Must see movie and theater productions this weekend

We've got a lot to watch this weekend. I've listed again new movie and theater productions that you shouldn't miss and to be able to support the actors and artists behind the camera and curtains during this pandemic caused by Covid 19.

Sunday Beauty Queen
2016's Best Picture in the Metro Manila Film Festival will be streaming on Youtube starting May 15. This depicts the life of Filipina domestic helpers in Hong Kong and how they have fun every weekend through a beauty pageant during their day-off. Laugh and cry to this wonderful masterpiece from Baby Ruth Villarama.

CATS
Andrew Lloyd Webber invites everyone to the Jellicle Ball from May 15-16 on Youtube. Watch the cats perform their numbers to be chosen to the Heaviside Layer. This is not the Rebel Wilson, Taylor Swift et al version in 2019.

Mula Sa Buwan

Find yourself in 1940s Manila, among young ROTC cadets and blushing colegialas. In a time of innocence and beauty on the cusp of change. Music, harana, kundiman, wit, passion, and hope abound – and then war strikes. Love and ideals are all tested, the young now forced to suddenly "grow up".

The musical moves to a time after the war, to a field of ruble, of forgotten memories, of heroes lost in a country struggling to survive. At the center of it all, the timeless love story between Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian.

Streaming this May 16.

Continue to support the artists all over the world and be mindful of unofficial streaming links that scammers use for their own personal gains. If you can donate, please do.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Theater productions to watch while in quarantine

Since most we are all staying at home, it is also the best time to enrich our knowledge of the arts. As many artists are being displaced as there are no theater gatherings while we endure the pandemic. We also have to take care of the artists as they give stories that mirror life through fictional characters and they portray messages that we seem to forget.

We already started with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies a few weeks back, and there are numerous productions that you can check out on Youtube. This is also because not all of us have the luxury of Netflix and other premium streaming sites. Glad to have both Western and local productions, if you don't like binge watching on different Kdramas. But for me, I need to detox every now and then after each series. *wink*

As of this writing, you can watch Danny Boyle's Frankenstein featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature on a fundraiser in Youtube from National Theatre. There is also a version with Jonny Lee Miller in it.


In the local scene, you can catch Full House Theater Company's Ang Huling El Bimbo, a musical featuring the songs of 90s band, Eraserheads. As filmed in the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. It will only be available from May 8-9, (48 hours only) so make sure that you'll be able to watch it this weekend at ABS-CBN's Facebook and Youtube pages.

Also streaming right now is from CCP's Virgin Labfest, one is Juan Miguel Severo's one-act play, Hintayan ng Langit. A movie version is available on Netflix about Lisang (Gina Pareno) and Manolo (Eddie Garcia). I personally loved the movie version, and the play version is something to check out.


Carlo Vergara's one-play Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady will also be streaming starting May 7 at the Cultural Center of the Philippine's Youtube page. I am really looking forward to see this as I've been quite a fan of the full musical by Dalanghita Productions.

These are just some productions, watch and also donate if you can. It will be a great help for the artists and for our culture to survive during this crisis, and for your knowledge to be enriched as well.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

SILENT SKY review

From Reine Productions and Repertory Philippines, based on the story of a lady that followed the stars and made a great discovery about patterns that has changed the course of astronomical history and studies. Silent Sky has led Henrietta Leavitt (Cathy Azanza-Dy) to a breakthrough, though she left everything that made her -- family, and even raising a family of her own -- to pursue her dream.

In Silent Sky, we can learn how women were almost deprived of their abilities and left domesticated as what happened to Margaret Leavitt (Caisa Borromeo). How their rights were stooped down by the men and to do the hard work which pushed them to do greater things.

In a way, Silent Sky has this approach of making a totally nerdy play into something enjoyable and funny. Like the Big Bang Theory but tables have turned and there are more female than male cast (Topper Fabregas). There were also some cheesy line exchanges from Peter Shaw and Henrietta that will take your emotions above the moon and stars. The rise and fall of emotions will take the audience to an emotional whirlwind that are exciting. There is one great line between Shaw and Henri that will swoon us "...we're far, but not apart."

Adding to the great casting of Azanza-Dy, Borromeo and Fabregas are Ms Bibeth Orteza (as Annie Cannon) and Naths Everett (as Williamina Fleming) that can actually steal the show with their antics and presence. Ms Bibeth has this domineering but powerful dialogues that you will agree with and Naths performed a natural Scottish astronomer that also fueled Ms Bibeth's teases to Henri and Peter Shaw.

The production design that depicts the cosmos, the laboratory and the costumes that define the period are well executed that it didn't have to work on special effects made it extraordinary.

Silent Sky runs for 2 weekends only, starting from Feb 1-3 and Feb 8-10 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

ALL OUT OF LOVE review

Resorts World Manila brings the music of Air Supply to the theater scene with ALL OUT OF LOVE.

For the generation that grew up with the music, it is pure enjoyment; for me, it was like watching Rock of Ages again with more romance and it encourages you to sing along with the hits including Every Woman in the World To Me, Keeping the Love Alive, Two Less Lonely People in the World and more that the band has been famous for. Titos and titas would be very happy to see it but it is also delightful for millennials who are actually singing these songs from new arrangements. It bridges the two generations with smash hits with new twists.

