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.

The Producers finally opens

(PRESS RELEASE)

THE PRODUCERS, based on the 1968 Mel Brooks movie of the same name, was written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with songs arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman. The story of THE PRODUCERS concerns two theatrical producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who hatch a scam to stage the worst Broadway musical they can find, so that they can get rich from investors and then pocket the money when the show flops. After finding the script “Springtime for Hitler” by crazed Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind, they bring on board Roger DeBris, Carmen Ghia as well as their sexpot secretary, Ulla. Their scheme falls apart, however, when “Springtime for Hitler” becomes a smash hit instead.

The humor of the show draws on ridiculous accents, homosexual stereotypes, and Nazis, along with many show business in-jokes. It is a satirical comedy that can be appreciated by both insiders and outsiders of the theatre industry.

Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the Manila premier of THE PRODUCERS features top caliber actors CARLO OROSA and ROBIE ZIALCITA alternating as Max Bialystock, the beleaguered producer facing bankruptcy, who woos little old ladies into backing his shows.

TOPPER FABREGAS takes on the role of Leopold “Leo” Bloom, a cowardly and infantile hapless accountant who first has the idea to produce a flop on purpose.

Media icon G TÖNGI tackles the role of Ulla, a blonde Swedish bombshell who auditions for the show and becomes Max and Leo’s secretary/receptionist.

Actor-director JOEL TRINIDAD plays Franz Liebkind, a former Nazi whose play is chosen by Max and Leo as a definite flop.

Stage and screen veteran NOEL TRINIDAD (Joel’s father) takes on the role of Roger De Bris, the flamboyant homosexual cross-dresser chosen to direct the show. He alternates the role of Roger with one of the icons of Philippine musical theater, AUDIE GEMORA.

Versatile actor NOEL RAYOS takes the role of Carmen Ghia, Roger’s “common law assistant.”

The ensemble is composed of Nelsito Gomez, Steven Conde, Tristan Cheng, Jay Pangilinan, Leroy de Guzman, Natalie Everett, Daff Abear, Liesl Batucan, Micaela Pineda, Shalee Vicencio, and Gemini Quintos.

THE PRODUCERS is full of irreverent humor, silly gags, outlandish characters, and, of course, showstopping musical numbers. The show runs from November 15 to December 15, 2013.

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

 Photos by: Vic Guerrero

Bluebird Soars from the Stage into Your Hearts

Local theaterdom is abuzz with Trumpets big musical comeback, The Bluebird of Happiness which opened recently at the Meralco Theater. This proudly Filipino musical with book & lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and music by Rony Fortich, based on the Belgian play written in 1908 by Maurice Maeterlinck, continues to touch hearts with its message that teaches families to recognize what true happiness is.

With over twenty years of theater history, Trumpets is known for its blockbuster musicals for the whole family such as “The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe”, and “Little Mermaid”. Other than providing entertainment value, the theater company makes sure that every material they stage has an eternal message that audiences can take home with them.

Both critics and theater aficionados are unanimous with their rave reviews about the show’s entire staging, and performances. Carlomar Daoana of Interaksyon.com called it “a mesmerizing musical that transports the viewer to different worlds”. Vladimir Bunoan of ABS-CBNnews.com saw it as a “a visual feast, a children’s pop-up book made larger than life”. Dale Bacar of Broadway World considered the return of Trumpets as a “triumphant comeback”. Ibarra Mateo of GMA News Online said that it is “a triumph in fancifully entertaining an audience of all ages”. Fred Hawson of Fred Said rated it as “world class and first rate”. Theater critic, Gibbs Cadiz thought it was “an enchanting show! (It) makes one truly proud that that it’s a homegrown production”.

More people are raving about The Bluebird of Happiness but what makes Trumpets genuinely happy and proud is the reaction of the audience having touched after being reminded of an important truth about the meaning of happiness. Mayen Bustamante-Cadd who plays the role of Mama Tyl shared that her friend’s 5-year old daughter learned that “THINGS cannot make me happy and we should share and not fight.” Trumpets is also elated that a lot of kids are coming back to see the show again, singing the songs and quoting the names of the characters and their memorable lines. Trumpets, Inc. president, Audie Gemora enthused, “we are truly blessed to see the overwhelming response of the audience and how the material has affected them. With our limited run, we wish more people could come and see it and be touched by the valuable message this fantastic show has to offer.”

