Tony, Olivier and Grammy Winner JERSEY BOYS to Premiere in Manila, September 23

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Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG), which recently presented the first international production of “The Bridges of Madison County” and the newly re-imagined production of “Saturday Night Fever,” is set to premiere a brand-new production of the Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” a biographical musical based on the story of the legendary American doo-wop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, on September 23 at Meralco Theatre in Pasig City.

Starring acoustic balladeer Nyoy Volante in the coveted role of Frankie Valli, lead vocalist of the Four Seasons, and Asian Pop Superstar Christian Bautista in the role of Bob Gaudio, singer-songwriter and keyboardist of the Four Seasons (the full cast will be announced at a later date), will run for a limited 15 shows only, on the weekends from September 23 until October 16. 

Now in its 11th year on Broadway, “Jersey Boys” officially opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre on November 6, 2oo5. In 2006, the show won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (John Lloyd Young, who also played the role of Frankie Valli in the movie adaptation in 2014), Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Christian Hoff), and Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Howell Binkley). It also won Best New Musical at the 2008 Laurence Olivier Awards in London and Best Musical Show Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards. As of September 22, 2015, after setting a record of at least 4,093 performances, “Jersey Boys” has surpassed “Miss Saigon” as the 12th longest-running show in Broadway history.

To date, the show has been seen by more than 23 million people worldwide and is currently playing in New York, Las Vegas, London, and in numerous cities across North America and the U.K. In Asia, an international touring production, starring an all-South African cast, played Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia from November 2012 to April 2014.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, “Jersey Boys,” featuring the music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, the Four Seasons' record producer, and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, who creatively present the story of the Four Seasons' formation, meteoric rise and descent via four symbolic seasons told from different points of view, has some unique offerings for Filipino theatergoers: Mr. Garcia's brand-new staging, Driscoll Otto's lighting design, Edwin Tan's costume design, and Faust Peneyra's set design.

“Jersey Boys is such a well-crafted biographic musical. It manages to both be a celebration of the unforgettable music of the Four Seasons and at the same time a gritty but heartfelt true-to-life tale of friendship, family, and stardom. Like any good musical, it has a fantastic story and bringing that story to life while at the same time honoring the legends who created the music is the challenge—it is also what excites me about the show,” Mr. Garcia said.

“Jersey Boys” tells the story of the 40-year-friendship of four sons of Italian immigrants in New Jersey. They went from singing on street corners in the various housing projects in northern N.J. to singing on national television as their songs, featuring Frankie Valli's trademark three-octave range and falsetto and a distinctive doo-wop sound, charted 24 Top-30 hits from 1962 to 1968. Their most popular songs such as “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Can't Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and “December 1963 (Oh What a Night),” defined the boomer generation who took illegal drugs, sex, rebellion, and rock and roll to a whole new level.

Considered as America's most popular singing group before The Beatles, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, alongside the Beach Boys, Motown, and Memphis soul, fought their way to the top of the music charts even during the phenomenal “Beatlemania,” The Rolling Stones, and British Invasion in the mid-60s.

“'Jersey Boys' is one of those nights at the theatre that leaves you feeling so good. I think it's those songs. There is an energy to them that lifts you higher and higher. We also have assembled a truly first-rate cast whom I think will bring these legends to thrilling life!” Mr. Garcia said.

Interviewed by Billboard, Mr. Valli said, “It [the Broadway musical] has created a new awareness [about the Four Seasons], especially with younger people.” 

★★★★★

“Oh, what a fantastic night you’ll have!” 

UPN 9 TV 

★★★★★

“The most exciting musical in years!” 

Chicago Tribune 

★★★★★

“A can’t-stop-the-music-tidal-wave!” 

The Star-Ledger 

Tickets go on sale from Tuesday, May 24, 2016; visit www.TicketWorld.com.ph or call Ten Bridges Media Corp. (632) 650 5144

PRODUCTION Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, in cooperation with Ten Bridges Media Corp., presents the Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” for a limited engagement only.