With a great ensemble lead by Mig Ayesa, Rachel Alejandro, Raymund Concepcion, Tanya Manalang and Jamie Wilson, your inner rock star breaks free and feel the emotions of Air Supply in a feel-good story weaved in achieving your dreams and proving your worth.

Mig Ayesa and Rachel Alejandro in ALL OUT OF LOVE

Aside from the great musical numbers, the colorful and mesmerizing set that magically transforms from uptown to downtown NYC is a must-not miss. I liked the life-sized yellow cab scene which traveled across the stage.

ALL OUT OF LOVE is now playing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila with a limited run this October. Check out show schedules at www.rwmanila.com or download the RWM mobile app for details. Directed by Darren Yap, co-directed by Jacinta John, songs written by Graham Russell, and produced by Naomi Toohey, Dale Harrison, Barry Siegel with partners Resorts World Manila, Full House Theater Company and Ultimate Shows.

Thank you Resorts World Manila

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

A review: 'night Mother

PETA's 50th season-ender might be far from their usual productions with musical endings, but 'Night Mother is a must watch for every one with a mother and for everyone who knows or might be suffering from depression. It is running at the PETA Theater Center until March 18. I have never seen so much relatable play like this one and PETA has achieved new level of awareness and understanding mental illness and suicidal attempts.

The 1.5-hour play sets in the simple home of Jessie (Eugene Domingo) and Thelma (Sherry Lara) that resembles much of our mothers' and grandmothers' homes in the 80s or earlier and I want to congratulate the set designer for bringing the sense of home to the audience. It has transported us to a place where good memories in contrary what Thelma and Jessie would be discussing throughout.

It's a strong exchange of dialogues that were affecting us in so many ways and levels. Thelma's simple and motherly reminders to Jessie are very touching, makes me want to cry when I remember similar words from my mother. When she tells some things that I may have forgotten, where to find them and what they are for. Jessie's lines on the other hand much resembles of me, sometimes when our parents get stubborn, we get impatient but still we have to control. Eugene Domingo and Sherry Lara made us love their characters and portrayed Jessie and Thelma very well. And I think that's a very familiar scene in all of us. But in spite of many shortcomings between a mother and a child, memories last but we still love each other no matter what. There will come a time that we will decide our own fate and leave them and in the end, we will resort to their care and company.
The real issue that needs to be addressed is Jessie's depression and that Thelma failed to stop Jessie's suicide episode. I brighten and gives us a learning that we should always be there for other people. That the power of conversation is very important in every relationship. It was great to see members of the Philippine Mental Health Org are there to educate us about mental illness. If you are in need of mental health support please call the 24/7 HOPELINE at (02) 804.4673; (0917) 558.4673 or 2919 (Toll Free for all Globe and TM subscribers).
'Night Mother runs until March 18. Directed by Melvin Lee, in memory of Director Soxie Topacio.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Eugene Domingo is back in theater with 'night, Mother.

TV and movie actress Eugene Domingo comes back to her first love as a theater actress in PETA's 50th anniversary season-ender, 'night, Mother alongside Sherry Lara. 'night, Mother is a play by American playwright Marsha Norman and adapted by Ian Lomongo. Melvin Lee directs the PETA version and will be playing at the PETA Theater from February 2 to March 18, 2018. The play won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

'night, Mother opens up certain issues that were not being discussed within the walls of the family that we had normally forgotten. In a 10-minute excerpt that was presented to the press last December 6, it seems that even mother and daughter Jessie (Eugene Domingo) and Thelma (Sherry Lara) doesn't even know the person they are talking to. A very dangerous and sad reality happening among families not just from the country where the play was adapted but also here in the country.
It talks about different topics like mental health, family issues, and more. Eugene remembers when she first did this play when in Dulaang UP where she played as Thelma. As an open book to every one around her, she makes it sure that she and every one has someone to talk to, to talk about issues in life or even just to let the person know that there's someone beside him or her. Like her, we should also be having deep conversations with the people around us.

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Dec 6, 2017 at 6:46am PST

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Tanghalang Ateneo's JANUS SILANG 2 gives old-school theater magic

Janus Silang is an award-winning novel by Edgar Calabia-Samar adapted to theater by Tanghalang Ateneo, with direction of Guelan Varela-Luarca for the book 2 - Ang Labanang Manananggal at Mambabarang. This production is in-line with their season theme Performing Change. Janus Silang 2 plays at the Black Box Theater in the Fine Arts Annex Bldg in Ateneo De Manila University.

I like how they connected Ang Labanan... with a recap of the first book for the benefit of those who were not able to see it last year. And in this performance, experience old-school theater magic and immerse yourself in the magical world of elementals without much of the technology. The set will take you to different worlds and well utilized the small venue. It is a very different experience when you let yourself be in the story as the actors well portray relatable characters starting from Janus to the creatures.

