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

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

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

Filed under SHOWS

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.

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.

Filed under SHOWS

'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

New Cast Additions to “The Sound of Music”

Since it opened in October 2011, Resorts World Manila’s sophomore production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "The Sound of Music," has enthralled audiences at the spectacular Newport Performing Arts Theater. The musical was originally slated to end its run on December, but insistent public demand gave way to an extension until May 2012.

(l-r) Cris Villonco, Joanna Ampil, Ariel Rivera, Leo Martinez,

Audie Gemora, and Jon Joven

To breathe new life into "The Sound of Music," upcoming shows will feature fresh new faces who will put their own spin to the successful production. Stepping up to give life to the stern Captain Von Trapp is award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor Ariel Rivera. Ariel will alternate for the role along with Audie Gemora, and Jon Joven. The crafty and charming Max Detweiller will be interpreted by veteran actor and comedian Leo Martinez . Leo will alternate the role along with Miguel Faustmann and Robbie Guevarra.

The growing family of The Sound of Music

Shiela Valderrama will alternate the role of the elegant Baroness Elsa Schraeder with Pinky Amador. Jenny Villegas will alternate the role of the supportive Mother Abbess with Pinky Marquez and Sheila Francisco. Michaela Bradshaw joins alternate Tanya Manalang in giving life to the vibrant Liesl. Fred Lo will play Liesl’s love interest, Rolf, with Marvin Ong. Jeremy Domingo will alternate the role of Herr Zeller with Lorenz Martinez. Katie Bradshaw will play the adorable Gretl with Alexa Villaroel. Apple Chiu will alternate the role of Sister Berthe with Carla Guevara and Jenny Villegas. Marielle Mamaclay will alternate the role of Sister Margaretta with Pamela Imperial. Arya Herrera will alternate the role of Sister Sophie with Maxine Sian and Jillian Pena. Lastly, sisters Rachel and Rebecca Coates will alternate the role of the playful Louisa.

I've seen "The Sound of Music" twice last year but I'm going to see it again with the new cast additions.

Showdates are Friday (8:00PM), Saturday (2:00PM and 7:00PM), and Sunday (2:00PM and 7:00PM). Tickets are available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office, or at any Ticketworld outlets. For more information, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Resorts World Manila Tourist Hotline (632)836-6333 or Ticketworld at (632)891-9999.

Filed under SHOWS

Love, Loss and What I Wore for 2012

Why do women shop? What is it with women and fashion? The answer is simple and very visible: each milestone in every woman’s life is filled with different emotions that are 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.

Once again, 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, for the second time, 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; returning stage actor Liza Infante-Robinson; 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 January 20, 21 and 22 at the RCBC Theater in Makati, Shows are at 8pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30pm. Made possible with the support of BusinessWorld, HerWord.com and RCBC Plaza.

I saw the show twice last year and I really, really recommend that you watch it, too.Tickets are available at Ticketworld at 8919999 or log on to their website. You may also call 2150788 or 09175378313 or email cteshows@gmail.com to order tickets. Php1,200 for orchestra center, Php1,000 for orchestra side and loge, and Php500 for balcony. Like 'CTE Productions' on Facebook and follow @cteshows on twitter for more updates.

Filed under SHOWS

Next Fall: Believe in the Power of Love

"Next Fall" by Geoffrey Nauffts is a beautiful and heartwarming 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, two very professional and passionate actors who gave justice to their roles, under the direction of stage veteran Audie Gemora.

I first met Bart Guingona almost a decade ago and have worked with him for events, and although I know he is a brilliant theater actor, it was my first time to watch him on stage. He is indeed brilliant beyond words -- even if his role as Adam, the candle salesman-turned-teacher and love of Luke's life, was like stepping on thin ice (in a predominantly Catholic/Christian country), Bart was able to communicate his role in a way that felt light as a feather.

Adam (Bart) and Luke (David) in a tender scene

(l-r) David Bianco and Bart Guingona

On the other hand, young thespian David Bianco attacked the role with the ease of a veteran, acting "cute" and romantic when the scene calls for it. I guess the thrust his lovely wife gives him makes it easy for him to do sensitive roles such as Luke, an aspiring actor-cum-cater waiter, who has been hiding his true nature from his parents.

(l-r) Miguel Faustman and Juno Henares

Providing more depth and color to the play are supporting roles essayed by actors Liesl Batucan as Holly, Miguel Faustman asButch, Juno Henares as Arlene, and Niccolo Manahan as Brandon.

