Friday, January 27, 2017

THEATER REVIEW: NOLI ME TANGERE THE OPERA (TDR)

Article by Reynald Russel Santos


Background
MANILA, Philippines, January 27, 2017 – The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions, Inc., in cooperation with Ayala Foundation, present the 60th anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, written by National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon, and set to a libretto by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino, at the CCP’s TanghalangNicanorAbelardo (Main Theater) for a limited six-performance run from January 28, Saturday (gala performance), to February 3, 2017.

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, is based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 classic novel of the same name. It follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is set out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates the dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

This production features more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew. The production, sets, and costumes were designed by Jerry Sibal, a sought-after event designer in NY. Jose Jeffrey Camanag is the assistant director, Edwin Mendiola is the sound designer, and John Batalla designed the lights. Noli Me Tangere, The Opera is directed by Jerry Sibal.

The Opera premiered in 1957 at the Far Eastern University, and made its CCP debut on 1974. It was recently staged in Manhattan, New York (2013), Washington, D. C. (2013), and Resorts World Manila (2013).

For more information, visit NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com and facebook.com/NoliOperaManila.



Review
Noli me Tangere, the book by Dr. Jose Rizal, was published in 1887. It was written to spread the consciousness of Rizal to his fellowmen. Quite surprisingly, the problems enumerated in this novel can still be found in our society today – in different forms, yes, but present, nonetheless.

Being a classical masterpiece, this production’s score and orchestrations are arranged in the Western operatic tradition with overflow passages reminiscent of Mozart, Puccini, and Wagner. Although the lyrics are in Filipino, watching the play requires the audiences’ full attention, in order to appreciate the songs and the story. Good thing, though, that supertitles in English are provided. The opera has so much to offer and will surely be enjoyed by Filipinos of all ages. Everyone on and off-stage are all very talented, bringing this classic to life.

The actors are very talented. Plus, the actor portraying Ibarra is not the typical leading man we are used to. Props to the casting head for breaking this stereotype. I believe that the actors must cling and embody all the characters’ dimensions and nuances, most especially when hitting the high notes, to give birth to their characters. Opera singing must really be difficult that the actors sometimes slightly forget that they are, in the first place, acting, and not just singing. To address this, I believe that the craft of singing and acting must find the perfect balanceto deliver the characters’ motivation.

The costumes were very effective and brought more texture to the play. The design and the fabrics work perfectly together, giving dimension to the characters.

It is very evident, too, that the same amount of effort and brains were put in creating the production design. Every set was executed properly transforming the stage effortlessly to reality.

I believe, however, that more effort and polishing must be done with this opera to better fulfill its mandate in remindingusof our history. A little bit more improvement on acting while singing, enunciation, on the balance of elements and maximization of the stage, morereason to the minor characters and the ensemble, and no holds barred performance to give justice to the characters and their inspirations. This can help in making the audience involved in the play, as compared to just watching the play, especially the younger ones with shorter attention span.
The production, in general, reminds you of how you become the Filipino you are right now, who enjoys sovereignty and freedoms. It poses a challenge as to how much you will give to protect and pursue the freedom and the rights that you enjoy, especially in the kind of situation our country is inright now. As mentioned earlier, the lessons in this book are applicable to today, we just need an open eye and a brave Katipuneroheart to live them.


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You may catch Noli Me Tangere, The Opera from January 28 to February 3, 2016 at the CCP. The producers are also planning to stage the opera to grades 11 and 12 students to ingrain in them the values shared willingly by our National Hero.


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About the Author

Reynald Russel Santos is a freelance writer and performer, and is currently training as an Assistant Director for TV Production in ABS CBN. He is a graduate of BA in Broadcast Communication (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines in Diliman where he took up different theatre electives in the College of Arts and Letters (Philippine Theatre, Acting, Stagecraft, and Musical Theatre), as well as video and audio production electives at the College of Mass Communication. He has attended a number of improvisational and theatre acting workshops by PETA, NCCA, and Alyansa, Ink. He was also a member of the UP Pep Squad. In the future, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in Musical Theatre overseas.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

