A musical comedy thriller , "No Way To Treat A Lady" is on stage starting March 1

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 “No Way To Treat  a Lady” focuses on the themes --- Betrayal, Death, Friendship, Jewish/Yiddish issues, Love, Parenting/Family.

Repertory Philippines proudly announces its second offering for the year 2013 with “ No Way To Treat A Lady ” a musical comedy thriller with book, music and lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen based on the best-selling novel and renowned movie by William Goldman.

“No Way To Treat A Lady” directed by Audie Gemora, is a musical comic thriller chronicling the exploits of a 1970s momma's boy serial killer – who draws a red lipstick kiss on the forehead of each of his victims as a calling card – and the hardened momma's boy cop hell-bent on tracking him down.

As a witty, snappy, dark, and wickedly entertaining black comedy, the music and lyrics of “No Way To Treat a Lady” are magical --- you will actually start humming melodies that stay with you. All the elements come together to illustrate what a first-rate musical should be!

With five actors playing 17 roles, the cast features Audie Gemora as Christopher ‘Kit’ Gill; Joel Trinidad as Morris Brummel; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Sarah Stone; Sheila Francisco as Flora Brummel; Pinky Marquez as Alexandra Gill; and Jamie Wilson as Christopher Gill (Stand In).

Within the course of the play, Christopher Gill disguises himself as seven other characters: an Irish priest, an Arthur Murray dance class instructor, a French waiter, a telephone repairman, a pizza delivery messenger, a New York cop, and a female barfly.

NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY received a Fred Ebb Award for Musical Theatre Songwriting, a Richard Rodgers grant, and a nomination for Best Revival by the New York Outer Critics Circle.

The schedule of shows are:

March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23, 2013 – 8:00 PM;

March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2013 – 3:30 PM. 

All performances are at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City.

Co-presented by the City of Makati, the artistic team of “No Way To Treat a Lady” is composed of Baby Barredo (Artistic Director); Audie Gemora (Director); Liesl Batucan (Assistant Director); Dingdong Fiel (Musical Director); Mio Infante (Set Designer); Raven Ong (Costume Designer) and John Batalla (Lighting Designer).

The production team of “No Way To Treat a Lady”  is  composed of Juno Henares (Officer in charge); Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Gold Soon (Stage Manager); Denis Lagdameo (Technical Director), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of “No Way To Treat a Lady”  is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales).

“No Way To Treat A Lady” promises to be a marvelously presented comedic story of mystery, murder, and intrigue. Just don't be surprised if it brings out the serial killer in you and makes you want to act in the show. It's going to be that much fun !!! 

“No Way To Treat a Lady” is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Inc.

For details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Repertory Philippines on Facebook.  

Baby Barredo returns to the Rep stage in the hilarious ‘BOEING BOEING’

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Baby Barredo, co-founder and Artistic Director of Repertory Philippines, is undoubtedly one of the great pillars of Philippine Theatre. Together with the late Zeneida Amador, she built Repertory Philippines with an almost inexhaustible well of passion, persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and ultimately, love.

A consummate artist, she has performed the whole gamut of quintessential and iconic female lead roles including Maria in The Sound of Music, Guinevere in Camelot, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Eva Peron in Evita, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Mrs. Anna in The King and I, Nellie Forbush and Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Ranevskaya in The Cherry Orchard, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Maria Callas in Master Class, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Mme. Thenardier in Les Miserables, Tess Harding in Woman of The Year, and an impressive one-woman role in Late Night Catechism-- a beloved role she shared with the late Zeneida Amador.

She has contributed immeasurably to the world-class quality of Rep productions over its 45 years of existence in her capacity as Director, Actress, Costume Designer and Musical Director.

A generous and exuberant personality, Baby Barredo never fails to share her limitless gifts with those who work with her and, indeed, is responsible for shaping and honing the talents of generations of actors and actresses who have themselves attained stardom in their own right.

Last seen onstage in A Portrait of The Artist As Filipino, Baby Barredo returns to the Rep stage as Bertha, the wacky, lovable and long-suffering housekeeper (alternating with Ms. Joy Virata) who is a chic, black-clad philosopher. A French existentialist maid who loves nothing more than to complain.  