DIRECTOR Bobby Garcia

MUSIC/LYRICS Bob Gaudio (music), Bob Crewe (lyrics), Ceejay Javier (musical direction)

SETS Faust Peneyra

COSTUMES Edwin Tan

LIGHTS Driscoll Otto

MAIN CAST Nyoy Volante, Christian Bautista

WHEN Weekends from September 23 to October 16, 2016

WHERE Meralco Theatre, Pasig City

INFORMATION Tel: (632) 650 5144 or www.facebook.com/ATEGasia

TICKETS www.TicketWorld.com.ph or Ten Bridges Media Corp. (632) 650 5144

Dates and Requirements on Open Call Auditions in Manila for Miss Saigon Announced

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Cameron Mackintosh announces Open Call Auditions in Manila for various upcoming global productions of Miss Saigon, the record breaking production that is taking London by storm and opens on Broadway in 2017. Auditions will be represented and facilitated in Manila by Bobby Garcia and Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) and held at the Opera Haus (3657 Bautista St., Makati City.)

“Miss Saigon’s producing and creative team will be flying in from London to hold auditions for various upcoming global productions of the hit musical. I look forward to working with them in discovering a new generation of Filipino talent to shine on the international stage in Miss Saigon the way Lea Salonga, Leo Valdez, JonJon Briones, Joanna Ampil and Rachelle Ann Go, among many others, have in the past.” says Garcia. who was also an Associate Director for Miss Saigon.

“We are searching for Kim, The Engineer, Thuy, Gigi and all Asian Roles in the musical. We are looking for leads and ensemble, as well as acrobatic dancers. We encourage performers throughout the Asian region to come to Manila and audition for Miss Saigon.” added Garcia.

All applicants must be 16 - 40 years old with strong singing voices (all vocal ranges) and proficient in the English language. Some dance movement experience preferred. For registration, bring your photo and CV. For auditions, prepare 16 bars of a song from MISS SAIGON (a pianist will be provided to accompany you at auditions.) Otherwise, bring your own music scores or CD.

Registration dates are on March 11 and 12 from 10am - 6pm at the Opera Haus, 3657 Bautista Street (near the corner of Buendia), Makati City. Auditions are on March 15 and 16 from 10am to 7pm also at the Opera Haus.

Trevor Jackson, Head of Casting for Cameron Mackintosh, said "Since casting for Miss Saigon began in the mid 1980's the Philippines has been integral to the show as a place to find exceptional Asian performers of World Class ability. Our teams have been returning regularly ever since. Filipino artists are the heart and soul of this show.”

"Miss Saigon,” a sung-through musical, features music by "Les Misérables" collaborators Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, and lyrics by Boublil and "Closer Than Ever's" Richard Maltby, Jr. with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler, based on Giacomo Puccini's popular opera "Madame Butterfly.”

For more information contact (0995) 534-8371 or like the MISS SAIGON 2016 AUDITIONS page on Facebook.

Lea Salonga stars in international premiere of FUN HOME

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Lea Salonga

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is proud to announce that Tony Award winning Broadway star Lea Salonga will be playing Helen Bechdel in the first international production of FUN HOME, which opens in Manila in November 2016.

FUN HOME is the most awarded and acclaimed musical of the year, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. 

FUN HOME is a based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The New York Times calls it, “THE BEST NEW MUSICAL TO OPEN ON BROADWAY.” Both, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, who won the Tony Award this year for, are scheduled to grace FUN HOME’s Opening Night in Manila next year. 

FUN HOME will mark Lea’s first musical in Manila since she played Grizabella in CATS in 2010. Her last stage appearance in Manila was in Atlantis Productions’ critically acclaimed play GOD OF CARNAGE in 2012. She is currently appearing as Kei in the Broadway musical ALLEGIANCE, where she garnered rave reviews.

Bobby Garcia (Saturday Night Fever, The Bridges of Madison County), who will be directing FUN HOME, says, “Dreams do come true, It is an honor to be able to stage FUN HOME in Manila with Lea Salonga as Helen. It is a ground breaking musical that needs to be seen by audiences all over the world. I am thrilled that it will premiere internationally in Manila and that we will be welcoming Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron to our Opening Night. We hope you will all come to the FUN HOME next year.”

