CHILDREN’S PLAYS FOR ADULTS” SET TO OPEN ON DECEMBER 12

(Press Release) 

 Bit by Bit Company, in cooperation with Hero, Blueberry &; West, proudly brings to the stage CHILDREN’S PLAYS FOR ADULTS, a twin bill of original Filipino plays Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala and Games People Play, both directed by Ed Lacson, Jr.

Adapted from Dean Francis Alfar’s Kite of Stars by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, “Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala” has been described as “the crown jewel of the 2015 Virgin Labfest.” It tells the story of a young girl who wants to become a star in the sky and embarks on a 60-year quest to build a large kite to help fulfill her goal.

“Games People Play” is a celebrated production by repeat Palanca winner Glenn Sevilla Mas and is about three characters who try to understand why they are the way they are by revisiting their childhood, specifically the games that they played with each other.

an earlier run of "Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala"

The twin bill shall run only for eight shows from December 12 to 20, 2015 with shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 8pm. All performances will be at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati.

an earlier run of "Games People Play"

CHILDREN’S PLAYS FOR ADULTS is the latest production of Bit by Bit Company which produced the critically-acclaimed Maxie the Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros at the PETA Theater Center in November 2013.

For ticket reservations and inquiries, please call Tonibelle Chan at (0917) 712-2321, email tonibellechan@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/BitByBitCompany.

LEA SALONGA to play Helen Bechdel in FUN HOME

Bobby Garcia and Lea Salonga just shared in their respective Facebook pages the exciting news that the role of Helen Bechdel in an Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group production of "Fun Home" will be played by Lea herself.

Bobby's post

Lea's post

Fans all over, look forward to seeing Lea interpret the role originated on Broadway by Judy Kuhn. Helen Bechdel is an English teacher and former actress who is the mother of Allison, the show's protagonist.

We can't wait to hear Lea rip hearts with "Days and Days", the cri de coeur of Helen after enduring her husband, Bruce’s homosexuality only to face her daughter’s coming out as a lesbian.

The Manila run of the Tony award-winning musical in late 2016 will also be the show's International Premiere, after Lea bids goodbye to her "Allegiance" stint.

In the meantime, we leave you with a taste of that song written by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori, from the original Broadway cast recording:

Judy Kuhn

C.S. Lewis' stepson talks about dad, Narniacs and Trumpets

Days before his 70th birthday, Douglas Gresham, stepson of renowned author C.S. Lewis met up with some Narniacs (The Chronicles of Narnia fans) in Manila, in line with Trumpets' production of "The Horse and his Boy".

Honorata Manila sat with Douglas as he talked about things including time with his dad, growing up in Narnia, Trumpets shows, and his wish for his father's chronicles.

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Interview shot with the Lumia 930
Show clips courtesy of Trumpets
Stock Videos: Pexels
Narnia Images: Sheena Loves Sunset / SFF Chronicles
Background music: Father Christmas by Harry Gregson-Williams from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe soundtrack (copyright belongs to its owners)

You Could Drive A Person Crazy at 'One Night Stand'

Carla Guevarra with guests, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson have fun with this Stephen Sondheim song from the musical, Company.

POPPERT BERNADAS sings "Luha" with funny Nail Spa attendant

Singer-Theater Actor and The Voice of the Philippines 2 finalist, Poppert Bernadaz gives in to a request and sings "Luha" with a lady giving him a foot spa

DUP celebrates Mabini sesquicentennial through new Quintos play ‘Ang Huling Lagda Ni Apolinario Mabini’

(Press Release) 

What did it take for the committed and impassioned revolutionary Apolinario Mabini to sign the oath of allegiance to the United States of America in 1903? The promise of an end to his exile in Guam? The longing to return home to a land, changed and under a new colonial power? The simplest desire to die in his homeland? Mabini’s signing of the Act of Allegiance to the United States was, for the colonial powers, a sign that the Philippine Insurrection had at last come to an end. Could it have been that very simple and human desire, that longing for home, that could have made the Sublime Paralytic swear allegiance to the new colonizers?

Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini re-imagines the hero’s exile in Guam and the painful conditions that allowed for his return to the Philippines. The new musical, with book and libretto by Floy Quintos, original music by Krina Cayabyab, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos, hopes to explore the private pain of this great thinker in the face of betrayal and the failure of the Revolution he had dedicated his life to.