The Bluebird of Happiness tells the story of two poor children, Mytyl and Tyltyl who go an a magical adventure to mysterious lands and meet fantastical characters to find the bluebird of happiness that will make their life happier. It has a 50-strong cast of seasoned actors including, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, Jennifer Villegas-dela Cruz, Lynn Sherman, Robie Zialcita, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, Joy Virata, Steve Cadd, Joel Trinidad, Reymund Concepcion with the four kids alternating as the central characters, Guido Gatmaytan, Anton Posadas, Chimmi Kohchet

Chua and Alessa Zialcita. It will have its final weekend performances at the Meralco Theater on Oct. 12 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm, Oct. 13 at 3:00 pm, Oct. 19 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm, and Oct 20 at 3:00 pm. For tickets, contact Trumpets Office at 901-4364, TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.TicketWorld.com.ph. For more details, Like the Official Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets) and Follow the Official Twitter Account– (@TheBluebirdMNL).  #TBoH #livemanila #TrumpetsBluebird #BigMusicalComeback

Trumpets to Teach True Meaning of Happiness

Some of the leads who performed at the recent media launch in Greenbet 6 Gallery

On its 23rd year, Trumpets, Asia's first professional gospel theater group, stages its big musical comeback, “The Bluebird of Happiness” which aims to teach its audience the valuable meaning of true happiness.

Trumpets is known for its blockbuster musicals for the whole family but other than providing entertainment value, Trumpets makes sure that every material they stage has an eternal message that audiences can take home with them.

Trumpets president, Audie Gemora

To this day, people still have a never-ending desire for happiness and they go to great lengths to try and find it. In the recent media launch of the “The Bluebird of Happiness”, Audie Gemora, president of Trumpets says, “Nowadays, people do not know what will make them happy anymore, we seek material things and do crazy things that sometimes make us forget what is essential.” He adds, “Sometimes happiness is already staring at us in the face but sadly, we do not recognize it.” This is the reason why Trumpets sees the importance and timeliness of this show. “Everyone in this world is looking for happiness in one form or another and through this musical we hope that the audience sees themselves reflected in the lives of the central characters, Mytyl and Tyltyl.” says director Jaime del Mundo. 

Robie Zialcita as Tylo, the dog

Based on the play by Maurice Maeterlinck, this brand new, proudly Filipino musical with book & lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and original music by Rony Fortich, “The Bluebird of Happiness” is highly anticipated to have everything audiences love in a family show: delightful story, colorful characters, beautiful music, fantastic production design, brilliant staging, hearty laughs, touching moments and most importantly, a valuable lesson.

It features an approximately 50-strong cast of notable actors including Mayen Bustamante-Cadd who plays Mama Tyl, the children’s mother; Lynn Sherman and Robie Zialcita as Tylette and Tylo, their pet cat and dog who are magically given human form to be their companions; Jennifer Villegas-dela Cruz as Berylune, the fairy who starts them on their quest for true happiness; Carla Guevarra-Laforteza as Light who provides illumination to their path; Joy Virata and

Lynn Sherman as Tylette, the evil cat

Steve Cadd as Grandma Tyl and Grandpa Tyl, the children’s grandparents whom they meet in the Land of Memory; Joel Trinidad as Night, the dark villain who plots the children’s failure; and Raymund Concepcion as Father Time, whom they meet in the Land of the Future. Mytyl will be played by Alessa Zialcita and Chimmi Kohchet-Chua. Tyltyl will be played by Anton Posadas and Guido Gatmaytan.

Joel Trinidad as Night

Trumpets, with the help of friends from, Meralco, Sound Check, Imatech, PLDT, Ayala Malls, McDonald’s, Silya, Sound Design, Kink Cakes, and Canadian Bed Linens, bring to life the story of Mytyl and Tyltyl who go on a magical adventure to look for the bluebird of happiness. After visiting different worlds and fantastical characters along the way, they find that the bluebird is in their home all along. The show which runs from September 27 – October 20, 2013 is also made possible by valued media partners, BusinessWorld/HerWord.com, Northern Living, Philippine Star, 105.1 Crossover, 98.7 The Master’s Touch, 93.1 Monster Radio, Light TV, MYX, Velvet, BroadwayWorld.com, FemaleNetwork.com, SmartParenting.com.ph, and WhenInManila.com. Ticket inquiries can be coursed through 901-4364, 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more details, Like the Official Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets) and Follow the Official Twitter Account– (@TheBluebirdMNL). #livemanila #TrumpetsBluebird

Finale number "Happiness can truly be free as bluebirds flying up to heaven's gate"

The four talented kids playing the central characters

Audie Gemora and director Jaime del Mundo sharing how The Bluebird of Happiness started