SUGID PRODUCTIONS RESTAGES CHRIS MILLADO’S “BUWAN AT BARIL SA E♭ MAJOR” FOR ITS MAIDEN OFFERING




For its first offering as the newest theater company in town, SUGID Productions Incorporated, in collaboration with the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, presents the restaging of Chris Millado’s Buwan at Baril sa E Major” from January 26, 2017 to February 12, 2017 at the Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco Auditorium of Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center located in Quezon Ave., Diliman, Quezon City.
Under the direction of Andoy Ranay, “Buwan at Baril sa E Major” collects the stories of various characters whose lives, seemingly separate, intersect at a crucial juncture in Philippine contemporary history – the height of the anti-dictatorship struggle.
The complete schedule of performances are as follows: January 26, 27, 28, 29 (3pm and 8 pm), February 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 (3 pm and 8 pm). A special Gala will be held on February 3 at 8 pm.


Buwan at Baril sa E Major” was written by Chris Millado in 1985 and originally directed and designed by Apo Chua, with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) producing it at the Rajah Sulayman Theater, Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

The cast members are: Angelina Bayani (Babaeng Itawis), Cherry Pie Picache / Mayen Estañero (Asawa), Crispin Pineda (Magsasaka), Danny Mandia / Raymund Domingo (Manggagawa), Jackie Lou Blanco (Socialite), JC Santos (Pari), Paolo O'hara / Joel Saracho (Pulis.Interogaytor), and Ross Pesigan (Estudyante).

SUGID Productions Inc. is composed of directors, actors, designers and educators, with more than a hundred years of aggregated cultural work experience, aiming to tell the stories of our land and people, of the unheard and untold; and, listen to stories of parallel communities with parallel paths – distinct stories that are relevant and responsive to our time. We mean to engage peers and audiences alike, and offer spaces of conversation and participation.


The funds raised from the performances aims to bring this production to colleges, universities and local government units in Metro Manila and the provinces.

For ticket inquiries, please call or text 0917 845 6200. 

*Text is the abridged press release

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

La Estrella --- What Can You Do for the Sake of Love?


Text and Photos by Mark Anthony Cabrera
La Estrella, a play top billed by the actors and actresses of Lyceum of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Batingaw is a story of great love and fighting for what you believe is right and just.Featuring three love angles set in three different timelines, La Estrella gives a message of hope in this trying times.From the past the two lovers were (Theo (Clark Bartolome) Jean (Rkeen Semira , for the present Mio Liway(Justin Santiago ) Ely( Xander Go ) and future : Gerard (Markie Laderas) Andres (Neil Capili).What’s good about the play is that it veered away from usual love stories (normally a man and a woman) and was about a brave take on having men portrayed as lovers in three different time periods .The central message was not compromised as it leaves us with the belief that whatever was sacrificed in the past should not be jeopardized in the future.Lives were taken but lessons were learned. What’s also good in noting in this play is the artistic use of people painted in white (used as props ) in good transitions from one act to another.I find that really brilliant though this is not the first time I saw something like it.La Estrella is Spanish for The Star- it was metaphorical for hope as suggested in the said play.People are killed, sometimes even lovers to hide what is true and authentic.Spanish officials were able to do it in the past and up to this present times, politicians who get bad PR hire people to kill journalists who gets in their way.

A book is passed on from one generation to another and the play was able to send out that message to the audience.It was definitely much difficult to be in a relationship for male lovers in the past than it is today.If you were caught in one, the society will judge you heavily and there are even times when your parents would disown you (the case of Theo and Jean) .Journalism also portrayed a huge role in the play.Should we be swayed by people and power to bend the truth or should we write what should be written ? –The whole truth in all its glory, not fabricated and stained , this was for the case of Clark who had been killed for writing about what is true and real.The future holds promise for La Estrella, should we be brave to fight for what is right or should we be persuaded by the rich and famous to hide the truth? La Estrella will have a run at Fringe Manila 2017 on February 15 and 16, 2017 8pm sa CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute .


Thursday, January 19, 2017

Kung Fu Yoga Hits Philippines Cinemas Feb. 1



GEAR-UP for a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping action-adventure for the whole family as Star Cinema releases Kung Fu Yoga starring legendary Asian action superstar Jackie Chan.

