fullest with the various scenes that came to fruition.  The songs reflect the true to life events that take place daily in an oppressed neighborhood -- episodes of people trying to earn a living through decent and otherwise means.

The cast was a well-put together group that's a mix of experienced and new talents: Jayvhot Galang (Maxie), Roeder Camanag and Nazer Salcedo (alternating as Paco Oliveros, Maxie's father), Jojo Riguerra (Victor Perez, the policeman love interest of Maxie), Al Gatmaitan and OJ Mariano (alternating as Boy Oliveros, Maxie's brother) and Hay Gonzaga (Bogs Oliveros, Maxie's other brother).  The other cast members are Aaron Ching (Nar), Nomer Limatog, Jr. (Leslie), Teetin Villanueva (Monique), Eo de Guzman and Merdin Mojica (alternating as Peter), and Greg de Leon (Chief Dominguez).  The ensemble is composed of Ruth Alferez, John Paul Basco, Jules dela Paz, Irene Delarmente, Elliot Eustacio, Karyl Factora, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Francelle Fetalvero, Al Bernard Garcia, Jeffrey Hernandez, Ronah Rostata, and Christian Velarde.

14-year old Galang, who has been joining singing contests in various barangays and in a reality-search TV show, is a theater newbie.  His raw but powerful singing prowess bagged him the title role of Maxie and he joined the PETA Summer Acting Workshop to prepare for the challenges that come with the role.  As Maxie, Galang was charming, funny and seemed to belt out the songs effortlessly. Riguerra, on the other hand, was fit to the role of Victor, the young policeman who is uncorrupted by the system and Maxie's apple of the eye.

What's my favorite part of the play? Aside from the scene where Maxie meets Victor, is the BeauCon or beauty contest which is an integral thing for every community.  I love the contestants' transformation and the talent portion which was more of a production number for each candidate.  Overall, "Maxie" is a production that was conceived and staged with the heart and soul of all those involved that I didn't feel shortchanged but rather felt wanting to watch it one more time.

"Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" will run until December 8, 2013, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8 pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm.  All performances are at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.



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Sa Wakas, a New Pinoy Rock Musical Featuring the Songs of Sugarfree

Following the footsteps of Mama Mia (play and movie which featured the songs of ABBA), Across the Universe (movie which feature the songs of The Beatles) and the local film I Do Bi Doo Bi Doo (which featured the songs of Apo Hiking Society), a new musical that weaves together the songs of one of the country’s most beloved rock bands, Sugarfree.

Sa Wakas, a New Pinoy Rock Musical featuring the songs of Sugarfree, co-written by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan and Mariane Abuan with the music beautifully arranged by Ejay Yatco, promises to bring together the world of pop rock and musical theatre.The show will feature Sugarfree's hit songs such as "Mariposa," "Burnout," "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak," "Makita Kang Muli," and "Hari ng Sablay," among others. "Sa Wakas" cast members are young, talented and no strangers to the stage: Fred Lo, Vic Robinson, Caisa Borromeo, Laura Cabocha, Justine Peña, Kyla Rivera and many more.

Sa Wakas will be staged on April 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2013 at PETA Theater Center at 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.  Ticket Prices are Php 500, Php 700 and Php 1000.

Tickets to Sa Wakas, A New Pinoy Rock Musical featuring the songs of Sugarfree will be available at any Ticketnet outlets located at SM Department Customer Care Service Area or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or you may call 911-5555.For more information about the musical show, visit its website www.sawakas.com.

Rock of Ages, The Musical

A few days before gala night, Atlantis Productions' Rock of Ages was already 95% sold out so I was very happy to have secured my tickets ahead of time. It would've broken my heart if I missed this show for three reasons: the songs featured in the musical, Jett Pangan and Migs Ayesa.

Rock of Ages is a musical, with a book by Chris D'Arienzo, that is really not about the life of a rock star (the cool Stacee Jaxx) but rather the lives of ordinary people with dreams -- Drew, Sherrie, Justice, Regina, Lonny and Dennis.   Atlantis put together a talented roster to play the interesting characters of Rock of Ages: Migs Ayesa as Stacee Jaxx, the quintessential rock star in search of a most inspiring song; Nyoy Volante as Drew, a bus boy dreaming of becoming a rock star; Vina Morales as Sherrie, a small town firl dreaming to become an actress; Jett Pangan as Lonny, the wacky narrator who works at the Bourbon Room; Jamie Wilson as Dennis, owner of the Bourbon Room; Aiza Seguerra as Regina,  the bohemian activist; Calvin Millado as Hertz and Bibo Reyes as Franz, the father and son German developers; Jinky Llamanzares as Justice Charlier, the diva owner of the Venus Club; as well as champion singers and theater performers Apple Chiu, Japs Treopaldo, Mikkie Bradshaw, Berl William Angeles and Altaire Alonso.