(l-r) Liesl Batucan and Niccolo Manahan

I won't be a spoiler and tell the whole story but I just want to share that I loved Audie Gemora's frame of mind and heart when he took on the role of the director -- clear of any judgment. Yes, the main characters are gay and the story involves religion but he wanted to deliver the message just as the play intended and that is to show that love can overcome religious differences between persons and that love can make one believe in God. "What drew me to the piece is its honesty. Luke is such an honest portrayal of Christians who struggle with sexual identity but find redemption in God's love and grace," Audie shares, "In the end, Adam, the staunch atheist can only acknowledge the transforming power of Luke's love."

The cast of Next Fall with (extreme left) Rep. Phils.

associate artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo

and (extreme right) director Audie Gemora

I highly recommend that you watch "Next Fall" at Onstage Greenbelt while you can: 8 pm shows on January 20, 21, 27 and 28; February 3 and 4; with 3:30 pm matinee shows on January 21, 22, 28 and 29; February 4 and 5. But before you watch, please leave all judgment out the door.

"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 Circle Awards for Outstanding New Broadway Play.

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

The Sound of a World Class Show

The past year was witness to the rejuvination of the theater industry and with its new-found vitality, stage productions are happening one after the other. Which is a good sign since the theater has been losing patrons to cinemas and movie discs, and the younger generation losing interest in watching plays. What better way to celebrate this second wind than by reviving the spectacular production of a timeless tale -- The Sound of Music.

Been to Resorts World Manila lately? You may have notice the promotional materials for The Sound of Music on the stairs and the escalator panels and the life size cutouts scattered all around.

Looking Back

The Sound of Music is making a comeback after years of absence in the local theater scene. The first local production was done 30 years ago by Repertory Philippines (1980) and featured Mechu Lauchengco, Raymond Lauchengco, Risa Hontiveros, Javier Arriaga, Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Gianina Revilla and Angela Adams as the von Trapp children; with Baby Barredo as Maria; Chito Ponce-Enrile as Captain von Trapp; Celia Diaz Laurel as Baroness Schraeder; Freddie Santos as Max Detweiler; Irma Potenciano as the Mother Abbess; and Audie Gemora as Rolf (the love-struck young Nazi who duets with Menchu's Liesl on "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."

A second Repertory production in 2006 featured Crisel Consunji, Vanessa Paoleli, Nicole Yulo, Vincent Ching, Steven Hotchkiss, Bryan Homecillo, Fame Flores, Nicki Perrett, Bianca Rogoff, Luis Nieto, Sophia Reyes, Nacho Tambunting, Holly Dallison, Krystal Kane, Ashley So-Chan, Gaby Tantuico, Eunice David, Bianca Henares, Spencer Hiday, Noemi Oineza, Vea Salvador, Alessa Zialcita alternating as the von Trapp children; with Monique Wilson, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Liesl Batucan alternating as Maria; Audie Gemora and Michael Williams alternating as Captain Von Trapp; Miguel Faustmann and Bonggoy Manahan alternating as Max; Camille Lopez-Molina and Pinky Marquez alternating as The Mother Abbess; Jennie Nuyda, Rina Reyes and Cherie Gil alternating as the Baroness; Jaime Barcelon, Irra Cenina, Topper Fabregas and JM Rodriguez alternating as Rolf Gruber; Joy Virata as Frau Schmidt and Sister Margaretta; and Robbie Guevarra as Herr Zeller, among others.

Marching Forward

The 2011 production will feature a powerful cast: Joanna Ampil and Cris Villongco alternates as Maria; Audie Gemora and Ed Feist alternates as Captain Georg von Trapp; Pinky Marquez and Sheila Francisco alternates as the quiet and understanding Mother Abbess; Miguel Faustman and Robbie Guevarra alternates as Max Detweiler; Pinky Amador and Lynn Sherman alternates as the captain's fiancee, Baroness Elsa Schraeder. Playing the von Trapp children are Tanya Manalang, Rachel Coates, Paolo Luis Ocampo, Luis Nieto, Danielle Sanghio, Rebecca Coates, Atasha Mulach, Janina Punzalan, Alessandra Allado, Roberto Sison, Anton Posadas, Justin Sian, Alida Moberg, Paula Therese Zamesa, Sofia Yabyabin, Alexa Villaroel and Shanti Gleason. Marvin Ong and Bryan Homecillo alternates as Rolf Gruber.