Directed by renowned Hong Kong film director, producer, action choreographer, screenwriter, and philanthropist Stanley Tong, who first directed Jackie Chan in Police Story 3: Super Cop in 1992, Kung Fu Yoga marks the much-awaited reunion between Chan and Tong since their mega-blockbuster collaboration in Chinese Zodiac 12 (CZ12) back in 2012.

Kung Fu Yoga is centered on the exploits of Chinese archeology professor Jack (Chan) who teams up with beautiful Indian professor Ashmita and assistant Kyra to locate lost Magadha treasure. The team travel across Asia, Europe and the Middle East as they dodge one obstacle after the other until they are ultimately led to a remote mountain temple in India where they will use a rare diamond as a key to unlock the real treasure that will culminate their quest.



During their Dubai press conference, director Stanley Tong revealed that they employed 70 super sports car during the car chase in the streets of Dubai, amounting to US $30M. The said scenes feature luxury brands including Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Ferrari.

It is also director Tong who has always been interested to India’s culture. He integrated traditional Indian magic tricks, including the rope trick and the levitation into the action choreography.

A scene in Iceland made Jackie Chan dived into the water beneath the ice cave,he then stayed underwater for hours at a sub-zero temperature to achieve the best effect of the scene.




With an illustrious career that spans more than five decades, Chan was honored by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences an honorary Oscar for his extraordinary achievements in film at the 8th Annual Governors Awards ceremony last November 2016 and Kung Fu Yoga marks his very first full-length feature film this 2017.

The movie features an international cast that highlights some of Asia’s most talented and accomplished actors led by Hong Kong actor and singer Aarif Rahman, who was catapulted to stardom after winning Best New Performer and Best Original Song at the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2010, for his superb performance in the critically acclaimed drama Echoes Of The Rainbow; and three of Bollywood’s biggest stars: Amyra Dastur, who is considered today as the fresh face of Bollywood; former Indian beauty queen and now rising Bollywood star Disha Patani; and character actor Sonu Sood. Who is a household name in India who has done 70 movies, Chinese multi-media star and Korean pop band “EXO” member Zhang Yixing and China’s “Most Beautiful Yoga Instructor” Mu Qi Mi Ya are also featured in the movie in unforgettable supporting roles.


Follow the journey Jack and his incredible team and discover what dangers and treasures await them in this gargantuan action movie that will open 2017.


Kung Fu Yoga hits Philippine cinemas nationwide starting Feb. 1.



*Text and photos from Star Cinema PR

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

FILM IN FOCUS: Across the Crescent Moon



Love enters the auspices of both unity and diversity as it circles around the Christian and Islamic faith where loyalty to one's family and way of life will be tested

Opens on January 25

Production Company: Gold Barn international

Genre: Action-Drama

Written and directed by: Baby R. Nebrida

Cast: Matteo Guidicelli, Christopher de Leon, Gabby Concepcion, Dina Bonnevie, Sandy Andolong, Joem Bascon, Ivan Carapiet, Jerico Estregan, and Alex Godinez




Trivia:

> Alex Godinez is the ex-girlfriend of Matteo and she's also a theater actress, having appeared last in 
Nineworks Theatrical's American Idiot as Heather, one of the leads' love interest.
> Jericho Rosales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith were originally announced to headline the movie.
> The film was shot in both Luzon and Mindanao, including Tawi-Tawi.



OFFICIAL TRAILER



Monday, January 16, 2017

THEATER SNIPPET: ANG KINANG NI KAHLIM

Text and Photos by Mark Anthony Cabrera





Every color is important. Every hue plays a role in turning the bland to beautiful. That’s the exact message of Artist Playground’s Ang Kinang ni Kahlim. Topbilled by Paul Jake Paule as Kahlim, the play tackles the journey of colors in making the world even more beautiful. White, yellow, red and blue were all tasked to color the world, but Kahlim, who represents black, was left with nothing to do because the other colors feel he’s not good enough in almost everything. The message of the play resonated not only to the kids but to adults as well. 







While the play centers on colors and caters to mostly kids (as this is a children’s play), it brings us a warm message that every color is vital and has an importance in this world. Directed by Roeder Camañag, Artist Playground’s Ang Kinang ni Kahlim was shown at the Globe Auditorium of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater last January 15, 2017 as part of the BGC Arts Festival. 