Built around the classic rock hits of the 80s, in particular the famous glam metal bands Styxx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among others. I am familiar with most of the songs so I truly enjoyed watching the show and singing along "We Built This City, " "I Wanna Rock," "More Than Word, " "Heaven," "To Be With You, " "Wanted Dead or Alive," "I Wanna Know What Love Is," "Any Way You Want It," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "The Search Is Over," "Don't Stop Believin'" and a lot more.

The two-act show never had a dull moment and there were a lot of surprising elements to watch out for. Migs Ayesa, a Filipino raised in Australia, first came into showbiz radar (or at least, my showbiz radar) when he finished third in Rock Star: INXS, the search for the new lead singer of INXS.  But of course, he was already in performing arts way back.  I first watched him perform during the opening of one of the Philippine Advertising Congresses I attended and his mere presence, even then, was electrifying.  In Rock of Ages, he did not disappoint me.  Having played the role previously in Broadway and the show's US tour, Migs was very much into character and his voice is simply amazing!


Jett Pangan, on the other hand, played the witty Lonny with natural ease.  My first time to watch him in a not-so-serious role (there was Next to Normal, and most recently Jekyll and Hyde) and I loved it!  Having admired him since The Dawn, I've met him once before in Repertory and I must say that I'm still starstruck when I approached him for a photo after the gala of Rock of Ages.


Nyoy and Vina were excellent in playing the young lovers, Jinky was super classy as the diva, Calvin was great as the greedy developer with the soft heart of a father, Bibo was endearing and funny as the son Franz and Aiza was sweet but determined as Regina and...surprise! I just hope you can get to watch it to see what I wanted to talk about without being a spoiler.


Word of advice though, Rock of Ages the musical is interpreted a little differently in Rock of Ages the movie which stars Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx, so don't expect all scenes and characters to be exactly the same.  Just sit back, relax and enjoy the musical until the end where everyone, yourself included, will be singing and dancing along "Don't Stop Believin'" and probably experience LSS on your way home. 

Photo and poster from Atlantis Productions

'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)

Filed under SHOWS

Christian Bautista: Outbound

He may not have brought home the grand prize but he sure is treated like a superstar by fans, not only in the Philippines, but in the Asian region as well. Dubbed as the Asiansation, Christian Bautista has gone far from the days since he started singing professionally. As a performer, he has improved his vocal prowess and has slowly transformed from being a mere balladeer to a well-rounded performer -- a singer, actor and now a dancer (he is getting there).

Smile! Christian Bautista lit up the room when he arrived.

I met Christian Bautista recently at the bloggers conference for his newest album Christian Bautista Outbound and was I floored by his candidness, wit and charm. No wonder he gained popularity among fans quite easily. When asked about the magnitude of his success in the region, he has quite a number of achievements to boot: multi-platinum record award in the Philippines and in Indonesia; his songs translated into different Asian languages; TV guesting and endorsements in the Asian region; acting in local movies and theater shows; TV roles here and in Indonesia and Singapore, the latest being the hip and happening "The Kitchen Musical" where Christian was tasked to do some dancing (and danced he did!).

Sharing his plaque of recognition from the National Youth Commission:

Exemplary Asean Youth in the Field of Entertainment and the Arts

Having done all those things, what more can we look forward to? His Outbound is something to watch out for as the album drew Christian out of his comfort zone. The album boasts of a great selection of 8 tracks -- a good mix of slow and upbeat ballads -- born out of collaborations with music producers and artists he met and worked with from the United States, Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia. Christian met Tat Tong, the composer of "All That's Left" while taping for "The Kitchen Musical, through Kewei Tay with whom he recorded "Please Be Careful With My Heart" in Singapore. The collaboration with tat Tong also produced "Unphotographable" and "What Can I Do." In the "All That's Left" music video, Christian pairs up with CosPlay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao.

My signed copy of Christian Bautista Outbound

Aside from Christian's collaborations with Tat, "Outbound" also features noteworthy works with Grammy-nominated multi-platinum instrumentalist Jim Brickman for "Never Far Away," the K-Pop R&B Trio One Way for "Wrong Number," Indonesian songwriter Satrio for the hit song "I'm Already King," and with Avex Japan's Baby M for the duet "Sakura." Other songs in the album are "Faith" and "Never Far Away."

He also has an upcoming concert here in Manila, I coaxed that out of him in the Q&A but he won't reveal details any further. See the short Q&A video here:

My Q&A with Asiansation Christian Bautista

Christian shared that he has matured as a person and improved as a performer, having gained a new-found confidence to do things he has not tried before. "Honestly, I do feel that I'm at my best so far. This is the right time to pursue new paths and direction and with your support and a personal sense of renewed energy and devotion, I am ready to face the challenges of the future," referring to his aspirations of working in Europe and in the United States of America. Indeed, the album title "Outbound" could very well be prophetic of the future of Christian Bautista's career.

Christian Bautista sings "I'm Already King" Live

Thanks to Universal Records, Pinoy Magazine and Orange Magazine TV

Please visit my YouTube Channel for video uploads: http://www.youtube.com/user/denzcalnea?feature=mhee

Filed under EVENTS

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

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