Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas presents Rizal X on July 12-August 14, 2011

In celebration of the 150th year Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas brings an original musical play entitled Rizal X. The musical was directed, conceptualized and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos, the director behind Orosman at Zafira and with original music by William Manzano, it will be presented at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman in Quezon City on July 20 - August 14, 2011.

Rizal X aims to rediscover and reintroduce the relevance of our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal especially to the younger generation. Dulaang UP brings compilations of different points of view towards Rizal, his works and his life, in a collaboration of text, dance, music, animation and film culminating into a performance, which will refresh dreams and aspirations with a blend of popular media and modern music to make it more appealing to the younger crowd and make them understand more.

Sam Concepcion stars in Rep Phil’s Peter Pan

From Noah, High School Musical and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, ABS-CBN star Sam Concepcion will return to the center stage as he takes the role Peter Pan in a first collaboration project of Repertory Philippines and STAGES. The first Asian premiere of Willis Hall’s Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure is set to open on September 29 to October 30 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

Sam was discovered through ABS-CBN talent search Little Big Star and now stars in the Kapamilya network’s Sunday teen show dram Good Vibes and also a mainstay in ASAP Rocks. According to him doing the Peter Pan role excites him where aside from singing, dancing and acting onstage, is that he can fly in this musical which was one of his dreams as an actor. He said that he is very thankful that he has given the opportunity to be part of the Peter Pan production along with the different actors joining the group.

9 Works Theatrical goes full swing with Sweet Charity on August!

 After the sold out performance of Rent the Musical and The Wedding Singer, 9 Works Theatrical brings another Tony Award winning musical comedy entitled Sweet Charity. It won Best Choreography in 1986 in Tonys during its revival in Broadway in the same year. Sweet Charity debut in 1966 and presented in Broadway several times. It also had production tours in different country and even featured Christina Applegate during the 2005 revival.

Catch Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai on June 22 to July 8

This will be the first time here in the Philippines that Canadian-based entertainment company Cirque du Soleil will be presenting Varekai in Manila on June 22 to July 8. The performance of Cirque du Soleil will happen at the Blue-and-Yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) in Rizal Park.

Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman on May 6-21 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium

After its huge success and acceptance the theater aficionados last February 2010 at the Insular Life Theater in Alabang, CTE Productions and Theater Mogul brings back to Manila the 1991 hit one man theater play written by Rob Becker entitled Defending the Cavemen. The comedy that was performed in almost 45 countries and translated in 16 languages will be presented at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2011. Starring Joel Trinidad and directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy.

Repertory Philippines presents Shakespeare in Hollywood on April 1-17!

 

After Romeo and Bernadette, Repertory Philippines brings Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare in Hollywood, a farce inspired from William Shakespeare’s story with a modern twist. Directed by Jamie del Mundo and actors including Hans Eckstein, Red Concepcion, Robie Zialcita, Arnel Carrion, Caisa Borromeo, Cris Villonco, Miguel Faustmann, Joy Virata, Reuben Uy, Topper Fabregas, Rem Zamora, and Nic Campos, the play will be staged at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City on April 1-17.

Join the 9 Works Theatrical’s Stage Camp

The theater company that brings back Rent in the Philippines along with Songs from a New World, and The Wedding Singer will be opening its doors this summer for aspiring stage performers who wanted to undergo training with them. 9 Works Theatrical brings Stage Camp beginning April 11.

Rep Phils brings A Midsummer Night Dream with a twist in Shakespeare in Hollywood

Just when we thought Romeo and Bernadette was the only twisted Shakespearian play existing, Repertory Philippines brings another story that will give us a new and wacky view in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night Dream” in Ken Ludwig's Shakespeare in Hollywood. The 1930 comedy tale will be presented by Rep Phils in Onstage Theater Greenbelt 1 in Makati City on April 1 to 17. The farce was directed by Jamie del Mundo and include actors like Hans Eckstein, Red Concepcion, Robie Zialcita, Arnel Carrion, Caisa Borromeo, Cris Villonco, Miguel Faustmann, Joy Virata, Reuben Uy, Topper Fabregas, Rem Zamora, and Nic Campos.