The rest of the cast include David Bianco who will essay the role of Mr. Bernard Whitford, an American architect businessman living in Paris ---  a swinging bachelor. Topper Fabregas will play the role of the unworldly Robert, Bernard’s boyhood friend, newly arrived from Wisconsin. 

Bringing to mind fantasy drawings from a vintage Esquire or  Playboy for a portfolio of international dream girls are the three fiancées: Giannina Ocampo as  Gabriella, the sentimental, lusty Italian stewardess. Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen, the hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned German stewardess. Jen Bianco as Gloria, the Southern belle with upbeat disposition take-charge health-obsessed American stewardee.

Directed by Miguel Faustmann, BOEING BOEING is currently showing and will run until February 17, 2013. For inquiries, please call Repertory Philippines at 5716926 or 5714941. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 8919999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Repertory Philippines on Facebook.

Fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride! Repertory Philippines’ 76th theater season opener BOEING BOEING

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Repertory Philippines’ 76^th theater season opener BOEING BOEING, the classic '60s sex comedy is currently running until February 17, 2013.  This is the funniest, truly strikingly and sexiest stage play I watched. We laugh out loud and I can't get over as I enjoyed this play so much.  Thankful to Mr. Toots Tolentino for inviting me to the press preview at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City last January 24.

BOEING BOEING is one of the funniest and sexiest evenings you will spend in a theatre!

Boeing-Boeing is a classic farce written by French playwright Marc Camoletti.                                    The English language adaptation, translated by Beverley Cross, was first staged in London at the Apollo Theatre in 1962 and transferred to the Duchess Theatre in 1965, running for a total of seven years.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Play, BOEING BOEING (by Marc Camoletti and translated from the original 60’s-set French play by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans) is directed by Miguel Faustmann.

David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford
(Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms.

A riotous farce that recently enjoyed hit revivals in London and New York, BOEING BOEING is  now set to arrive – fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

The cast features David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford, an American architect businessman living in Paris ---  a swinging bachelor. He is a combination of Don Draper and Jack Tripper. A playboy who juggles love affairs with three air hostesses who touch down briefly but lovingly in his apartment between flights.

Topper Fabregas as Robert (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

Topper Fabregas plays the role of the unworldly Robert, Bernard’s boyhood friend, newly arrived from Wisconsin.

Bringing to mind fantasy drawings from a vintage Esquire or  Playboy for a portfolio of international dream girls are the three fiancées: Giannina Ocampo as  Gabriella, the sentimental, lusty Italian stewardess. Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen, the hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned German stewardess. Jennifer Blair Bianco as Gloria, the Southern belle with upbeat disposition take-charge health-obsessed American stewardess.

Baby Barredo plays the role of Bertha, Bernard's long-suffering housekeeper who is a chic, black-clad philosopher. A French existentialist maid who loves nothing more than to complain. Ms. Joy Virata is alternate.

The artistic and creative team of BOEING BOEING is led by Baby Barredo (Rep Artistic Director), Miguel Faustmann (Stage Director/Set Designer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), and Raven Ong (Costume Designer).

BOEING BOEING’s production staff is composed of Juno Henares (Officer-in-Charge), Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Andrew Miranda (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of BOEING BOEING is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales) and photography by Jojo Mamangun.

Co-presented by the City of Makati in cooperation with Business World, Her Word.com, Ayala Center, Lane Moving and Storage, Bizu, Jack TV, ETC, 2^nd Avenue, Liberating Jepoy and Distinction Lamps.  BOEING BOEING is presented through special arrangement with Eric Glass Ltd.

For further inquiries regarding the details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Repertory Philippines on Facebook.

Boeing-Boeing was produced on Broadway at the Cort Theatre from February 2, 1965, closing on February 20, 1965, after 23 performances.

In 1991, the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world.

