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!)
If you're into something different, catchy, and exciting, the performance of the BLUE MAN GROUP, which closes its limited engagement at The Theatre at Solaire (Solaire Resort and Casino, Paranaque City) on Sunday, September 25, will ideally fit your definition of 'total entertainment.' Founded in 1991, BLUE MAN GROUP is known for its unique stage antics that blur the boundary between everyday reality and surreality. Their productions and performances vary from one stage to the other, which make every BLUE MAN GROUP experience different and incomparable.
Reunions are moments of nostalgic reminiscence that let you review what you have accomplished together with your friends and make you wonder in awe on the journey you started together years ago. This was the general feeling when the original cast of the 2007 Philippine production of Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (HSM) took center stage once again in "Still in This Together: A 10th Anniversary Concert" at the monthly One Night Stand (ONS) cabaret series at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub earlier this month.
With familiar tunes such as 'Day by Day' and 'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,' the beloved Broadway musical 'GODSPELL, which MusicArtes Inc. is staging on the weekends from June 17 to June 26 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City, is not to be missed. Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, GODSPELL features music and new lyrics by 'Wicked's' Stephen Schwartz. The play has been revived regularly ever since its Off-Broadway debut in 1971 and film adaptation in 1973.
With familiar tunes such as 'Day by Day' and 'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,' the beloved Broadway musical 'GODSPELL, which MusicArtes Inc. is staging on the weekends from June 17 to June 26 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City, is not to be missed. Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, GODSPELL features music and new lyrics by 'Wicked's' Stephen Schwartz. The play has been revived regularly ever since its Off-Broadway debut in 1971 and film adaptation in 1973, starring renowned American film and stage actor Victor Garber in the role of Jesus.
A show that has captivated more than 35 million audiences worldwide, across 15 countries, finally comes to Manila in a color that made its main performers the most recognizable bald trio on stage: BLUE! BLUE MAN GROUP, a performance art company that won numerous accolades including an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience, and a Grammy nomination for its debut album, "Audio," will surely give its first-ever predominantly Filipino audiences a great time enjoying its unique and percussion-filled non-verbal entertainment.
The first-ever international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES (LES MIS) must close this Sunday, May 1, after three extensions. With nearly sold out tickets day in and day out, this production can easily be one of the most successful productions staged at the relatively brand new theatre The Theatre at Solaire.
Family is a serious matter for Filipinos; it's something personal, sensitive, and private. To have it as a central theme for a play is seldom traversed, and if so, it's done with prudence. In the current restaging of Victorio Concepcion's LA FAMILIA PERATEDES, a play in Tagalog based on Federico Garcia Lorca's 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba,' the production is worth a visit simply because of its familial theme that's seldom tackled. It also proves to be a timely work that exposes its audiences to domestic lives normally concealed because of destructive personal pride.
When it comes to the best seat of the house at LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which currently plays The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, Technical Director Cameron Flint ('Wicked,' 'Once') says all the seats in the house are the best seats because the stage design was built for the apprecation of the audience from all angles. However, personally, Mr Flint will sit in the front row or middle rows of the Orchestra Center (VIP) or in the center of the Premium Gold (A Reserve) section.
If reading the book and watching the movie 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is not enough, watching Off-Broadway's 50 SHADES! The Musical Parody will surely cap off your personal urges.
This hilariously naughty satire, based on E.L. James' novel "Fifty Shades of Grey," runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City from Monday, February 12, to Sunday, February 28 (weekends only). It previously played 453 performances on Off-Broadway's The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street).
'I'm very excited that we're bringing the new production of LES MISERABLES (LES MIS) to Manila. I hope to see you there!' - Rachelle Ann Go, Fantine replacement, LES MIS Original London Production
No one is born a performer but Matthew Gregory, founder of KidsFest, made it a point to start very early. Playing as Young Scrooge's girlfriend at age eight (Yes, you heard it right: girlfriend of the Young Scrooge in a production of “A Christmas Carol”) and as a chorister at York Minster in the United Kingdom, Matthew eventually placed himself permanently in the world of performing arts when he became the executive producer of ABA Productions, based in Hong Kong.
Another theatrical gem is in the making as Triumphant People's Evangelistic Theater Society (Trumpets) opens its curtains to THE HORSE AND HIS BOY, a stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis's children's classic book.
Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is set to bring the book-to-stage adaptation of Robert James Waller's THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Manila, which premieres this Friday, November 20, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.
If one can taste a performance, COOKIN' NANTA is a delectable treat. As Korea's longest-running non-verbal musical, COOKIN' NANTA gives Manila a spectacular show to enjoy, which keeps the audience laughing and amazed at the same time.
THIS IS OUR YOUTH, a comedy by Kenneth Lonergan, features rich but problematic young adults--consumed by the society's latest fads-- 'slacking' in Manhattan's Upper West Side in the early '80s. Produced by Red Turnip Theater, the play is directed by Topper Fabregas and stars Jef Flores as Dennis, Nicco Manalo as Warren, and Cindy Lopez as Jessica.
LA SOIREE, a variety show that won the 2015 Laurence Olivier Award under the category of Best Entertainment and Family, greets Manila with decadent charm and sophistication.