Next To Normal: Is there a cure for a broken soul?

Last night in the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza was the first time to see the rock musical that won three Tony Awards in 2009 and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010. I was talking about the presentation of Atlantis Production of Tom Kitt’s Next To Normal that will run on March 11-27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza in Makati City. The rock musical was directed by Robby Garcia and features Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jett Pangan, Jake Macapagal, Bea Garcia, Felix Rivera and Markki Stroem.

Take the crazy steps with Repertory Philippines’ The 39 Steps

It’s crazy and hilarious; this was the first time that I saw a play where from the start until the end, I am laughing in most the scenes. Repertory Philippines did a great choice in doing Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps this March at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1 in Makati City with actors Michael Williams, Rem Zamora, Juliene Mendoza and Liza Infante. The comedy play was directed by Ana Abad Santos.

Rem Zamora and Juliene Mendoza did a great job as clowns in the play, clown which means, who did so many roles in the play from police, to Mr. Memory, Professor Jordan and so many more. With the restriction in time and scenes, Rem and Juliene manage to do execute their roles hilariously and consistently without a dull moment.

This was the first time I saw Michael Williams perform in the stage, I always knew him as a director in various plays like the Master Class. With a strong and serious image, I can’t believe he played the role of Richard Hannay naturally. Liza Infante, elegant as always did a wonderful performance; I enjoyed her role as Annabella Smith and Margaret its so funny and I can’t stop laughing maybe it’s in the way she deliver the lines with a very awkward movements in the stage.




I am not an Alfred Hitchcock fan, because I never saw his films and I was not even born during the peak of his career. But after seeing Repertory Philippines’ presentation of The 39 Steps, I am partly converted to a Hitchcock follower. But aside from the great and hilarious play that Rep Phils will be presenting this March, they will be giving away Blackberry phones for those who will be watching The 39 Steps from March 4 – 20. All they need to do is to purchase the orchestra center ticket that’s worth P800 and after the play they will answer a short survey questions and identify at least five (5) Alfred Hitchcock faces on the set and/or props of The 39 Steps. All entries can be submitted at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 during show dates, or at the Rep office located at Unit 519-520 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue, Corner Sapphire and Garnet Streets, Ortigas Center. And winners will be drawn after the last show on March 20.

The 39 Steps will run on March 4-20 (8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturday, 3:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays) at the Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City. For tickets and other information about the Repertory Philippines please call 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more updates on Repertory Philippines visit www.repertory.ph and Rep Phils on Facebook.


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Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo talks about Repertory Philippines’ 2011 projects

In line with the success of The Joy Luck Club as Repertory Philippines’ salvo for 2011, they are now preparing for the opening of their second presentation which is Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. The comedy romance play will be presented at the Onstage Greenbelt 1 at Makati City beginning March 4. Starring Michael Williams, Rem Zamora, Juliene Mendoza and Liza Infante, The 39 Steps was directed by Ana Abad Santos.

With the overflowing of excitement for this year’s line up, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo the Associate Artistic Director of Repertory Philippines shares the rest of the play that they will be presenting for 2011. The line up includes; Shakespeare in Hollywood, Seussical and the most awaited Peter Pan. According to Menchu the line up of Rep Philippines was based from the consolidated ideas of their team and they open the auditions to all theatre actors to try the role.

Here’s the video of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo talking about their 2011 line ups and the process of selecting it:



Aside from being the new Associate Artistic Director of Repertory Philippines, Menchu will be playing the role of Diana in Atlantis Productions Inc’s presentation of Next to Normal.

Visit Repertory Philippines’ website at www.repertory.ph and Facebook Page for more information about their line ups, auditions and season pass. You can also call 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com for other infos.