The play was adapted by W!LD RICE production in Singapore in 2002. It was directed by Glen Goei. Glen and the company revisited, modernized, and relocated this classic comedy to Asia and the present day, whilst keeping faithful to the text and the spirit of the play. The three air hostesses's nationalities were changed to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Boeing-Boeing was revived in London in February 2007 at the Comedy Theatre. It once again proved to be a hit with critics and audiences alike. The original cast of the production featured Roger Allam as Bernard, Frances de la Tour as Bertha, Mark Rylance as Robert, and Tamzin Outhwaite, Daisy Beaumont and Michelle Gomez as Bernard's three fiancées, Janet, Jaqueline and Judith. This production received two Olivier Award nominations, for Best Revival and Best Actor (Mark Rylance), but won neither. Elena Roger later took on the role of Gabriela.

Warchus also directed the 2008 Broadway revival, which started previews on April 19, 2008 and opened on May 4 at the Longacre Theatre to good reviews. The cast featured Christine Baranski as Bertha, Mark Rylance, reprising his role as Robert, Bradley Whitford as Bernard, Gina Gershon as Gabriella, Mary McCormack as Gretchen and Kathryn Hahn as Gloria. The curtain call of this revival was choreographed by Kathleen Marshall with original music by Claire van Kampen.  The production closed on January 4, 2009, after 279 performances and 17 previews.

A 45-week North American tour began in Fall 2009.  The production won the Best Revival of a Play and Rylance won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor. The production was nominated for several other Tony Awards including: Best Featured Actress (Mary McCormack), Best Director (Matthew Warchus), Best Costume Design (Rob Howell) and Best Sound Design (Simon Baker). The production won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play, and Mark Rylance won for lead actor in a play. 

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon, An Epic Love Tale at the CCP this Feb 8

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The legend of Mayon’s origins has been told and re-told through  generations and remains very much a part of the Bicolano culture and imagination. Fabled for its beautiful symmetry, Mayon Volcano has always inspired poets, painters and musicians. And, there are many works of art that depict and pay tribute to its beauty.

Presentation during the Daragang Magayon Press Conference held at Barbara Restaurant , Intramuros Manila

When clouds sheath the peak of the perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol, locals say that the lovers Magayon, the lovely maiden after whom the volcano is named, and her handsome Ulap, must be kissing.

The myth of Daragang Mayon is a timeless tale of love that almost every Bicolano knows.   It is the story of Magayon (beautiful maiden), the only daughter of chieftain Makusog, and Ulap (Cloud), the brave son of a chieftain from another region.  They fall in love and are engaged when Pagtuga, a jealous suitor foils their plans to marry.  Pagtuga kidnaps Makusog and threatens to kill him unless Magayon consents to marry him instead of her beloved Ulap.  To her great grief, Magayon gives up Ulap to save her father’s life.  Magayon and Pagtuga are about to be wed when Ulap disrupts the wedding and slays Pagtuga.  Magayon rushes into the arms of Ulap but  is struck by an arrow.  As she lay dying in his arms, Magayon is fatally stabbed in the back by one of Pagtuga’s men. The ill-starred lovers are laid to rest, together for eternity, in a mound of earth that grew bigger and bigger with the passage of time, eventually becoming the volcano that is known as Mayon.

This February, the month of hearts and lovers, Filipino audiences will have the chance to witness a unique and exciting reprise of this age-old and romantic love story, retold through music, dance, poetry and film, in DARAGANG MAGAYON:  AN ISTORYA NI MAYON slated on February 8,  2013, with    matinee performance  at 3pm and Gala performance at  8pm, at  the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City.

Daragang Magayon is a presentation of E-Dance Theater, the Provincial Government of Albay, Bicol University in cooperation with Goodwill Bookstore and Ballet Manila.  The production is supported by the Bicol Provincial government as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourist development program, highlighting Albay’s rich cultural heritage.

Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay

Daragang Magayon:  An Istorya ni Mayon  boasts of a new twist---the use of multimedia---to tell the story of how Mayon volcano was born.

Adding luster to the production are two of the country’s foremost artists who collaborated on Daragang Magayon.  National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma) penned the poetry for this new production.

 Gawad CCP para sa Sining awardee Ramon P. Santos composed the music.

The people behind "Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon", 
a unique presentation of ballet, poetry, rondalla orchestra with film animation
 about the alamat of Mayon.

Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr. did the dramaturgy for the production, adapting the Mayon legend for stage. Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan did the storyline and script, while Leo Abaya and John Batalla did the set and lighting designs respectively.  Filmmakers Chuck Escasa, Niko Salazar and Henry Posadas worked on the filmic elements of the production that included animation, adding to the visual excitement of the production.

Gerald Mercado did the choreography and direction for Daragang Magayon.

Daragang Magayon features the dancers of E-Dance Theater led by Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascano as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog and Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo alternating as Linog.  The show is highlighted by the special participation of Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as the Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteno, Bass Jonak Del Fierro, and performing groups  E-Dance Theater, UP Rondalla and Novo Concertante.

For more information, please call: 4250509, 09209266387, 8321125 loc 1116; for ticket inquiries, please contact  829-3591,  09062735400 / 09228477639 / 09334372744 TICKET WORLD: (02) 891 9999.

IBALONG – A Dance Musical Of Bicolano Epic

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“Ibalong” highlights the preservation of our environment in a magical and musical setting. Entitled after Legazpi City’s week-long festivity, “Ibalong,” the musical tells the story of Handyong and his warriors who come to Bicol – formerly known as Ibalon – and wage war against beasts and monsters pillaging the land’s natural wealth. Handyong mightily battles creatures bearing a solitary eye and three throats, several winged sharks, and wild carabaos.

In introducing civilization to the barbaric land, Handyong matches wit and might with the scheming snake, Oryol.  A master of deceit, Oryol disguises herself into a sweet, young lady in order to seduce Handyong. But not to be outwitted, Handyong eventually makes Oryol fall in love with him.

Their love story – between a warrior and a monster – defines the greatness of Bicol as it explores an individual’s capacity for good and evil, and a land’s history marked by progress and destruction.

Tanghalang Pilipino caps its 26th season with a dance-theatre musical interpretation of the Bicolano epic, “Ibalong,” adapted for the stage by prolific playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with Carol Bello’s musical direction, and Alden Lugnasin’s choreography.

IBALONG opens with a gala premiere on February 8 at the Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines at 8pm. The musical will run until March 3, 2013.

The cast of IBALONG include Jenine Desiderio - Oryol; May Bayot - Gugurang; Myke Salomon - Handyong; Red Nuestro - Opon; Delphine Buencamino - Koro / Understudy Oryol; Trixie Esteban - Young Oryol / Koro; Cheeno Macaraig - Young Handyong / Makusog / Kawal/ibingan; Tara Cabaero - Buring/Anino; Hazel Maranan - Onglo/Anino; Opaline Santos - Sarimao/Anino; Kristofer Kliatchko -Angongolood/Kawal; Cyril Balderama - Sarimao/Kawal; and Philip Palmos - Kikik.

The ensemble is composed of TP’s Actor's Company featuring Jonathan Tadioan - Aswang / Koro; Marco Viaña -   Rabot/Koro; Remus Villanueva - Handyong / Kawal/Angongolood; Nicolo Magno -    Baltog / Koro; Ralph Mateo -Bantong / Kalabaw/ Tambaluslos/Kawal; Regina De Vera - Bonggo/Anino; Jovanni Cadag -Sarimao ; and Doray Dayao - Popo/Anino.

Nanding Josef, Artistic Director of Tanghalang Pilipino cited that this production which is being done in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the City of Legazpi of Bicol, is a special offering to the Bicolanos and the rest of the Filipino people who are committed to protecting our natural resources and cultural heritage from the onslaught of irresponsible commercialism, modernization, frenetic world trade and homogenizing globalization ---- all hiding under the name of human progress and development, but in reality, are all motivated by self-centered motives and selfish interests of the greedy, materialistic, powerful evil creatures of this earth which was originally created by the Supreme Being only for everything that is good, true and beautiful.

Janine  Desiderio and cast presentation during the Ibalong Press Conference 

SYNOPSIS

The play will focus on the middle story of the Ibalong epic fragment, since we feel this is the most substantial of the three seemingly separate stories of the short poem. We focus on Handyong when he and his warriors come to Bicol and wage war against the wild creatures of the land. Handyong uses might to wipe out the wild creatures perceived as barbaric and monstrous. There are beasts with one eye and three throats.  Winged sharks ploughing the deep, wild carabaos were all subdued.