The cast is topbilled by veteran stage actors Roeder Camañag as Apolinario Mabini, together with Leo Rialp, Al Gatmaitan, Poppert Bernadas, Nazer Salcedo, Banaue Miclat, and Jean Judith Javier. An ensemble of promising actors comprise the formidable supporting cast- Ralph Oliva, Chase Salazar, Adrian Reyes, Arion Sanchez, Bym Buhain, Edmundo Abad, Jr., Ralph Perez, Ross Pesigan, Roco Sanchez, Rence Aviles, Jon Abella, Vincent Pajara, and Stephen Viñas.

The artistic staff is completed by Ohm David for set design, John Batalla for lights design, Darwin Desoacido for costumes, assistant choreography by Stephen Viñas, technical direction by Meliton Roxas Jr., dramaturgy by Marvin Olaes, Miggy Panganiban, Fatimy Ivy Baggao and Kyrstynne Vargas, and poster design and photography by Dino Dimar.

Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini runs from October 1 to 19, 2014 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For tickets, sponsorships and show buying inquiries, call Samanta Hannah Clarin or Camille Guevara 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com.

The Sandbox Collective Mounts Asian Premiere of "Dani Girl"

At the official launch of The Sandbox Collective, Toff De Venecia talks about Manila's newest performing arts theater collective and its maiden show, "Dani Girl", an off-Broadway musical by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond.

Catch it at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City from July 11-27, 2014. For ticket inquiries, please contact 585-6909 or 0917-8996680, or call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

(ADDITIONAL VIDEOS, IMAGES, AND MUSIC COURTESY OF THE SANDBOX COLLECTIVE)

Red Turnip presents 'Rabbit Hole' directed by Topper Fabregas

(PRESS RELEASE) 

In the span of a year, Red Turnip Theater has made its mark in the Philippine theater scene. The band of five actors that make up Red Turnip (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora) wanted to come up with a maiden season that would re-introduce Philippine audiences to the straight play while putting their own stamp on the theatrical experience. Their first production, “Closer”, was a bruising and honest take on modern day relationships and their follow-up, “Cock”, was a biting comedy about sexual identity. Both productions went on to acclaim with critics and audiences alike.

The five are back with their second season and are excited to kickstart it with the 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner, “Rabbit Hole”. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Rabbit Hole” was a Broadway hit that garnered several Tony nominations and a win for its lead actress, Cynthia Nixon. It was then adapted into a critically-acclaimed film with Nicole Kidman in 2010 and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

The story revolves around Becca and Howie, a couple who lose their four year old son to a car accident, and the grief that slowly threatens to tear them apart. Shifting between humour and heartbreak, “Rabbit Hole” explores the way people deal with loss and how this affects those closest to them; their families. Variety calls it “an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion, and searing honesty”.

The Manila premier has film and television star Agot Isidro in the role of Becca, with theater veteran Michael Williams as her husband Howie. This production marks Agot’s return to theater after notable turns in Tanghalang Pilipino's "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah", Atlantis Productions' "Baby" and Trumpets' "Honk!". Williams' long list of credits include starring roles in "Jekyll and Hyde", "Les Miserables" and "Man of La Mancha" for Repertory Philippines.

Agot Isidro: I'm a little nervous about going back to theater 'cause it has been seven years since my last production (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah). But I am excited at the same time, because I know it will be a welcome and enriching break after years of TV work. I am especially on the edge about 'Rabbit Hole' because this is my first straight play. With musicals, there's a certain comfort in knowing that, at some parts, I burst into song. So a straight play is all new to me. But I am looking forward to the process.

Michael Williams: I am very much looking forward to working with Red Turnip on their production of ‘Rabbit Hole’. It’s an amazing script and based on their previous productions, no doubt this one will also be handled with a high degree of sensitivity.

Joining Isidro and Williams are Che Ramos-Cosio (Tatlong Maria, Dogeaters) as Becca’s sister Izzy and Sheila Francisco (South Pacific, August Osage County) as their mother Nat.  Dulaang UP's Ross Pesigan (Ang Nawalang Kapatid, Titus Andronicus) rounds off the eclectic cast as Jason, the young boy responsible for the tragic loss of their son.