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Repertory Philippines to do Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps

After the success of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club, Repertory Philippines ventures to Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps film that was based from the 1915 novel of John Buchan entitled The Thirty-nine Steps. Patrick Barlow re-wrote the story and made a theater version of it making it more hilarious from the movie, where four actors will take the role of 140 characters in the whole play. The Rep Philippines Presentation of The 39 Steps in Onstage Greenbelt 1 in Makati City on March 4-20 includes actors Michael Williams, Rem Zamora, Juliene Mendoza and Liza Infante. Ana Abad Santos directs the play.

 

The farce follows the journey of Richard Hannay who was caught up on murder and runs away from the authority who hunts him down. On his quest he met Annabella Schmidt who revealed him that she is a spy and someone plans to kill her. Hannay brought him home but in following day he found the dead body of Annabella behind her stabbed by bread knife. He continue to run and hides from the authority who thought he was the murderer and on his escape he continue to meet beautiful women and hides in different disguises.

Doing a Hitchcock for a play is very ambitious, but according to the director Ana Abad Santos she mentioned that the story is something that most of the theater aficionados will enjoy because of the humor. The Repertory Philippines’ presentation of The 39 Steps is also a play where talented actors join together, like Michael Williams who was the person behind the founding of Theater Down South, he also directs the presentation of Master Class and Sweeney Todd here in the Philippines. While Liza Infante who returns to the center stage did Once Upon a Mattress, Carousel and South Pacific in Rep Phils. As for Rem Zamora who bagged the Judas Escariot role in Rep Phil’s presentation of Jesus Christ Superstar, Dr. Beau in Skin Deep, he is also stars in Rep’s original play entitled Miong. Lastly Juliene Mendoza, a Nestor Torre student and became part of Dulaang UP and numerous theater group in Manila became the lead star in the Insular Life Musicale “A Journey in C Major” and became QTV Channel 11 channel voice in 2010.

The 39 Steps is presented with a special arrangement of Samuel French Limited. It is open to all ages, both Hitchcock fan and not who just want to have a good laugh. This is the second play that Repertory Philippines for this season after the Joy Luck Club. The play will run in all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of March, from March 4-20 with shows on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3:30PM and 8 PM and Sundays at 3:30PM at Onstage Greenbelt 1 in Makati City. For tickets and other information about the Repertory Philippines please call 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more updates on Repertory Philippines visit www.repertory.ph and Rep Phils on Facebook.

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Rent: A Story of Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness

As I always say, La Vie Boheme because 9 Works Theatrical brings back Rent the Musical is back in Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza Makati City from February 12 to March 6. The masterpiece of Jonathan Larson is directed by Robbie Gueverra and features perfomers like Gian Magdangal (Roger Davis), Fredison Lo (Mark Cohen), Sheree and Ciara Sotto (Mimi Marquez – alternates), Job Bautista (Angel Dummott Schunard), OJ Mariano (Tom Collins), Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Mian Dimacali (Maureen Johnson – alternates), JennyVillegas (Joanne Jefferson) and Lorenz Martinez (Benjamin ”Benny” Coffin III).

”How do you document real life, when real life is getting more like fiction each day”, this is how Mark Cohen, a frustrated filmmaker sees the lives of everyone in New York's Lower East Side. Mark wanted to create a film showing the lives of his friends but intead of having ”just” a film he see a bigger perspective about life, love, forgiveness and acceptance where the most important thing in life is not yesterday or tomorrow but making today a very special day every second, minute and hour. The musical play of Jonathan Larson opens the mind of its viewers about loving and accepting people beyond sickness, sexual preference, belief and social status. It putting love beyond boundaries as shown in the song Seasons of Love and in the character of Angel, a a gay drag queen infected with AIDS. Despite of him being different in the society, Angel managed to stand up and touched the loves of Mark, Mimi, Maureen, Joan, Roger, Benny and Tom. Indeed, Rent the Musical is a celebration of life and its importance of reaching out to others.

(Angel and Tom singing I'll Cover You)

Rent also gives the chance to women to show her belief and stand, this is why that the part of Jump Over the Moon is one of things that everyone should not miss. The play gives the actress who plays the role of Maureen Johnson the freedom to deliver the song the way that she wanted. As for Carla and Mian, which I saw their performance separately they did a wonderful and fun way of presenting that part. Both of the presented that part in a very unique way.