It seems that Handyong the mighty has begun to subdue the land of Bicol in the name of civilization except for Oryol, the sagacious snake. Handyong is eluded by Oryol. she then appears as a sweet young thing, as a way of seducing him. Oryol was a champion of deceit.

This is why Handyong finds a way to lure Oryol to help him. In the end, Oryol agrees to help Handyong destroy her own kind for a great deception that our hero is able to heap on the snake. Handyong makes the snake monster fall in love with him.

The land is set free when Oryol betrays the wild creatures of the land of Bicol. Handyong's heroism is fully established. But not without a tinge of guilt.

This love story between a mighty warrior and a monster becomes the central focus of the Ibalong, the capacity for good and evil, for progress and destruction, love and deceit are equally imprinted in the descendants of Handyong. The precarious balance between these two opposites defines the greatness of the land of Bicol.

The artistic team of IBALONG is led by Nanding Josef  ( Artistic Director ), Rody Vera ( Playwright ); Tuxqs Rutaquio ( Director/Set Designer ); Carol Bello (Composer/Musical Director ); Rizalino Reyes & Inkantada, All-Women Group (Arranger );  Leeroy New ( Costume & Puppet Designer ); Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer ); Katsch Catoy ( Lights Designer and Technical Director ) and   TJ Ramos ( Sound Designer ).

The production team is composed of Jennifer Bautista ( Production Manager ),  Alpha Joy Ruiz ( Deputy Production Manager ),  Jo  Ann Requiestas ( Assistant Production Manager ), Jerome Aytona ( Stage Manager ), Noel Taylo and Eric Sindol ( Assistant Stage Managers ), Daniel Gregorio ( Costume Custodian ), Zaldy Baldelobar ( Property Master ), Raphael David (Make-Up and Prosthetic Artist ), and Jerry Ramirez ( Stunt Choreography ).

The Marketing / Sales, and publicity group is led by Cherry Bong Z. Edralin ( Marketing Manager ), Toots Tolentino ( Publicist ), Jojit Lorenzo ( Photography ), Carlo Vergara  ( Poster Design ),  Joan Abubo ( Ticket Officer ),   Lorelei Celestino ( Marketing & Sales Associate ) and Juan Lorenzo Marco ( Sales Executive ).   

The schedule of performances of IBALONG are as follows: 

( Fri ) February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 2013 at 8:00 pm; 

( Sat ) February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 2013 at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm; 

( Sun ) February 10, 17, 24, March 3, 2013 at 3:00 pm.

Ticket prices are: 

P 800.00 ( regular ); 

P 400.00 ( students ) and 

P 640.00 (for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price)

 For  the  Feb.  8  gala  night, tickets  are  at  

P 1,000.00  ( regular );  

P 500.00  ( students ) and 

P 800.00 ( for senior citizens -- 20% discount on the regular price)

Support our contribution to save our planet, our environment, and our cultural heritage. 

Don’t fail to watch IBALONG!

With elaborate costumes, energetic fight choreography, and haunting music, IBALONG guarantees audiences of all ages an enthralling experience rarely seen in original Filipino theatre.

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld Outlets.  Call TicketWorld at 891-9999  and CCP Box Office at 832-3704

For inquiries on ticket reservations, group sales, sponsorships, special performances, call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-1125 local 1620/1621 or contact Cherry Bong Z. Edralin at 0917-750-0107, 0918-959-3949 for more details.

Visit our website at www.tanghalangpilipino.org.ph or
E-mail us at ccptanghalan@yahoo.com or cherry_edralin888@yahoo.com.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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What Ballet Philippines is up to after huge success ! 

