Franco Laurel News

In upholding the Christmas tradition, the Philippines is without peer among nations. Let the world tend to its business while local radio begins the celebration with a Yuletide playlist--on the first of September.

If it's true about Christmas being the most wonderful time of the year, Manila's theater fans may add to their list of good tidings a promising new tradition courtesy of Globe LIVE and 9 Works Theatrical.

In upholding the Christmas tradition, the Philippines is without peer among nations. Let the world tend to its business while local radio begins the celebration with a Yuletide playlist--on the first of September.

From England to New Zealand to Hong Kong, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber-produced 2006 lavish revival of The Sound of Music finally made it to Manila, which officially held its gala performance last Friday, September 29, at The Theatre at Solaire and an after party at the Diamond Hotel. (Thanks to Globe Live, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Concertus Manila, and David Atkins Enterprises--yes, it takes a village to import a first-rate international theatrical production!)

Less of the acrobatics, more of the storytelling is what the renowned circus troupe Cirque Du Soleil decided to offer in its 37th production, 'Toruk: The First Flight,' where about 15,000 audience members at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena attended the show's opening night last Friday, June 23.

Tony Manero--of Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group's (ATEG) 2015 Asian touring production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (SNF), which is based on John Badham's '70s landmark film of the same name--would have succumbed to the evil oblivion of his own fever had it not been for one simple--yet pivotal--plot deviation. The inevitable loss that awaited him is not alien but one all too familiar to all those coming of age--and it is through recognizing this evil that he realizes, it is better not to struggle against it but to just flow with it.

After kicking off her world tour in Seoul just a over a week ago, followed by a total of four shows in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo, Idina Menzel held Sunday her one-night-only performance in Manila capping the Asian stretch of her 53-city concert performances.

The De La Salle Brothers, Roman Catholic religious brothers who dedicate their lives to educating young people, recently celebrated the centennial anniversary of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines, and commemorated their colleagues who were killed by Japanese soldiers in World War II via the restaging of the cantata (a vocal chamber work) A FIRE IN THE SOUL, which features libretto by Vicente Groyon III, music by Von de Guzman, and direction by Peque Gallaga.

Before moving to New York, I taught public relations courses at De La Salle University (DLSU-Manila) Department of Communication, where I also pursued studies in organizational communication and applied media. My alma mater turns 100 this year; and, I'm encouraging you to take part in its year-long celebration. Catching the restaging of the cantata (a vocal chamber work)A FIRE IN THE SOUL, featuring libretto by Vicente Groyon III, music by Von de Guzman, and direction by Peque Gallaga, at DLSU's Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, 7F Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall on Monday, February 27, 8 p.m. would be greatly appreciated.

For its first offering this year, 9 Works Theatrical presents the musical comedy YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN - based on the comic strip 'Peanuts' by Charles Schulz; featuring book by John Gordon; and music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. The show runs at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City until Saturday, March 3.

Repertory Philippines, the country's premier professional theatre company, has garnered a total of 18 nominations at the 2009 'Gawad Buhay!' Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts. Now on its second year, The Philstage Awards is the first-ever industry awards given to outstanding individuals and groups, who have been part of Philstage.

AUDIE GEMORA, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Robbie Guevara, Lena McKenzie, and Franco Laurel comprise the lead cast of Repertory Philippines' (REP) new stage production of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD. The musical runs at Onstage, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City in Manila from November 14 to December 13, 2009.

Repertory Philippines' (REP) incarnation of 1979 Tony-winning musical SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET officially opened its doors to Filipino audiences on November 14, 2009 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City. The production earned thunderous applause, standing ovations, and played to nearly sold-out crowds in its first performances.

Repertory Philippines opens its new production of the celebrated, Tony Award-winning musical thriller SWEENEY TODD on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

AUDIE GEMORA, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Robbie Guevara, Lena McKenzie, and Franco Laurel comprise the lead cast of Repertory Philippines' (REP) new stage production of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD. The musical runs at Onstage, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City in Manila from November 14 to December 13, 2009.

Repertory Philippines opens its new production of the celebrated, Tony Award-winning musical thriller SWEENEY TODD on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES' Associate Artistic Director Joy Virata, SWEENEY TODD director Michael Williams, and cast members Audie Gemora (Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Mrs. Lovett), Franco Laurel (Anthony), Lena Mckenzie (Johanna), Marvin Ong (Tobias), and Rem Zamora (press conference host/chorus) met the press, including BroadwayWorld.com Philippines, on October 28, 2009 at The Roxy along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES' new production of SWEENEY TODD is in full swing. Audie Gemora (Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Mrs. Lovett), Liesl Batucan (beggar woman), Robbie Guevara (Beadle), Robbie Zialcita (Pirelli), Franco Laurel (Anthony), Lena Mckenzie (Johanna), Marvin Ong (Tobias), Roger Chua (Judge Turpin), Juno Henares (Mrs. Lovett understudy), and chorus members: James Stacey, Meynard Penalosa, Jejie Esguerra, Hans Eckstein, Red Concepcion, Raul Montesa, Rem Zamora, Oliver Usison, Collins Gutierrez, Jay Pangilinan, David Cruz, Gary Junsay, Cara Barredo, Jay Glorioso, Naths Everett, Joy Virata, Marisse Santos, Ring Antonio, Gloria Sicam, Teenee Chan, and Ronna Guba complete the cast.

AUDIE GEMORA, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Robbie Guevara, Lena McKenzie, and Franco Laurel comprise the lead cast of Repertory Philippines' (REP) new stage production of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD. The musical runs at Onstage, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City in Manila from November 14 to December 13, 2009.