For actors and actresses like OJ, Sheree, Pam, Job, Gian, Jenny and Alys, there performance was so amazing. OJ from the 2010 presentation until now still have that goosebump feeling when he sings the I’ll Cover Your Reprise. Job unlike what others said in my opinion he improves in the 2011 presentation of Rent. Putting together Sheree, Jenny, Pam and Alys, all I can say they are the women with big and wonderful voices.

I have to admit, Rent is one of the plays that its worth watching and a musical that has so many emotions and learnings in it. Within the span of 1 year, I saw it four times; first in February 2010, second was in Rockwell Powerplant last December and the third and fourth was during the two special preview before if officially opens on Feb 12. Even it has the same storyline, songs and characters it is very refeshing and there’s no boring moment in the play, each scenes are puzzles to create a beautiful and brilliant story that Jonathan Larson communicate to his audience and that is love and acceptance. Sadly he never saw it how it open and how it touches the lives of everyone.
Rent the Musical also includes Peachy Atilano, HaroldCruz, Johann dela Fuente, Pam Imperial, Gary Junsay, Anna Santamaria, Alys Serdenia, Mark Tayag and Al Gatmaitan for the ensembles. Gatmaitan will also play the role of Roger in certain performances. It is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Jojo Malferrari as musical director – band; Onyl Torres as musical director– vocals; Choreography by Charles Stephen Thompson with additionalchoreography by Francis Matheu and Mara Andres of Polecats; Mio Infanteas scenographer; Martin Esteva as Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma assound designer; and Bek Soriano as costume stylist.

The show will run on February 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, March 4, 5 and 6. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00PM. Saturdays at 3:30PM & Sundays at 4:30PM. Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For tickets and reservations call 9 Works Theatrical at 557-5860, 586-7105, or 0917-5545560, or visit www.9workstheatrical.com, or call TicketWorld at 891.9999.

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Orosman at Zafira: A story of love, justice and sacrifices

"Buwan man o taon ang bilangin, pag-ibig, pag-ibig at pag-ibig pa rin!" This is how Orozman at Zafira of Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar struck me when I first saw it in University of the Philippines Diliman last 2010. Gladly, Dulaang UP and Bit by Bit Development Company of Darwin Mariano brings it to a more mainstream audience to appreciate the art and legacy that Balagtas left in the Philippine literature. Now, Orosman at Zafira will run in all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of February 2011 at SM Centerstage Theater in SM Mall of Asia.

The masterpiece of Balagtas follows the story of a Zafira, a princess from the tribe of Marruecos who thirst for justice after her father Mahamud was murdered by a Tedenst. Like a Romeo-Juliet set up, Zafira fell in love with Orosman, one of the sons of Boulasem, leader of the enemy tribe. With Gulnara, Zafira asked help from Zelim, the leader of Duquela to slay the murderers of her father. This how the quest for justice and love of Zafira and Orosman had started.

Just when I thought, Dulaang UP and all the performers had shown their best in 2010 that really amazed me. The 2011 production really surprise me from the costume, effects, fight scenes and how actors portrayed their roles. Let me discuss it one by one; the costumes were improved it gave more distinctions between tribes, which unlike before the only thing I can recall was Maurrecos are those with red stitches and accessories, while the remaining tribe it is hard to distinguish. With a bigger space it gives the actors move freely to execute fight scenes including with the props and acrobatic stunts which was rare to do in the UP campus.

Music and lighting effects helps to add with the emotions of each character. I really love how the group of Dexter Santos (Director) and Carol Bello (Musical Director) combines regional instruments with the modern equipments and create wonderful music and it goes very well with the actors singing, acting and choreography. It just when I saw Orosman at Zafira last Friday (Feb 4), I can barely hear some actors because the music is louder and their voices. I just hope the group could correct that in the succeeding performance.