ATEG producers Tony Tuviera and Bobby Barreiro say,

“It is with great pride that we welcome Lea Salonga to FUN HOME. A Tony Award winner in a Tony Award winning musical. Our dreams have come true and we know FUN HOME will be a momentous theatrical event in Manila.”

The New York producers of FUN HOME issued a statement saying,

“We’re thrilled to have the first international production of ‘Fun Home’ confirmed for the Philippines, and how exciting to have Lea Salonga, one of Broadway’s most beloved stars, leading the company.”

ATEG recently presented the first leg of the new international production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which played Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It currently has THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY running in Manila until December 6 and will also have JERSEY BOYS opening in 2016.

For more information follow ATEG on Facebook at ATEGasia.

Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa lead the cast of the Tony Award winning musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

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Two iconic performers share the same stage for the first time in what is sure to be the most romantic musical of the year. West End musical theatre star Joanna Ampil and Broadway and West End rock star MiG Ayesa lead the cast of the first international production of the Tony Award winning musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, produced by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) in November 2015.

Fresh from the success of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which is now embarking on an Asian Tour, ATEG brings you THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written. 

Now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. It’s an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

Joanna Ampil

This brand new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”

Joanna Ampil, who rose to stardom in London’s West End as Kim in Miss Saigon and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, says of her latest role, “It will be my first musical in Manila after a long hiatus. The last one was The Sound of Music in 2012. I'm hungry for a new challenge and this role of Francesca will certainly give me that challenge, stretch and creativity that I'm always craving for as an artist. Jason Robert Brown and I performed in London sometime ago way before he wrote Bridges and to be able to play a lead in one of his works will be a wonderful experience; because I know that he writes some amazing stuff. I look forward to sharing the stage with MiG Ayesa, also. But, the thing that appealed to me the most was the idea of working for ATLANTIS for the first time and being directed by Bobby Garcia.”

MiG Ayesa

MiG Ayesa, who performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in ROCK OF AGES on Broadway and in Manila. “I am so thrilled to be returning to the Manila stage with this production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. The score written by Jason Robert Brown is so breathtakingly beautiful it has to be considered a modern classic, and well deserved of the Tony Awards it received. I cannot wait to show such a different side to me, as the last time Manila audiences saw me was as the crazed rocker ‘Stacee Jaxx’ in ROCK OF AGES. The chance to be working opposite such a world class performer such as Jo Ampil, as well as under the direction of Bobby Garcia, promises to be an experience I will never forget. This will be my second stage production with ATEG, and it has always been a labour of love in that camp. Any excuse to visit the Philippines is worth the work! I cannot think of a better way than to return with such a production as beautiful as this,” said MiG .

Directed by Bobby Garcia, who recently directed the critically acclaimed Asian Tour of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY opens on November 20, 2015 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Select shows are now available for Show Buying and fundraising opportunities. Corporate Packages are also available. 

Contact Jorelle at 0917-8381534 or info@ategasia.com for more information.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Proves There’s Life After Broadway

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Show Closes Run in Manila July 26; Moves On to Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Australia

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (SNF), the smash musical that drew inspiration from the ‘70s film of the same name, has been taking on a life of its own since bowing out from Broadway 15 years ago: spawning at least four UK Tour productions, seven International Tour productions, a cruise production, and a West End Revival production—proving the adage that “indeed, there’s life beyond the shadows of the Great White Way.” 

SNF’s latest triumph, a newly reimagined production aimed at revisiting the gritty, chaotic, and dystopic elements of the film—initially announced to make tour stops in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore—has just added China and Australia to its itinerary. Patrick Bywalksi, deputy chairman of The Robert Stigwood Organisation, which produced the film and its succeeding film-to-stage adaptations, announced the extra tour stops on the opening night in Manila earlier this month. Bywalski said, “Now that we’re up and running, I trust that we should be able to secure more venues as per my announcement.

“This brand new production of SNF represents a true value: the essence of the movie is respected all the way, [which was deliberately overlooked in the original West End and Broadway runs to appeal to a wider audience]. Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) director Bobby Garcia has epitomized Nick Cohn’s original story, ‘Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,’” an article published in New York magazine in 1976, which served as the basis of the film. 