After the critical and box-office success of Rama, Hari, which had its full-house audiences giving rousing standing ovations after each performance, Ballet Philippines once again takes on an old-time favorite and gives it a new twist in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Running for one weekend only from February 15 to 17, 2013 at the CCP Main Theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a new ballet adaptation choreographed by Hong Kong-based award-winning Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis. Based on the timeless romantic comedy of William Shakespeare and the music of Felix Mendelssohn, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a world premiere, and is Pacis’ first full-length ballet for Ballet Philippines.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together the lives of mortals and fairies. Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his Queen, Titania, are fighting over an Indian changeling. To punish her, Oberon instructs the mischievous Puck to place the juice of the Love-in-Idleness flower on her eyes so she falls in love with the first living thing she sees. Oberon also instructs Puck to place the juice on a young mortal man, whom he sees spurning a young woman.

But Puck makes a mistake and his folly creates madness and mayhem in the forest. He puts the juice on Lysander, in love with Hermia, instead of Demetrius, who spurns Helena’s love because he pines for Hermia. Lysander awakens, sees Helena and falls in love with her. To correct his mistake, Puck places the juice on Demetrius’ eyes, who also sees Helena when he awakens. Meantime, Titania, after getting juice on her eyes, awakens and sets her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head. The result is an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors between man and magical beings.

While Rama, Hari is heroic and epic in scale, centered on a prince who is an avatar of a god, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is fun and youthful. It is the interplay of humans and fairies, with mischief-maker Puck at its focal point.

“Fairies have no morals, they want it, they want it now,” says Pacis, whose short work for Ballet Philippines, “Shifting Wait,” won Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“The youthful energy of the company will be perfect!” he says. With this, he builds his characters, and uses it to bring out the “fun” and “comedic” nature of the ballet.

While Rama, Hari showcased the dancers’ strength in modern dance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will let the dancers’ classical ballet technique shine. But Pacis wants to go beyond ballet and infuses more modern, contemporary and non-ballet elements to the dancing. He wants to “push the envelope as far as pas de deux work, musicality and all that.”

Pacis also wants to tell the story with multimedia, sets (by Ricardo Cruz) and costumes (by fashion designer Eric Pineda).

“For me, the underlying theme is love, and I think that being a universal experience to us all, the audience can hopefully understand the story,” Pacis says.

The world premiere of Carlo Pacis’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the CCP Main Theater on February 15 (3pm and 8pm); February 16 to 17 (2pm and 6pm).

Bulk and group sales are also available for schools, classes, organizations and corporations.

For tickets and inquiries please contact Ballet Philippines at (02) 551-1003 and (02) 551-7919 or Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999.

Bucoy’s ‘Walang Kukurap’ explores the darkest Filipino soul

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After a successful run of the 110-year-old sarswela of Severino Reyes’ ‘Walang Sugat’, Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) resident theater company presents a highly-controversial play ‘Walang Kukurap’, written by Ms. Layeta Bucoy, considered by many as Quentin Tarantino’s female in theaters. Ms. Layeta Bucoy’s play is set to open on September 14 at CCP’s Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

In an interview with the playwright Layeta Bucoy, she mentioned that she got inspired by a political blogger named Christopher Bonoan that brought her attention to the Article 11 Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.

Bucoy stressed: “The questions that lingered in my mind: But what if the public office is taken as the extension of one's private or personal interests or what if the public office is perceived as the means to further such interests? What if public trust is ignored for the public office is treated as a private trust fund?”

The play is highly political in nature that explores the darkest Filipino soul. ‘Walang Kukurap’ as a production will serve as a forceful reminder that if people do not take the responsibility to better this world, then there is no need to die just to experience hell.

The same team that brought Dulaang UP’s shocking adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’ is the artistic collaboration between the director-playwright tandem of Tuxqs Rutaquio and Layeta Bucoy together with TP’s homegrown talents—the Actors Company led by Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Regina De Vera, Nicolo Magno, Ralph Mateo, Remus Villanueva, Doray Dayao, April Joy Iñigo, and Jovanni Cadag.

It will also feature veteran and competent theater actors who have crossed over to the mainstream arts, like Suzette Ranillo, Sherry Lara, Mymy Davao, Crispin Pineda, Pewee O’Hara, Lou Veloso, Ding Navasero, Nar Cabico, and Delphine Buencamino. 

With the TP Actors Company:

JONATHAN TADIOAN

MARCO VIANA

REGINA DE VERA

NICOLO MAGNO

RALPH MATEO

REMUS VILLANUEVA

DORAY DAYAO

APRIL JOY INIGO

JOVANNI CADAG

Another highlight of this second offering is the featuring of GLOC 9 on special dates of its run.