Topper Fabregas makes his directorial debut:


Apart from it being a brilliant script, we Turnips also chose ‘Rabbit Hole’ as our second season opener because were hungry to show a different side to us. ‘Closer’ and ‘Cock’ defined our first season as these fantastic, in-your-face experiences. ‘Rabbit Hole’ takes the (deceptively) gentler approach but will knock you out just the same. It’s also a great showcase for its cast, and you don’t get any better than these five actors. We are excited to have them on board. We are also very thrilled to be back at Whitespace!

"Rabbit Hole" opens on August 1, 2014 and runs all weekends of August. Log on to https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater for complete show schedules.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

CREATIVE STAFF
Direction: Topper Fabregas
Technical Direction & Lighting Design: John Batalla
Set Design: Faust Peneyra
Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin

Venue: Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.

COCK Closing Party

Red Turnip Theater recently ended its run of COCK, the riveting play by Mike Bartlett but people still can't get it out of their heads. Watch our field report at the closing show/party, on what the audience, cast members and show director thought of the whole experience; and what the theatre company has in store for its coming season.

(NOISES OFF) Frances Makil Ignacio chats with Honorata Manila

Here is our fun interview with Frances, one of the interesting characters in Repertory Philippines' production of Noises Off.

Honorata chats with the cast of Ang Nawalang Kapatid

Honorata Manila hung out with the stars of Dulaang UP's highly-acclaimed original Filipino musical by Floy Quintos and Ceejay Javier, directed by Dexter M. Santos.

Get to know more about Teetin Villanueva, Ross Pesigan and Jon Abella on Honorata Manila Chats with "Ang Nawalang Kapatid".

In Part 1, the three young actors talk about their good and bad experiences while doing the show.

 

Part 2 is where they answer questions from fans and friends in the industry from the show's nudity to their vision for local theatre.

 

Part 3 is the fun and unique Honorata Manila challenges that every guest must go through.

 

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ALL SHOW CLIPS AND IMAGES COURTESY OF DULAANG UP

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Special thanks to David Fabros, Mikko Angeles, Ash Nicanor and Ate Belen.

Teetin, Ross & Jon for being such good sports.

BroadwayWorld.com Announces Annual Theater Awards Nominees from the Philippines

PRESS RELEASE

New York, November 19, 2013—BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theater site on the Internet covering Broadway, London’s West End, and beyond to 100 U.S. cities and 30 countries worldwide, and whose contents are catalogued in the Library of Congress, has recently announced its annual theater awards nominees from more than 50 regional markets across the globe, including the Philippines. 

When BroadwayWorld.com was launched 10 years ago, one of its very first features was its theater fans’ choice awards named BroadwayWorld.com Awards. Every year, the awards set new records for the total number of nominations and votes received; this year’s total number of nominations has even doubled compared to last year.

When BroadwayWorld.com was launched 10 years ago, one of its very first features was its theater fans’ choice awards named BroadwayWorld.com Awards. Every year, the awards set new records for the total number of nominations and votes received; this year’s total number of nominations has even doubled compared to last year.

The Bluebird of Happiness is nominated in 11 categories

Once again, hundreds of thousands of theater fans worldwide have been weighing in. With such progressive online engagement, BroadwayWorld.com Awards’ reputation as the largest and most popular online poll of its kind—open to all and with fully visible and audited results—has been further solidified.

BroadwayWorld.com gets more than four million visitors monthly, of which more than 60,000 come from the Philippines.

Until December 31, 2013, Filipino theater fans can only vote once.  Winners will be announced in early January 2014.

To vote, visit broadwayworld.com/philippines/vote2013region.cfm.

Below is the complete list of nominees from the Philippines:

Best Actor (Musical)

Tom Rodriguez (Atlantis Productions' Aladdin)

Dan Domenech (Viva Atlantis Theatricals' Tarzan)

Guido Gatmaytan (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Lorenz Martinez (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Anton Posadas (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Best Actor (Play)

Toper Fabregas (World Theatre and Music Project's The Maids)

Anton Juan (World Theatre and Music Project's The Maids)

Bart Guingona (Actor's Actor Inc.'s Red)

Jonathan Tadioan (Tanghalang Pilipino's Der Kaufmann)

Joaquin Valdes (Actor's Actor Inc.'s Red)

Best Actress (Musical)

Rachelle Ann Go (Viva Atlantis Theatricals' Tarzan)