In fact, local critics also noticed those stark similarities to the film. Vlad Bunoan, who edits for an online news portal, wrote in his review, “The musical is actually a near word-for-word adaptation of the popular 1977 movie that turned John Travolta into a global superstar. And it must be stressed that [film director] John Badham's movie is set against a backdrop of a period in American history marked by economic malaise and a growing hopelessness. 

“For Tony Manero [played by Broadway actor Brandon Rubendall], a 19-year-old dropout working at a paint store—as well as for many Americans—disco offered an escape from his dreary family life: his father is out of the job and his brother has decided to leave the priesthood.”

Bunoan continued, “The movie—and musical—also tackles the '70s-era, sexual promiscuity, abortion, and racial violence. In short, this isn't a retro, feel-good musical like ‘Mamma Mia’ or Travolta's ‘Grease’… But if you're a big fan of the movie in its dramatic entirety, you will be pleased by the way it was magically transported to the stage…”

Deemed too provocative, this latest incarnation of SNF actually comes in two versions: a Rated R version, which is the one currently playing in Manila, and a Parental Guidance (PG) version, which will be shown in countries whose theatergoers are considered more conservative. “As what we did with the film, we had two versions: one rated R and one PG. So we already know which parameters we have to work with to satisfy the local practice,” Bywalski revealed.

In spite of everything, the timeless songs of The Bee Gees that defined the disco era of the ‘70s have been retained in the musical’s score—prompting the audience to bob their heads to the beat, and get up and dance by the show’s end. Theatergoers leave the venue humming either “How Deep Is Your Love” or “Stayin’ Alive,” or either “Night Fever” or “You Should Be Dancing,” which makes for an incredible evening of live theater.

Touted as “the first Filipino-produced Broadway musical for the world,” whose primary proponents ATEG and Ten Bridges Media Corp., both based in Manila, Philippines, did not scrimp on the quality of expertise in this production as embodied by its A-list creative team: Bobby Garcia (stage direction), Broadway choreographer Vince Pesce (choreography), Tony winner David Gallo (set design), Broadway lighting designer Paul Miller (lighting design), costume designer Eric Pineda (costume design), sound designer Michael Waters (sound design), technical director Richard Martin (technical direction), graphic artist GA Fallarme (video projection design), musician Ceejay Javier (musical direction), and West End and London casting director Tara Rubin (casting).

SNF in Manila, which stars Rubendall (“Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark,”), Jenna Rubaii (“American Idiot”), Mikkie Bradshaw (“Carrie The Musical”), Nick Varricchio (“A Chorus Line”), and Carla Guevara-Laforteza (“Miss Saigon”), among others, plays The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino (ASEANA Avenue, Paranaque, Metro Manila) until Sunday, July 26.

Performances are also set at Istana Budaya (Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) from September 4 to 13 and at MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands (10 Bayfront Ave., Singapore) from September 25 to October 4.

For tickets in Manila, call ATEG at (632) 650 5144 or (63917) 8381534; or visit TicketWorld at ticketworld.com.ph.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER is presented by PLDT and Citibank, in cooperation with ABS-CBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover, Mellow 94.7 Sound Good, Retro DCG-FM, Makati Diamond Residences, First Unitel Travel, and Portfolio Studios.

Like us on facebook.com/ATEGasia. 

PRODUCTION Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, in cooperation with Ten Bridges Media Corp. and Robert Stigwood Organisation, presents the 2015 Asian Tour of the dance musical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

DIRECTOR Bobby Garcia

MUSIC The Bee Gees, Harry Casey, Richard Finch, Leeroy Green, Ron Kersey, Rick Dees, Ronald Bell, and David Shire

SETS David Gallo

COSTUMES Eric Pineda

MAIN CAST Brandon Rubendall*, Jenna Rubaii*

*Indicates Members of Actors’ Equity Association

WHEN Manila, July 3 to 26

Kuala Lumpur, September 4 to 13

Singapore, September 25 to October 4

WHERE Manila: The Theatre, Solaire Resort and Casino

Kuala Lumpur, Istana Budaya

Singapore, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands

INFORMATION Tel: (632) 650 5144 or (63917) 8381534

facebook.com/ATEGasia

“How Deep Is Your Love” Iconic Song to be Part of Saturday Night Fever Asian Tour

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“How Deep Is Your Love”, the 1977 mega-hit by the Bee Gees, will be released as a single that will be part of an original cast recording of the Asian Tour of the stage musical version of Saturday Night Fever.