I'm still fascinated with the vocal prowess of Tao Aves (Zelima), and Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara) which are still doing their roles this year. I saw them singing in 2010 and their voices are so powerful. While Maita Angeli Ponce and Sarah Delfine Buencamino who played Zafira alternates were great in doing their roles; Maita was the Zafira last Feb 4, while I saw Delfine perform the prayer during the press conference last January.

Orosman at Zafira, tells the story how women can be brave and strong. The Balagtas' creation gives the limelight to women and how they can empower themselves and fight for their right and justice.That is why this play is worth watching as it reaches out to the main stream audience.

Orosman at Zafira includes performers like Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce and Delphine Buencamino (Zafira - alternate), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion and Acey Aguilar (Zelim - alternate), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer). The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).



Orosman at Zafira will be presented at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia on Feb 4 (8pm), Feb 5 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 11 (8pm), Feb 12 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 18 (8pm), Feb 19 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 25 (8pm), and Feb 26 (3pm and 8pm). For non-Metro Manila, according to Mr.Mariano he is currently coordinating with SM Malls for staging Orosman at Zafira in other regions like in Visayas and Mindanao. But for now tickets for Orosman at Zafira is available at the SM Ticket booth. For more information visit http://www.orosmanatzafira.com.

The Joy Luck Club: A great story of Mother-Daughter relationship

From the book of Amy Tan to the movie directed by Wayne Wang, I’m still fascinated and ecstatic after seeing the theater version of The Joy Luck Club. Thanks to Repertory Philippines for bringing the inspirational mother-daughter story in Onstage Greenbelt 1, which will be running from Feb 4 - 20.

The story of The Joy Luck Club is simple, a mother who wanted to bring the best for her child, she had crossed borders just to be in the promise land – America. Suyuan Woo (Rebecca Chuaunsu), An-Mei Hsu (Pinky Marquez), Lindo Jong (Frances Makil) and Ying-Ying "Betty" St. Clair (Jay Glorioso) took that risk and tried to change the lives of their daughters who were American born. But in the end, they discovered that instead of taking the pride of their daughters was a growing gap in their relationship along with culture differences. And it is up to the daughters; Rose Hsu Jordan (Jenny Jamora), Waverly Jong (Cris Villonco), and Lena St. Clair (Lily Chu) to patch up with their mothers before it’s too late. But for Jing-Mei "June" Woo (Ana Abad Santos) whose mother died few months ago before she realized the hardship of her mother, will she ever make a chance?

It’s funny, inspirational and touching, this is how I’ll be describing The Joy Luck Club, each character takes part on the fun and drama in the gamble of life as game of “Mahjong” symbolizes. The play also shows the colorful Chinese culture which was timely for the Chinese New Year.

Among the mothers and daughters, it was the tandem of Frances Makil and Cris Villonco made a wonderful presentation of the character. Everyone can relate in their story, a mother who encounters lots of hardship in life and managed to smile and laugh, hoping to take pride for her daughter’s success. But instead of the pride and joy she should be getting from her daughter was the hearth ache and frustrations because of the culture gap between them. Still the mother accepts the fate that her daughter chooses.

The Joy Luck Club will run from February 4-11 at the Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. For ticket inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.


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Dance Forums brings back Itim Asu on Women’s Month

In line with the celebration of Women’s Month this March, the Dance Forum brings back “Itim Asu 1719-2009,” a contemporary dance based on Virginia Moreno’s play entitled "The Onyx Wolf / Itim Asu”. It was choreographed by Myra Beltran and it will be available for show buyers who wanted to stage the show in their respective venues and organizations.

According to Beltran, the dance show is ideal for women organizations and school who wanted to present this work for learning and fund raising purposes. Beltran’s choreography deconstructs and reinterprets this important work in a contemporary language. It creates fusion of historical heritage and women’s issues.

"The story of ‘Itim Asu’ is a play within a play, and contains the story of La Loba Negra, the Mexican wife of Spanish Gov. General Bustamante, one of the more ‘exceptional’ governor generals in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, and how she avenges his death,” Beltran added.

According to Beltran, the production only uses contemporary dance, video and sound design, and no speaking dialogues. Though their ways or presenting political and women issue’s she believed that they can translate history and its drama in every steps and movement that they will execute.