Isay Alvarez (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

K-La Rivera (Atlantis Productions' Carrie)

Mikkie Bradshaw (Atlantis Productions' Carrie)

Aicelle Santos (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

Best Actress (Play)

Pinky Amador (Atlantis Productions' Piaf)

Jenny Jamora (Team Asia's Mind's Eye)

Carla Dunareanu (Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing)

Giannina Ocampo (Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing)

Jennifer Blair-Bianco (Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing)

Best Book, Lyrics for a Filipino Musical (New/Revival)

Jose Javier Reyes (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

Jaime del Mundo (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Rody Vera (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Luigi Nacario (Kids Acts Philippines' Hansel and Gretel)

Best Choreography (Musical)

Delphine Buencamino (Blue Repertory's Spring Awakening)

Paolo Infante (Repertory Philippines' Camp Rock)

Nancy Crowe (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Carlon Matobato (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Gemini Quintos (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Best Costume Design (Musical/Play)

Eric Pineda (Viva Atlantis Theatricals' Tarzan)

Leeroy New (Tanghalang Pilipino's Ibalong)

Gino Gonzales (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Mio Infante (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Best Crossover Artist (Mainstream to Theater)

Tom Rodriguez (Atlantis Productions' Aladdin)

Aicelle Santos (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

Marc Abaya (Red Turnip's Closer)

Best Direction of a Musical

Andrei Pamintuan (Culture Shock's Sa Wakas)

Jaime del Mundo (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Nonon Padilla (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Robbie Guevara (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Tuxqs Rutaquio (Tanghalang Pilipino's Sandosenang Sapatos)

Best Direction of a Play

Dexter Santos (Dulaang UP's Collection)

Jose Estrella (Dulaang UP's Adarna)

Bart Guingona (Actor's Actor Inc.'s Red)

Miguel Faustmann (Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing)

Tuxqs Rutaquio and Rody Vera (Tanghalang Pilipino's Der Kaufmann)

Best Featured Actor (Musical)

Joel Trinidad (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Terence Guillermo (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Tirso Cruz III (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

Jamie Wilson (Viva Atlantis Theatricals' Full Monty)

Robie Zialcita (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Best Featured Actor (Play)

Leo Rialp (Dulaang UP's Collection)

Alexander Cortez (Dulaang UP's Collection)

Ruffy Du Buco (Harlequin Theatre Guild's The Sky Over Dimas)

Best Featured Actress (Musical)

Aiza Seguerra (Atlantis Production's Aladdin)

Ima Castro (Viva Atlantis Theatricals' Tarzan)

Lynn Sherman (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Bituin Escalante (Repertory Philippines' Alice in Wonderland)

Camille Lopez-Molina (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Best Featured Actress (Play)

Teetin Villanueva (Dulaang UP's Collection)

G Tongi (Atlantis Productions' Piaf)

Jenny Jamora (World Theatre and Music Project's The Maids)

Baby Barredo (Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing)

Best Filipino Musical (New/Revival)

Sa Wakas (Culture Shock)

The Bluebird of Happiness (Trumpets)

Katy (Spotlight Artists Theatre)

Ibalong (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Sandosenang Sapatos (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Best Filipino Play (New/Revival)

Adarna (Dulaang UP)

Collection (Dulaang UP)

Der Kaufmann (Tanghalang Pilipino)

The Sky Over Dimas (Harlequin Theatre Guild)

Banwa! (Department of Humanities-UPLB)

Best International Touring Production (Musical/Play)

Potted Potter (Lunchbox Theatrical Productions)

The Grufallo (ABA Productions)

Best Lighting Design (Musical/Play)

John Batalla (Dulaang UP's Collection)

Lex Marcos (Dulaang UP's Adarna)

Martin Esteva (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Jonjon Villareal (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Best Locally Produced Broadway Show (Musical/Play)

Disney's Tarzan (Viva Atlantis Theatricals)

Carrie (Atlantis Productions)

Rock of Ages (Atlantis Productions)

They're Playing Our Song (9 Works Theatrical)

Red (Actor's Actor Inc.)