The Asian tour will have stops in Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and will star Brandon Rubendall who will play Tony Manero and Jenna Rubaii who will play his dance partner and eventual love interest Stephanie Mangano. The two will also perform the song on the musical’s official soundtrack (OST). The Manila leg, mounted by the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) in close coordination with the Robert Stigwood Organization, will have performances from July 3 to 26 at the Theatre, Solaire Resort and Casino.

Everyone knows the song well. Originally intended for Yvonne Elliman (who later recorded "If I Can't Have You) instead won an award for Best Pop Performance by a Group at the 20th Grammy Awards held in February 1978 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 on 24 December 1977 (becoming the first of six consecutive US number-one hits) and stayed in the Top 10 for a then-record 17 weeks. It also ranked number 375 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

In a 2001 interview the Bee Gees'did for Billboard magazine, Barry Gibb reportedly said that "How Deep Is Your Love" was his favorite Bee Gees song.

Said Barry: "A lot of the textures you hear in the song were added on later. We didn't change any lyrics, mind you, but the way we recorded it was a little different than the way we wrote in terms of construction. A little different for the better, I think, the title 'How Deep Is Your Love' we thought was perfect because of all the connotations involved in that sentence, and that was simply it.”

That iconic song will make itself heard again to a whole new generation of listeners once the Asian Tour of Saturday Night Fever takes off.

Marie Rose, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Mikkie Bradshaw, Jamie Wilson and Carla Guevara-Laforteza are also joining the show’s 20-strong cast.

Broadway choreographer Vince Pesce, Tony Award-winning scenic designer David Gallo, original lighting designer of “Saturday Night Fever” on Broadway Paul Miller, costume designer Eric Pineda and musical director Ceejay Javier are also part of the creative team.

The Manila crew is working in close coordination with the Robert Stigwood Organization whose founder, Mr. Stigwood, produced the original Saturday Night Fever film and its various stage incarnations from 1998 to the present. 

Director Bobby Garcia reveals: “We’re using a brand-new script (originally written by Nan Knighton, in collaboration with Arlene Phillips, Paul Nicholas and Mr. Stigwood) that brings back a lot of the grittiness and the coming-of-age in a tough world aspect of the movie. It’s edgy and exciting. It’s a completely conceptualized production.”

He is excited that the famous movie musical is being re-invented for a stage audience across Asia, and that “How Deep Is Your Love” will be heard again via this new cast recording of the stage version.

“We have a first-rate creative team and have assembled an amazing cast,” he says. “I think the quality of the show will speak for itself once it’s up on its feet. This production will be everything Saturday Night Fever should be.”

For tickets and more information, call ATEG at (632)650 5144 or (63917) 8381534; visit TicketWorld at ticketworld.com.ph.

Like ATEG on facebook.com/ATEGasia.

Asia Tour of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Aims to Bring Audience To Their Feet—And Dance in the Aisles

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Remembering "Saturday Night Fever"? A huge commercial success, "Saturday Night Fever" significantly popularized disco music around the world and made celebrities like John Travolta famous. The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack featuring disco songs by the Bee Gees became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.

The younger generation has not had a chance to witness the impact of the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' made in the '70s. I'd be great to see a new generation of theatergoers dancing in the aisles to the timeless tunes of The Bee Gees,” says Patrick Bywalski, deputy chairman of Robert Stigwood Organisation Ltd. , which co-produces the upcoming Asian Tour of the hit West End and Broadway dance musical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER alongside Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) and Ten Bridges Media Corp. 