Thursday, January 12, 2017

“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” – AN EXPLOSION OF THEATRICAL AND COMEDIC ENERGY SET TO OPEN ON JAN. 20



Ephesus Teatron Group, Inc.  is all set to transport all of us to a magical world of musical theater as it proudly kicks off its first production for 2017 with “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” at the Tanghalang Yaman Lahi Theater, Emilio Aguinaldo College located at 1221 Gen. Luna St. Ermita, Manila.

The schedule of performances are as follows: Jan. 20 – 22 (Fri. – Sun.) at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

“Once Upon a Mattress” is from the Book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer and Dean Fuller. Music by Mary Rodgers. Lyrics by Marshall Barer. (Based on the story The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen.)

The original 1959 Broadway production featured the debut of stage and TV personality Carol Burnett, and received two Tony Award nominations for Best Musical and Best Leading Actress. A 1960 London production was produced together with an originalcast album recording. In 1996, Sarah Jessica Parker stepped into the leading role in a Broadway revival production together with Jane Krakowski which was nominated for the 1997 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. An Off-Broadway production had a limited run last January 2016. Adaptations for television were aired in the US in 1964, 1972, and lastly in 2005.




Synopsis:
Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen's supposedly impassable sensitivity test. When the Queen still tries to prevent the Prince Dauntless from marrying, he tells her to 'shut up' which ends up breaking the curse on the king. Now able to speak, King Sextimus regains his rightful position as leader of the kingdom, and all is well.

For the Manila production, “Once Upon a Mattress” will be directed by Steven Conde who recently megged critically-acclaimed plays “Suicidal, Incorporated” and “Dog Sees God” for Twin Bill Theater. 



“Once Upon a Mattress” is a silly, sassy, and a funny modern fairy tale musical with many amusing moments bursting at the seams featuring an assemblage of first-rate pros loaded with showbiz pizzazz and comic artistry from the Philippine theater industry.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Cara Barredo shall alternately play the role of Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. She is a feisty, outspoken, independent, strong, optimistic, and free-thinking princess from the swamp lands. She isn’t too good with manners. She wants to get married, but must go through the queen's unfair test as well. The Prince, naturally, falls madly in love with her.

Niño Alejandro will play the role of Prince Dauntless. A nice, not too smart, everyday type of young Prince who desperately wants to get married, but is prevented by his mother's strict tests that she gives to all potential candidates.  

Hans Eckstein and Chino Veguillas shall alternately play the role of Sir Harry. He is the Queen’s Champion-in-Arms - the Lancelot of Knights - the macho, slightly egotistical, brave, romantic knight who decides to leave the kingdom to search for a princess, and finds Princess Winnifred in the swamp.  Easily jealous, but loves Lady Larken with all his heart. Harry cannot marry Lady Larken until Prince Dauntless has found a suitable bride.





Milay Guinid will essay the role of Queen Aggravain. The loud, talkative woman who really rules the country.  She is an overprotective, stubborn, sly Mom who is trying to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, from getting married.

Raymund Concepcion will play the role of King Sextimus. A kind, expressive, playful, and comedic character who is silent due to a curse placed upon him by a witch before the birth of Dauntless. He likes to chase girls through the corridors of the castle.  

Arion Sanchez and Chino Veguillas will alternately play the role of Minstrel. The handsome narrator of the story, as well as in the musical story line. He becomes smitten with Lady Larken and tries to persuade her to flee to Normandy with him. He and the Jester join forces to stop the Queen's plans.

Steven Hotchkiss plays the role of the Jester. An energetic and peppy man who is the King's right-hand man and assists him with every endeavor. The Jester also plots with the Minstrel to spoil the Queen's plans.




Onyl Torres  and Alex Dagalea shall alternately play the role of the Wizard. The egotistical, ex-performer who directly serves the Queen.  He is the Queen’s Henchman and thinks of all the Princess’ tests. He prides himself in his position and basically obeys all of the Queen’s orders.