Joanna Ampil as Maria

Audie Gemora as Capt. Georg von Trapp

Other supporting cast members include Debraliz Valisote as Frau Schmidt; Eduardo Bouffard as Franz the Butler; Lorenz Martinez as Herr Zeller; Jennifer Villegas and Carla Guevara alternates as Sister Berthe; Sarah Facuri and Pamela Imperial alternates as Sister Margaretta; and Jillian Pena and Maxine Sian alternates as Sister Sophia.

Tanya Manalang as Liesl von Trapp and Marvin Ong as Rolf Gruber

The charming von Trapp family

The Sound of Music is a musical by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and with the musical book written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is the story of Maria Rainer who was appointed governess of the seven children of widower Captain Georg von Trapp. The play features popular songs such as "Edelweiss," "My Favorite Things," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and "The Sound of Music."

(l-r) Audie Gemora; RWM's Jeff Evora; and director Roxanne Lapus

Some production notes: notable director Roxanne Lapus is at the helm of staging and direction; Orchestra music is provided by The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra led by Maestro Rodel Colmenar; vocal directress is Lyn Fabella; costumes provided by noted couturier and designer to the stars, Francis Libiran; production designer and scenographer Mio Infante will provide the picturesque details; adding to the visual feast is video producer Paul Soriano who will showcase video animation scenes simultaneously with the theater performance.

(l-r) Joanna Ampil; Cris Villonco; and video producer Paul Soriano

(l-r) set designer Mio Infante; costume designer Francis Libiran;

Shiela Francisco (Mother Abbess); and

Pinky Amador (Baroness Schraeder)

In a nutshell, The Sound of Music is a 1950s play with the state of the art gimmicks. One of the challenges was choosing the dream team and of course, the dream cast especially the children who will potray the von Trapp offsprings. In the press launch, it was revealed that about 300 actors auditioned for the various roles and it took the creative team days to decide on who will make the cut and land the coveted roles. A lot of great talents and big names in the ligitimate stage even auditioned and wrote in their CVs that the role they want is to be part of the ensemble and not even the lead roles, just to be part of this momentous production.

(l-r) Marvin Ong; Tanya Manalang; and Miguel Faustman (Max Detweiler)

(l-r) Jon Joven; vocal directress Lyn Fabella;

and Ed Feist (Capt. von Trapp alternate)

The creative team behind the Manila production of The Sound of Music maintained the essence and wholesomeness of the original story but the play was edited for faster story winding and they avoided to plagiarize the movie screenplay. "We removed four scenes that the original playwright used to make set changes. Then we added one scene using a song from the movie during Maria's trip from the Abbey to the Von Trapp Villa. The set design will try to accomplish the same scene and the big stage will be fully utilized."

The Sound of Music press conference

When asked about the production design, Milo Infante shares that, "When I design, I take the venue into consideration. Newport theater is huge and so we had to make it less scary especially since some scenes have only 2 people on stage at a time." Another goal is to make the scene transistions seamless despite having bulky period furniture and decors. The set changes will be different and fast so as to minimize, if not totally eliminate, the lull time for the audience.

Maria and Capt. Georg von Trapp

"Every playwright has a message but it gets lost in translation. The Sound of Music has two very important messages: 1) the best way to serve God is to do His will (as imparted through Maria; and 2) integrity (as imparted through Georg von Trapp, an Alpha male with flasw but with one shining quality of integrity -- standing by his beliefs)." Roxanne Lapus has directed a lot of shows but according to her, The Sound of Music has the best production team of all, "That's why despite the challenges, things were resolved, by God's grace."

I'm excited to watch The Sound of Music with mom on the gala night. With what I saw and heard at the preview, I am sure that this production will be of world class quality.

The Sound of Music OST

This spectacular Philippine production is made possible by Ultimate Entertainment and Resorts World Manila and will run from October 15 to December 11, 2011. For ticket reservations and inquiries, visit any Ticketworld outlet or the Resorts World Manila Box Office.

Want to win VIP tickets to The Sound of Music? Join Resorts World Manila's promo now. Click here to see full details:: http://www.rwmanila.com/entertainment-at-resorts-world-manila/newport-performing-arts-theater/find-the-von-trapps

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