The dancing crowd doing the hustle is expected to spill out of The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino, where a '70s disco-themed party will take place at a nearby venue to aptly kick off the tour running in Manila (July 3-26), Kuala Lumpur (Septmber 1-15), and Singapore (September 25 to October 11). 

“Since SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER opened in the West End in 1997, we've nurtured the musical around the globe with each production contextualized [and recontextualized] to please the local customs,” adds Bywalski. Apparently, the recent UK productions and the upcoming Asian Tour of the musical have been more fearless—definitely more provocative—than their sanitized predecessors in the West End and on Broadway by staying true to the authentic, gritty realism depicted in the landmark film. 

“The film was, finally, so authentic...it was more of a documentary,” Karen Lynn Gorney, the actress who played Stephanie Mangano, the love interest of John Travolta's Tony Manero in the film, told Vanity Fair in December 2007. “We improvised for two weeks, so that by the time it came to filming, [film director] John Badham just shot what was happening. It wasn't acting.”

With the stamp of approval to reimagine SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER onstage for Asian audiences, multi-awarded stage director Bobby Garcia has set his eyes on reliving the authentic coming-of-age in a tough world story of the film—amid the backdrop of the pulsating strobe lights of the infamous retro '70s disco era.

For Garcia, nothing would be more authentic than asking Broadway choreographer and child of the '70s Vince Pesce to join his creative team. Pesce, who's a longtime associate choreographer of Tony winner Kathleen Marshall, grew up in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where the movie was filmed. “I've a clear memory of the movement/dance and how it made us feel,” says Pesce.

Based upon music critic Nik Cohn's magazine article “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,” which was published in the June 7, 1976 issue of New York, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER tells the story of Italian-American Vincent (later renamed to Tony Manero) and his gang in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn who are stuck in dead-end jobs but rule the dance floor at the discotheque 2001 Odyssey. Vincent or Tony is a tough cookie; an outstanding dancer, his ultimate dream was to escape the mean streets of Brooklyn.

“I did go back and look at the movie again just to make sure I capture the gritty, dynamic, and social movement that shifted popular dance as we know it,” Pesce continues. “With that in mind, Bobby Garcia, our director, and I felt we needed to expand the dancing in the show and make it more relatable to modern audiences yet remain true to the original choreography. You'll get to see the hustle, Travolta's finger point, and lots of exciting disco dancing but much more is needed to be done.

“Today's sophisticated audiences are accustomed to intricate, dynamic dance styles on TV, e.g. 'Dancing with the Stars.' We have to deliver expanded dance sequences that will thrill. On the other hand, we also have to create a world of movement that doesn't only take place in the disco. Essentially, we need to capture the pulse, frustration, and energy of the streets of Brooklyn and the '70s social movements.”

A show that's heavy on the dance side yet demands authentic emotions onstage, a triple threat casting is equally crucial. “We auditioned for the roles of Tony, Stephanie, Tony's friend Double J, and a [Latin] dancer in N.Y.,” says West End and Broadway casting director Tara Rubin. “We were looking for great actors, singers, and dancers who seemed authentic to the show's time and place. We needed actors experienced enough to star in the show and play these iconic roles.”

Pesce adds, “The culture in Brooklyn is all about bigger than life and fun loving personalities. We didn't stop looking until we found them.”

At the end of the auditions, Brandon Rubendall (“Spider-man” on Broadway), Jenna Rubaii (“American Idiot”), and Nick Varricchio (“A Chorus Line”) were cast as Tony, Stephanie, and Double J, respectively.

Thespians Marie Rose, Rafa Giguion-Reyna, Yanah Laurel, Jamie Wilson, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza are also joining its 20-strong cast.

Besides Garcia, Pesce, and Rubin, Tony Award-winning scenic designer David Gallo, original lighting designer of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER on Broadway Paul Miller, costume designer Eric Pineda, and musical director Ceejay Javier are also part of the show's first-rate creative team.

For tickets and more information, call ATEG at (632)650 5144 or (63917) 8381534; visit TicketWorld at ticketworld.com.ph.

Like ATEG on facebook.com/ATEGasia.