Best Music for a Filipino Musical (New/Revival)

Ebe Dancel (Culture Shock's Sa Wakas)

Ryan Cayabyab (Spotlight Artists Centre's Katy)

Rony Fortich (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Ryan Cayabyab (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Jeff Hernandez (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Best Musical Direction (Musical)

Ejay Yatco (Culture Shock's Sa Wakas)

Mon Faustino, Rony Fortich and Sweet Plantado (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Pipo Cifra (Philippine Stagers Foundation's Bonifacio: Isang Sarsuwela)

Jeff Hernandez (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Joseph Tolentino (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Best Scenic Design (Musical/Play)

Mio Infante (Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness)

Gino Gonzales (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

Faust Peneyra (Atlantis Productions' Piaf)

Lex Marcos (PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac)

Mio Infante (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Best Sound Design (Musical/Play)

Bobbit Jacinto (Atlantis Productions’ Carrie)

Chuck Ledesma (9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song)

Rards Corpus (Green Wings Entertainment's Lorenzo)

TJ Ramos (Tanghalang Pilipino's Der Kaufmann)

Best Theater Company

Trumpets

Sipat Lawin Ensemble

Kids Acts Philippines

Red Turnip

Green Wings Entertainment

Best Theatrical Venue

CCP Main Theater

Meralco Theater

Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium

SDA Theater, CSB

St. Cecilia Hall, St. Scholastica

F-U-N to the MAXIEmum level

The award-winning film by Auraeus Solito based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay about an effeminate boy who fell for his policeman friend, has blossomed into a full-blown musical. At a time when news feeds are dominated by sad reports about super typhoon Yolanda’s aftermath, the gifted actors of "Maxie, the Musicale" headlined by Jayvhot Galang, has brought the much needed laughter and amusement onstage.

Jayvhot, first wowed the public with his vocal stylings in gameshows and talent contests on TV. Though a theater neophyte, he armed himself with this same jaw-dropping vocal affectations and natural gift of dance that impressed his cast mates and even the production staff.

Dexter M. Santos, the show's director and choreographer said that "the challenge in having a beginner for the role of Maxie is the instilling of the discipline of theater and coming to terms with the performance techniques he is already used to." Nevertheless, Santos, is happy with the rawness of Jayvhot's approach that made the character real and sincere.

In a backstage interview with Honorata Manila, the 15-year old actor is also quite overjoyed for being entrusted this responsibility which made him prepare by reading the script countless times, watching the film to learn more about the character, and by going to mentoring sessions with the director and workshops under PETA.

The result of this training is something that audiences should watch out for to prove whether his whole Maxie experience really taught him about the importance of discipline and hardwork.

We were privileged to get a private sampling of his birit powers. Being a fan of Regine Velasquez and Beyonce, belting the songs written by Nicolas B. Pichay, William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio, and Janine Santos, comes out naturally but this belter also believes in singing from the heart and understanding what you are singing about. He, however, needs to strengthen his falsetto with the very delicate notes and lyrics for the scene to be understood.

Charm and sex appeal

Making beautiful melodies on stage with Jayvhot is Jojo Riguerra, the very charming and sexy Sampaloc policeman, Victor who arrests not just the maladies of society but also the young heart of Maxie.

Jojo is an architect by profession but also works as a model and actor. He let us in his dressing room where he stripped off his uniform to reveal five important things  for his role and yes, we got to see his big gun too.

When we asked him what he would do if a boy fell for him in real life, he said he would rather be a big brother to him and give advise and words of wisdom.

Natural Chemistry

Jayvhot and Jojo's blend of talent, innocence and good looks unquestionably result to good chemistry in the show. The audience can see and feel a good balance of admiration and respect from both Maxie and Victor, seeing how comfortable they are with each other on and off stage.

We decided to put this chemistry to the test and challenged the two to a stare-off. One is to keep a haughty face while the other attempts to elicit a smile from him without uttering a word. The result is a priceless kilig moment.

The stage version of the show by Nicolas B. Pichay, written for mature audience is a lot of fun to watch. From the lively song & dance numbers, the funny lines, to the flamboyant scenes, you are sure to have one helluva good time in the theatre. The show's director says that "if there is one thing that the show wants to teach the audience, I guess it is knowing that hope, happiness and love will ultimately come from one's self." and that is a really nice bonus for the audience.

Maxie the Musical is presented by Bit by Bit Company in cooperation with PETA Theater Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It runs until December 8, 2013.

Photo Credits: VerJube Photographics