Presented by Myra Beltran's Dance Forum, “Itim Asu 1719-2009” features the work of filmmaker Sherad Anthony Sanchez, known for his internationally acclaimed "Huling Balyan ng Buhi.” His “Imburnal” won the Woosuk Best Film Award at the 10th Jeonju International Film Festival 2009, South Korea.

Sound designer Teresa Barrozo is responsible for the score of Brillante Mendoza’s award-winning movie “Kinatay.” Virginia Moreno was dubbed “The Empress Dowager of Philippine Poetry” by the late National Artist Jose Garcia Villa.

Beltran is the trailblazer for independent contemporary dance in the Philippines and her group, Myra Beltran’s Dance Forum, led the way in using alternative performing spaces for dance. She is founding director of the Wifibody Independent Contemporary Dance Festival and the Contemporary Dance Map Series.

Her dedication has pushed her initially solitary efforts into more than twenty years’ body of work and her dance studio, Dance Forum Space, has become an alternative performance venue that pushes experimental choreography and committed dance artists into new terrain in Philippine contemporary dance. Beltran has choreographed for local mainstream dance and theatre groups and has also collaborated with numerous artists of various disciplines in Beijing, Taipei, and US.

Add “Itim Asu:1719-2009” in Facebook. Interested showbuyers, organizations or schools may email danceforum.mb@gmail.com or call 0917-526-9724.

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Repertory Philippines Presents “The Joy Luck Club”

In celebration of the Chinese New Year this February, Repertory Philippines brings the 1989 best-selling novel of Amy Tan entitled The Joy Luck Club to the Onstage Theater, 2nd floor, Greenbelt 1 Mall,Makati City. The play will run from February 4-20, 2011.

The play follows the struggle of four Chinese women who migrated in US who usually meet for a mahjong game and named their group the Joy Luck Club. Each mother has American-born daughters which has a growing generation and cultural gap between them. We will discover the funny and touching side of each mother on how they build relationship with their daughters.

The powerhouse cast includes:


Mothers:

Suyuan Woo (Rebecca Chuaunsu)
Haunted by the memory of her twin baby daughters that she left behind in China when she escaped the invading Japanese forces during World War II.

An-Mei Hsu (Pinky Marquez)
An-Mei’s own mother committed suicide to give her a better life. When An-Mei immigrates to America and starts a family of her own, one of her sons drowns and dies.

Lindo Jong (Frances Makil)
Cleverly escaped from an arranged marriage in China when she was only a teenager.

Ying-Ying "Betty" St. Clair (Jay Glorioso)
Ying-Ying has become a passive woman from repressing her own true self and suffering from an abusive marriage.

Daughters:


Jing-Mei "June" Woo (Ana Abad Santos)
Unable to understand her mother while growing up, Jing-Mei finally makes peace with her relationship to her mother when she discovers the personal hardships that her mother endured.

Rose Hsu Jordan (Jenny Jamora)
Rose is fast becoming a victim to a lopsided divorce proceeding until her mother makes her realize that she should claim what is rightfully hers.

Waverly Jong (Cris Villonco)
Independent and intelligent, Waverly is trapped by the fear of disappointing her mother. The pair reach a breakthrough just as Waverly is about to marry.

Lena St. Clair (Lily Chu)
Lena had become conditioned to be a passive person from her own mother’s passivity. With help from her mother, she eventually learns to take a stand.

Repertory Philippines presentation of The Joy Luck Club was directed by Anton Juan, adapted by Susan Kim, costume design is by Eric Pineda with set design by Ohm David and lighting design by John Ilao Batalla.

After The Joy Luck Club, Repertory Philippines will be staging Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps, on March 4 to 20, and Shakespeare in Hollywood on April 1 to 7. 2011. For ticket inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.