For more details of the play please visit, Tanghalang Pilipino’s official website on tanghalangpilipino.org.ph or contact TP office at (632) 832-1125 locals 1620/1621 or +639177500107 or call TicketWorld at (632) 891-999. The show will run until October 7.

Ballet Philippines presents ANTING

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On September 14 to 16, 2012, Ballet Philippines performs its second season offering, Neo-Filipino: Anting.

Anting brings to life pre-eminent dramatist Tony Perez’s libretto that explores the world of talismans and amulets of Filipino magical traditions. It is made up for four separate movements, each depicting a specific kind of amulet and its powers.

Each movement is interpreted through dance by noted Filipino choreographers: BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, BP associate artistic director Christine Crame, BP alumnus and E-Dance Theatre artistic director Gerald Mercado, and Airdance artistic director Ava Villanueva-Ong. They will work with the music of noted musicians Jed Balsamo, Jerrold Tarod, Teresa Barrozo and Israel Rodriguez.

Anting promises to take audiences to a different world, one that is altogether historical, traditional, and familiar yet edgy and unusual in approach. As the 43rd Season: Dragon Song continues, Ballet Philippines keeps the magic and wonder alive in us all.

Neo-Filipino: Anting has six (6) performances at the CCP Little Theater: Friday, September 14 at 3pm and 8pm; Saturday, September 15 at 2pm and 6pm; and Sunday, September 16 at 10am and 3pm. Tickets are at P600 (matinees) and P1000 (evening shows). Student and senior citizen discounts apply. For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph.

Photos: Jojit Lorenzo

TheCampArt presents Hansel & Gretel: A Children’s Musical

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Kids Acts Philippines Inc. (KAPI) is proud to present the upcoming production of the world’s famous classic children’s tale entitled Hansel & Gretel, A Children’s Musical, Direction, Script and Lyrics by Luigi Nacario and Music by Eugene Belbis.

The musical play will feature the promising child actors who are scholars of the group’s musical theater school called “TheCampArt”. It will be held on February 25, 2012 at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila with a Matinee Show at 3 pm and a Gala Night at 6 pm.

Ticket prices start at P350. For inquiries and reservations please call TicketWorld at 891.9999 or KidsActs Box Office at 750-1551.

HANSEL AND GRETEL, A Children’s Musical

SYNOPSIS:

Next to a great forest there lived a poor woodcutter with his wife and his two children. The boy’s name was Hansel and the girl’s name was Gretel. One evening of a famine time, the parents talk about how their kids could survive during the worst season. They both agreed to let them wander into the woods to gather food and stay in the heart of the forest until the starvation is over. Not considering the danger that they may encounter in the forest, the kids obeyed their parents' request. They gathered white and shining pebbles to be dropped on the path to guide their way back home after the famine. In the heart of the forest, they rested and slept under a huge tree to pass the cold night. In the middle of their sleep the Fire Fairy and her Fire Dancers appeared. They bestowed comfort in the dark and gave warmth in biting cold for a sound slumber. The morning came with an inviting heat of the sun and the roaring of wild animals circling around them with a horrible effort of devouring them. But to their surprise, all the wild animals are friendly that they showed the way going to a cottage for them to spend days until the terrible season is through. The kids took the way that the animals had shown to them.  They walked hard and long, until they reached a Wonderful Land of Forest Fairies. The tired and hungry kids asked for food from the queen of the fairyland, the Earth Fairy. To their dismay, the Earth Fairy warned them that eating the fairies’ food will cause an enchanting misery on them. They will never go back home again and will live in the fairyland forever if they take even a little taste of it. The two insisted to look for the cottage instead. The Earth Fairy told them that the pixies will show the way for them and both hurriedly went to the Pixy Land where the pixies lived. Pixies were mischievous, nasty and guided a wrong way to strangers. But with the words of the Earth Fairy, they could not disobey her command. The playful pixies brought Hansel and Gretel to the insect garden where at its center was the mysterious cottage of the old woman. The insect were the caretakers of the garden and knew the best way to get near of the cottage. Terrified yet persistent, the kids made their way to the mysterious abode of the wicked old woman. To their amazement, they discovered that the house was made of cakes and candies. They helped themselves to a good meal before going inside the delicious hut. Hansel ate a piece of the roof and Gretel ate from the window. On a few bites of their treat, the old woman appeared and with a plea from the children to stay in her cottage she wickedly welcomed the two. She forcibly locked Hansel inside a big steel cage and made Gretel her slave. Though against Gretel’s will, she obeyed the old woman for the safety of his brother. She did all the chores, helped cook and bake everyday and the most hurtful part of all was feeding and fattening her brother to be consumed by the witch. Many days had passed by that in one morning, the old woman announced that she will slaughter and boil Hansel as her luscious and finest meal of the day. She asked Gretel to boil water and set a fire on the oven but she refused to do so since she didn’t know how and haven’t tried to prepare the oven. The old woman furiously showed Gretel how. She opened the oven door wide enough to fit a person. She bent her half body inside the oven to set a fire on it. Opportunity came to Gretel’s mind, she thought of the chance to free themselves from the old woman’s custody. Gretel pushed and locked her inside the oven with a small chance of saving her wicked life. She hurriedly unlocked Hansel from the cage. They took the precious stones out from the treasure chest of the witch as their mark along the way like shining pebbles. They ran and got out of the witch-woods under a stormy sky until they ended up in the land of flying fairies. Air Fairy and the sylphs cleared the weather for the two kids and guided them to the right path. Hansel and Gretel went to the border of the air fairies’ land. The border was the mining hills of the dwarfs. In the working place of the little men, they didn’t see any path leading to somewhere. A gnome revealed the pathway full of glittering stones, that at the end of it was the water of life. They followed the glittering road until they ended up near the bank of the large body of water. The two were anxious of how they will get to their village when there was no boat, no walk way or bridge leading to the other side of the lake. The Water Fairy appeared and called the large duck to smoothly carry them to the other side of the water. Hansel and Gretel climbed up on the back of white beautiful bird as the nymphs and the Water Fairy led the way. They safely reached the far end of the lake, jumped down from the duck’s back, gratefully said goodbye to the fairies and ran happily to their village. At their house, they found their parents who were alive standing in front of the door as if waiting for their loved ones to come home. In spite of the series of events happened, they spent their time happily than ever as a complete family again.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

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In honor of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, "Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s 25th theater season.

The critically acclaimed musical, adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, will be restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Leading the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra are singer/TV host Mark Bautista (alternating with Arnold Reyes) and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara (understudied by Tasy Garucha). Joining them are Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto (Elias), Al Gatmaitan and Reyes (Padre Salvi), Ring Antonio (Don Victorina), Garry Lim (Don Tiburcio) alternating with Jonathan Tadioan, Red Nuestro (Kapitan Tiago), Jenny Villegas (Tia Isabel), Angeli Bayani (Sisa) and Paolo Rodriguez (leproso).

The ensemble includes Jenny Garcia, Pamela Imperial, Janine Santos, Sherine Ann Koa, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Kat Castillo, Martha Comia, Erick Arenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jejie Esguerra, Von Ryan Yu, Berl William Angeles, Paolo Rodriguez, Baron Barbers and Greg de Leon.

Comprising the artistic staff are Audie Gemora (director), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Ryan Cayabyab (composer and arranger), Bienvenido Lumbera (librettist), Jed Balsamo (musical director), Mio Infante (set designer), Salvador Bernal (costume designer), Eric Cruz (costume consultant) Katsch Catoy (lighting designer), Agnes Locsin (choreographer) and Christine Crame (dance master.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" runs August 5-28, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Interested sponsors, show-buyers and block buyers may call Tanghalang Pilipino (632) 8323661 or 8321125 local 1620/1621, or CCP box-office 8323704.

Ryan Cayabyab, Composer and Musical Arranger

Audie Gemora, Director

Cris Villonco , Maria Clara

Marck Bautista , Crisostomo Ibarra

Gian Magdangal, Crisostomo Ibarra

Bodjie Pascua, Padre Damaso