Rocky Christopher Fajardo - Page 2

Simon Gleeson has always been very vocal about how he grew up to the music and the stirring plot of LES MISERABLES. Now as the lead actor in one of the most acclaimed touring productions of the Alain Boublil and Claude Michel Schonberg legendary musical, his primal recollections of the show still remain deeply rooted in him, just as his portrayal of Valjean is most assuredly deeply emblazoned onto the subconsciousness of audiences who have had the privilege to see him in this musical theater role of a lifetime.

'Adrian Pang is wonderful to work with, such an instinctive actor! It was so much fun to play off him, I just love him! I hope we get to work together again soon,' says Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who along with Lea Salonga, make up the first three internationally acclaimed Filipina actresses - the third being Joanna Ampil - to have ever played Fantine in Alain Boublil and Claude Michel Schonberg's LES MISERABLES , playing at The Esplanade beginning May 31 onwards.

Discovering just how the commercial and critical reception of the stage or film adaptation of any bestselling book would pan out (regardless of whether it was first adapted into a film before it became a stage musical or vice versa) will most likely never be boiled down to an exact science.

Dubbed as 'the first Asian musical of its kind' to hold regular performances at the New Victory Theatre on Off-Broadway from 2003 to 2005, COOKIN' NANTA's kitchen antics reinvigorate its 2015 bid to infiltrate more Asian markets. COOKIN' NANTA makes a limited run at The Theatre in Solaire Resort and Casino from Tuesday, November 10, through Sunday, November 15.

Dubbed as 'the first Asian musical of its kind' to hold regular performances at the New Victory Theatre on Off-Broadway from 2003 to 2005, COOKIN' NANTA's kitchen antics reinvigorate its 2015 bid to infiltrate more Asian markets. COOKIN' NANTA makes a limited run at The Theatre in Solaire Resort and Casino from Tuesday, November 10, through Sunday, November 15.

There was once this covert society on a mission. One known only to adoring fans and admiring colleagues whose simple oath of indoctrination states: 'We vow to do everything in our power to keep this sacred electoral committee of adoring fans and admiring colleagues a secret. Our main objective: to advance and advocate the 'oh so many, many, many reasons why the title First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater should go to our very own Hepburn-esque theater stunner, Menchu Lauchengco Yulo.'

You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is theatrical proof of how this age-old formula can work wonders. With syrupy and infectious melodies, stunning choreography and visually-stunning sets, this monumentally theatrical homage to the most beloved classics in the Nacio Brown and Arthur Freed canon perfectly fits the bill for a 'Mary J. Blige Pre-Approved' musical- it is uncomplicated, lavish technicolor entertainment--without the drama.

As a tribute to the 1952 screen version of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, international touring production leading man Duane Alexander (in the childlike water-frolicking frenzy of Don Lockwood) has been captivating Manila audiences in Lunchbox Theatrical Productions' latest smash offering at Solaire's The Theatre. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN kicked off its limited run in the Philippines, which began gala night, August 20, until recently confirmed extension, September 13, which will have the 27-strong cast soaking wet (totaling 26 shows).

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.

Brandon Rubendall (Wicked' U.S. Tour) joined Jenna Rubaii ('American Idiot' U.S. and International Tour), Tony winner David Gallo ('Drowsy Chaperone'), other casts, and creative team members on the stage at Solaire Resort and Casino's Eclipse Bar in a '70s redux-themed afternoon in the second press conference of the Asian touring production of hit Broadway and West End musical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.

The main cast of the new international touring production of Broadway and West End's hit musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, featuring Grant Almirall (Don Lockwood), Bethany Dickson (Kathy Selden), and Steve van Wyk (Cosmo Brown), delighted the Philippine press on Thursday, May 28, at Solaire Resort and Casino's The Forum with one of the show's signature musical numbers: the hummable '50s classic 'Good Morning.'

Tony winner and "Glee" star Idina Menzel confirmed via Twitter yesterday the addition of Manila, Philippines, alongside South Korea and Japan, to the shortlist of Asian countries for her 2015 World Tour.

This New Year, two lucky BroadwayWorld.com (BWW) fans from the Philippines will have the exclusive chance to win special prizes (flown in from London's Prince Edward Theatre) as we launch our MISS SAIGON reflection story written by Rocky Christopher Fajardo found HERE.

For some people, it may take just one special song to change their lives forever. Take for instance Tony winner, Disney Legend Lea Salonga and BroadwayWorld.com (BWW) UK's 2014 Best Featured Actress Rachelle Ann Go's personal revelations on the endless impact that MISS SAIGON has had on their personal and professional lives.

Suave and swanky, smooth-talking Billy Flynn is personified--almost but not quite that seemingly devoid of heart--in Broadway veteran Jeff McCarthy ('Side Show,' Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'), who plays CHICAGO's resident ladykiller and criminal lawyer in its strictly limited Manila run, which closes today, December 21, at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions CEO James Cundall, who is behind CHICAGO's limited run in Manila until this Sunday, December 21, definitely knows how to professionally gush--in the prim and proper 'English' way--over anything musical theater-related.

A day after CHICAGO the Musical's 1920s-themed opening night gala at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino, members of the Philippine press were treated to a sneak peek at two of the most popular musical numbers from the musical, and were given a chance to chat with the principal members of the cast and creative team in a press call that followed shortly after.

Pandemonium practically coursed through the private circles of Lani Misalucha loyalists the day a press statement officially announced the postponement of "La Nightingale Returns," the renowned singer's fourth major concert in Smart Araneta Coliseum since "Missing You" in 2007. Originally scheduled for October 17 and reset to almost two months later to December 6, the sudden date change sparked speculations of Lani backing out of the concert, which she recently dispelled on a primetime talk show as mere rumors.

'For CHICAGO, I'll be playing three instruments: ukulele, mandolin, and banjo. In fact, I got the new banjo today. The first banjo they (Concertus and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions) bought especially for me to use for CHICAGO--the one I also used for the audition video--was defective and had to be replaced, and I got the replacement today. I'm so excited! I'm happy because it's a better one!' - Lester Demetillo

There doesn't seem to be enough of 13-year-old Filipino-Canadian singer Darren Espanto to go around these days, especially since he has made headlines in what could only be described by his legions of fans as a run of charismatic, breakthrough performances on 'The Voice Kids' Philippine edition, under the tutelage of Coach Sarah Geronimo (other coaches were Tony winner Lea Salonga and rock star Bamboo Manalac).