Big Band, Ballads And Broadway In Valentine Concert

Manila musical theatre fans are expected to flock to the Rockwell Tent on Valentine's Day to witness first-hand a rare, back-to-back tandem of siblings Raymond Lauchengco ("King and I," "Rama at Sita") and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo ("Miss Saigon," "Sweeney Todd") in a concert dubbed "Sibling Revelry." 

And they won't be disappointed.  Raymond and Menchu mentioned in a recent press luncheon that they have prepared an 11-minute Broadway medley, and some new hit songs from the musicals for theatre lovers. 

"It's going to be a fun, musical evening performing with my sister," says Raymond. 

Menchu continues, "Growing up, we spent a lot of time singing together, in front of family and friends...it's been a while since we've been able to do that.  I think the last time we shared a stage before a concert audience was in the '80s, when we were both Pepsi New Generation artists."

Suffice it to say that the siblings have indeed come a long way.  Since appearing as Louis when he was 12 years old in the Repertory Philippines' staging of THE KING AND I, Raymond pursued a singing career, recording a total of eight albums (the newest of which is "Full Circle," his big band album) and performing in concerts around the country and the world.  Meanwhile, Menchu proceeded to conquer the stage with one memorable performance after another in dozens of musicals, including the role of Ellen, the wife of American soldier Chris, in the Manila staging of MISS SAIGON.  Her recent portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD is considered among her finest performances.

Raymond and Menchu will be accompanied by an eight-piece band comprising of two keyboardists, one bassist, one drummer, two trumpeteers, one trombonist, and one saxophonist under the musical direction of Jun Austria.

Prior to the concert, a four-course, sit-down dinner with a menu designed and prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Him Uy de Baron of Chef Cuisine will be served to guests.

"To be able to sing the songs that we love, the songs we grew up with, is a real treat for us," Raymond says.

Adds Menchu, "And we hope that when we do sing those songs, the audience will see why we fell in love with them, making the concert a treat for them as well."

Unforgettable voices, beautiful music, unmatched elegance, sophisticated charm, quick wit and a dash of humor are the elements that make "Sibling Revelry" the show to watch on Valentine's Day.  With music from Sinatra to Streisand, from the Carpenters to the Osmonds, from Broadway to the West End, the Lauchengcos are sure to make February 14, 2010 a night to remember.

Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.  The show promptly begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets at Php 3,300 (inclusive of dinner). Contact (63939) 128-6569.

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