Yanah Laurel and Jill Ita-as alternately essays the role of Lady Larken. She is the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting but is put in charge of Princess Winnifred. She is madly in love with Sir Harry and desperately wants to marry him because she is pregnant with his baby. She tries to flee the Kingdom after having an argument with Sir Harry, but is convinced by Winnifred to reunite with him.

Sweet Samaniego- Buchanan plays the role of Princess No. 12. She is the first Princess that the audience sees who is performing the rounds of tests. Very eager, smart, thinks well on her feet – of course the Prince wants to marry her.  




The Ladies-in-Waiting and Knights and are all waiting for the Prince to get married so that theycan get married to each other.  These are character roles and are not just part of the chorus.

The Queen’s Ladies-in-waiting will be played by Sweet Samaniego- Buchanan, Ayam Eckstein, Tina Macaraeg, Jill Ita-as, Mica Fajardo, Meggy Katigbak, Nicole Herrera, and Ash Factor.        
    
The knightswill be played byVincent Kevin Pajara, Josh Cabiladas, Gry Gimena, Edrei Tan, Arion Sanchez, and Alex Dagalea.

The artistic team of “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” are as follows: Steven Conde (Director); Sweet Samaniego – Buchanan (Artistic Director), Pipo Cifra (Musical Arranger); Joseph Matheu (Light Designer); Stephen Viñas (Choreographer); and Kayla Teodoro(Costume/Set Designer).




The production team is composed of the following: Sweet Samaniego – Buchanan, Danielle B. Eckstein, Vincent Kevin Pajara(Production Managers); Mary Joyce Tejero(Stage Manager); Toots Tolentino (Publicist); Roman Arambala(Assistant Stage Manager).

Ephesus Teatron Group, Inc. has Board of Directors composed of Gerry Buchanan (Chairman); Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan (President and Artistic Director), Emmanuel S. Martinez (Corporate Secretary and Company Manager).

For tickets and inquiries, call Ticketworld at 8919999; tel. nos.632-1330 and 646-9330 or visit http://ephesusteatron.com; email: sweetbutler@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ephesusteatrongroupinc.

Press release by: Toots Tolentino







Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Cherie Gil headlines REP’s 2017 season opener Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Cherie Gil as Masha


Highly-acclaimed stage and television actress Cherie Gil leads the cast of Repertory Philippines, more popularly known as REP’s first offering for its 2017 season, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

REP starts off its 50th year line-up with a biting comedy which runs from January 20 to February 12 at the OnStage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Awarded as Best Play during the 2013 Tony Awards, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spikeis a witty piece of writing by Christopher Durang that cleverly mixes in Russian playwright Anton Chekov’s characters in what a New York Times reviewer called “a sunny play about gloomy people.” Fear not if you haven’t read a word from Chekov, because this quirky comedy of manners is meant to be relatable to any audience.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike tells the story of three siblings – named after Chekhov characters by their academic parents, and who are all living their namesakes’ unhappiness. The character of Vanya is played by REP veteran theater actor and director Michael Williams, while Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee Roselyn Perez takes on the role of Vanya’s sister Sonia.


Roselyn Perez as Sonia


These two siblings have never left the confines of their childhood home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Bitterly they complain about their uneventful lives, lost dreams and missed opportunities while they witness the glamorous escapades of their more successful movie star sister, Masha, played by Cherie Gil.

As the siblings’ fortune-telling maid, Cassandra (note the reference to the Greek princess who had the gift of prophecy, and a matching curse of no one believing in her), starts prophesying impending dangers, Masha arrives to visit one weekend while toting her new sexy boy toy Spike played by Joaquin Valdes.

The normally quiet household is thrown into one rollicking weekend full of lust, rivalry, regret, and the possibility of escape.

REP’s own version is definitely something to look forward to with veteran actor and director Bart Guingona directing the production. The cast also includes REP veterans Naths Everett as Cassandra and Mica Pineda as Nina. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will make you laugh out loud at the same time think about the toils and troubles of life.

Veteran actor and director Bart Guingona


Catch REP’s first offering for the season which runs from January 20 to February 12 at the OnStage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City as the company opens the curtains for its 50th anniversary.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 843.3570, and Ticketworld at 891.999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.


For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter. 


Official poster