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)

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

What is HAPPINESS?

"There are many more Happinesses on Earth than people think; but the generality of men do not dicover them…” —- Maurice Maeterlinck
If you were to be asked, how would you define HAPPINESS? Being the theatre junkies that we are, we bet you’re gonna burst out the final song in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, ha. But, have you found that happiness that you’ve been searching for? Does that make you truly happy?

In line with Trumpets’ big musical comeback via ‘The Bluebird of Happiness’ - a highly anticipated musical adaptation of a timeless tale with Book & Lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and Music by Rony Fortich, this post aims to remind us of the sometimes forgotten truth that the happiness we seek is just within reach all along.

With research by Honorata Manila and an article put together by The Stage Door Canteen, below are some of your favorite Trumpeteers and their answers to the following questions on Happiness:

1. What is your definition of Happiness? 
2. Have you found the Happiness you’ve been searching for?  
3. What makes you truly happy?

Kakki Teodoro

• Ultimately, I’ve always believed that Happiness is a choice. If you want to be happy, you will be. If with everything that you have in your life you still end up unhappy, then it’s of your own making. Choose Happiness!
• IF you choose to be happy in anything & everything, you find it easily. Once I find it, I move on to many other things that bring happiness. There’s always a next level, a new chapter to the Happiness Journey. It’s a constant, rewarding search. So to answer your question, Yes!
• For one, achieving dreams/goals with ease makes me happy. Ease is important because I feel if you work TOO hard for something, joy becomes forced & in a sense, the peace is lost. Another thing that makes me truly happy is loving & being loved by that one special person. Seeing & making my friends happy. Making an audience laugh! FREEDOM to choose & do what I want. Playing with children & getting a hug from a child—that’s priceless. Getting gratitude, respect & praise from colleagues. Most importantly, being able to take care of my mom & making her proud. If I become the daughter she deserves & if I become half the mother that she is, then that would also be my ultimate, lifelong happiness.

Noel Rayos

• Happiness is freedom. Freedom to experience life and all experiences, and interpret those experiences as we choose to. We can only be as free as we allow ourselves to. Throughout life, we all have an idea of the human being we see ourselves to be, the best notion of who we are. For as long as we are in line with that, whether we think we’re already there, or well on our way, then we’re happy!
• As of now, I am free to experience. I am free to keep searching. Yes, we are happy :0
• I am truly happy when I fulfill my best idea of who I am. The times that I don’t quite do that, I’m not. Then I pick myself up and try to get back on the horse.

J.M. Rodriguez

• Happiness is having awesome friends, a job you enjoy and a family that supports and loves you
• I did ! Years ago
• A lot of things. Singing, a strawberry shake , Bacolod chicken, theater and having a good laugh makes me happy

Francis Matheu

• Contentment of the heart. When your contented then you wish for nothing more. You’re full, fulfilled. 
• Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
• It varies. Family. Theater- when I act, direct, teach (when I impart knowledge and they get it), watch. Travel- here or abroad. Friends.

 Enrique Canoy

• Definition of Happiness — That deep sense of fulfillment (for lack of a better word) you feel when you get your heart’s wish in a very personal way, coupled with the equally deep gratitude of discovering and realizing it.
• Have I found my happiness? — I feel that this year, more than ever, I’m closer to finding it. Left my corporate job in 2009 to pursue theater fulltime and thought that was the pinnacle of my personal happiness. Funnily enough, my experiences in lecturing and conducting workshops/classes in the past few years has gotten me to realize that my real fulfillment comes from TEACHING. As for affairs of the heart, well… there’s currently a special person in my life. Just taking things slow and discovering Happiness together, one day at a time.
• What makes me truly happy? — Enjoying the simple things of life like time with family, friends and close loved ones; Quiet time for myself doing what I love (i.e. reading, singing, eating); and having the joy and privilege to do what I love for a living and to love what I do coz it’s what makes me truly feel alive.

 
Daniel Darwin

• Happiness is the cheap and ephemeral kid-brother of Joy. It comes from without, is rooted in circumstances, influences, materials, people. It is anything that comes from the world that makes us forget - even for a little bit - that we’re all going to die [alone].
• Of course not. If it could be found that easily, we wouldn’t spend our lives searching for it.
• Honestly? Theatre that asks questions. Hard questions. Real questions. Nothing makes me feel more alive, and nothing makes me more happy than feeling alive.

 

Ruth Alferez

• Happiness is QT! Quality Time with my Family and Friends. Alone Time is also my Happiness. (Mababaw lang pala kaligayahan ko….pero madalas mahirap pa ring makuha.hahaha. As I grow older, nag-iiba yung definition ng happiness.)

Chinie Concepcion

• Happiness is doing what God created and called me to do. 
• Yes, though I am still on my journey. 
• Being with my husband and loved ones, doing good work, helping others, loving God.

There you have it guys! Here’s to hoping that this Easter Sunday, we shall reflect on what the Savior has done for us and in return, be joyful and that the true happiness is within our reach.

Be on watch for more buzz from your SDC buddies and Honorata Manila. Isn’t this fun? Theatre blogs teaming up with each other to provide more accurate and timely deets about the industry. Now that’s love for theatre!
***For sponsorship or show buying opportunities for “The Bluebird”, please contact the Trumpets office at 901-4364 or visit the official Facebook Page.

AUDITIONS for Trumpets' THE BLUEBIRD

Trumpets announces auditions for its brand new musical, The Bluebird:

WHEN: 24 February 2013 (Sunday) from 2 to 7pm
WHERE: Talent School of Academics and Arts, 1157 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City

We are looking for the following:
1. Little Girl - 7 to 15 years old
2. Little Boy - 7 to 13 years old
3. Males and Females - 20 years old and above

Must be able to SING, ACT and DANCE.
Please bring a M-1 or sheet music of an ENGLISH song, preferably from a musical. Also bring a headshot of yourself (at least 3R in size).

The Bluebird is Trumpets' return to the Philippine stage. It is a brand new original musical based on the play "The Bluebird" by Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlin. Popularized by the Shirley Temple film of the same title, Trumpets' The Bluebird is filled with spectacle, song, dance, colorful sets, costumes and a solid moral message. It tells the story of two poor children named Mytyl and Tyltyl and their search for the "Bluebird of Happiness". With book and lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and music by Rony Fortich, the musical is bound to make another stage classic when it opens in September of 2013.
For more information you may call the TRUMPETS office at 9014364 or visit the musical's Facebook page for more information and updates.