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Dulaang UP presents Heinrich von Kleist’s Amphitryon

In line with the celebration of Dulaang UP (University of the Philippines) of its 35th Theater Seaon, the organization will bring the Filipino version of Heinrich von Kleist’s Amphitryon on Februay 2011. Amphitryon, is a Roman Comedy that was translated in Filipino by Jerry Respeto and directed by Jose Estrella. It will run from February 16 to March 6, at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, UP Diliman. The cast includes Neil Sese, Lex Marcos, Diana Malahay, Wenah Nagales, George de Jesus, Paolo O'Hara, Lucky de Mesa and Natasha Cabrera.

The Kleist’s version will be the one that Dulaang UP will be presenting on February. Amphitryon follows the story of King Amphitryon and his wife Alcmene, who became victims of Jupiter, a Roman god. Jupiter disguises himself to make love with Alcmene during the quest of King Amphitryon in Thebes. As the king return to his kingdom victorious from the battle they had won, Jupiter disappeared leaving Alcmene bearing their child. With what happen between the two of them, will Alcmene realize the person whom she made love with was not truly her husband and will Amphitryon discover that a god came to her wife during the time he was in his quest?

Amphitryon will run from February 16 to March 6, Wednesdays to Fridays at 7pm and at 10am and 3pm during weekends at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, UP Diliman. Comprising the artistic team are Lex Marcos (Set Designer), John Batalla (Light Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer) and TJ Ramos (Sounds Designer). For tickets and reservation please call Cherry at 09177500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.


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Dulaang UP brings back Francisco Baltazar's Orosman at Zafira in SM Mall of Asia Centerstage Theater

Finally, another original Filipino story is working its way to the main stream. In partnership with Bit by Bit Development Company , Dulaang UP brings Francisco Baltazar's Orosman at Zafira at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia in all weekends of February. The presentation is directed and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos.

The original Filipino production follows the journey of Zafira, a princess from the tribe of Marueccos who wages war against the tribe of Tedenst who murdered her father. In quest for justice she met Orosman, one of the sons of Boulasem the ruler of the rival tribe and the person behind her father's death. Zafira and Orosman fell in love with each other. With Gaudala, she asks for the help of Zelim, noble leader of the Duquela, a tribe filled with warriors. Love flourished amidst of war; Zafira and Orosman and Gulnara and Aldervesin. Keeping the core idea of the play “Pag-ibig, pag-ibig, at pag-ibig pa rin” this unique Romeo and Juliet like story of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar will bring the theater afficionados to a bigger treat that they will never forget.

The production of Orosman at Zafira contains music collaboration from indigenous and modern instrument to add more emotions in all scenes.The musical direction is headed by Carol Bello. Aside from the music, Orosman at Zafira also features the new generation of stage and musical petticoats including Tao Aves (as Zelima) the daughter of Grace Nono and Delphine Buencamino (as Zafira alternate) the daughter of Noni Beuncamino. Dexter and Darwin promise a bigger performances and additional scenes on the February presentation.

Orosman at Zafira was first presented by Dulaang UP in 2008, and had a re-run in 2010, this was the time when I saw the play for the very first time. The presentation in 2010 struck my heart and left me stunned i my seat. With the promise of the producers and directed, I am expecting a lot on February.

To give you idea here’s the clip of their performance during the media launch in SM Mall of Asia IMAX Entertainment Area:





Here is the plug of Orosman at Zafira which is showing as a pre-roll in all movies shown in SM Cinemas in Metro Manila:





Orosman at Zafira includes performers like Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce and Delphine Buencamino (Zafira - alternate), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion and Acey Aguilar (Zelim - alternate), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer). The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

(With Tao Aves playing the role Zelima)

Orosman at Zafira will be presented at the Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia on Feb 4 (8pm), Feb 5 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 11 (8pm), Feb 12 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 18 (8pm), Feb 19 (10am, 3pm and 8pm), Feb 25 (8pm), and Feb 26 (3pm and 8pm). For non-Metro Manila, according to Mr.Mariano he is currently coordinating with SM Malls for staging Orosman at Zafira in other regions like in Visayas and Mindanao. But for now tickets for Orosman at Zafira is available at the SM Ticket booth. For more information visit http://www.orosmanatzafira.com.


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