Got myself very curious how they will they project certain manananggal things like putting its tongue out that turned out very amazing on how they did it. In this piece, the manananggal is different from what we knew as scary beast-like creature that feeds on children when the moon is full. Instead, it is in reverse with white, flawless creature as portrayed by Jenny Jamora. By the way, TA is exploring on inviting more professional theater actors in next productions that you should watch out.

Delphine Buencamino choreos and I remember Orosman at Zafira from DUP during the war scene and it never fails to draw passion and strength. It is always bloody great to see that kind of dance.

As the story involves technology, don't expect projections. It makes your imagination fly without computerized imagery that can only destroy the creativity of the team. But it has worked nicely for the team and the audience.

Si Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang playdates are September 20-23, 26-30, October 3-7, 10-14, and 17-21. Performances start at 7:30PM while Saturday matinee shows start at 2:30PM. For questions and additional details about the show, please contact Nichole Valdes at 09175906451.

Connect with Tanghalang Ateneo online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TAOfficial_
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tanghalangateneo

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Extra! Extra! NEWSIES is hot off the press!

A new Disney musical gets on Philippine stage as Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical bring Newsies on July 7 to 30 at the Globe Iconic Stage in BGC.

Bringing back one of our homegrown talents and a Disney guy himself, Gian Magdangal as Jack Kelly, together with a bunch of guys strutting the stage with songs based on the book about 1899 newsboys rallies in protest against rising distribution rates put forward by publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. From newsboys to activists, the musical dramatizes the David-versus-Goliath fight for social justice and better working conditions. See the members of the cast in the videos below:





Songs are composed by Alan Menken and brought to movement by PJ Rebullida using jazz and ballet movements that the cast have worked on with Training Grounds. Watch the webisode below:

In the previously held press conference at Ibiza Beach Club in BGC, they performed a few songs which also showcased excerpts of the hardcore choreography. Watch it here.

It's great to have Gian back into Philippine theater from a stint at Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys and Universal Studios Japan. Joining him as part of the newsboys are Jef Flores (recent Gawad Buhay awardee for Outstanding Lead Actor for Tick, Tick…BOOM! ), Daniel Drilon (Secret Garden, Fun Home), Tory Cortez (Hansel and Gretel, A Christmas Carol), Luis Marcelo (Little Shop of Horrors), and Alex Diaz (Host & TV Personality, MYX VJ). Also in the cast are Danielle Chopin (Into the Woods, My Fair Lady), Greg Dulcie (The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd), Pinky Marquez (The Wedding Singer, Beauty and the Beast), and Raymund Concepcion (Annie, The Little Mermaid).

Rounding up the cast are Franz Imperial, Ariel Reonal, Joni Galeste, Melissa Bell, Ian Ocampo, Ronelson Yadao, Erick Arenas, Jourdan Bartolome, Mark Anthony Grantos, Jim Ferrer, Chesko Rodriguez, Kendrick Ibasco, Anton Posadas, Stephen Viñas, Clark dela Riva, Jon Abella, MC dela Cruz, Vyen Villanueva and Jan Mayo.

Newsies will be staged at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City on July 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30, 2017 at 8:00pm.

For tickets and more information, go to go.globe.com.ph/newsies, or contact Ticketworld at 891.9999.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Raise your lighters up for the final cast of American Idiot

This is going to be one helluva show!

9WT reveals the final set of the cast of American Idiot happening from June 24 - July 10 at the Globe Iconic Store, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Taguig.

Mako Alonso is seen in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and in Rivalry: The Ateneo-La Salle Musical.

Ariel Reonal, who plays the Favorite Son, is a Miss Saigon (UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila Tours) alumnus and also appeared in numerous productions in the country like in FAME (The Musical) Nick Piazza, Repertory Philippines 2004, Pilo in HIMALA The Musicale by Tanghalang Pilipino; Marty in DREAMGIRLS by Atlantis Productions 2003; Simon Zealotes in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR by Atlantis Productions 2000, RENT (Original Manila Cast) Steve/Squeegeeman as Roger, Rent Philippines Inc. 1999, as MIONG (Original Cast) General/Exile, Repertory Philippines 1998, EL FILIBUSTERISMO Juanito / Basilio, Tanghalang Pilipino 1997 / 1998 and ILUSTRADO (Ryan Cayabyab) Ensemble, Tanghalang Pilipino 1996 & 1998, among others.

Another rockstar, hailing from Rivermaya is Norby David. He was a bassist and vocalist in the band.

Nel Gomez, or Nelsito, is also a familiar face in the theater scene. Playing Tunny. He was seen in 9WT's Grease and also an instructor in Stage Camp. He also appeared in Saturday Night Fever and Piaf of Atlantis/ATEG. He also portrayed a role in Repertory's Disney's Camp Rock and more.

Yanah Laurel, is also defined as one of the prettiest faces in Philippine theater, joins the cast as Whatshername (funny name). She appeared in Atlantis Productions' Nine and Carrie.

Lastly, playing St. Jimmy is no other than Wolfgang band vocalist, Basti Artadi. Producing 8 albums throughout his rock career including the all-Tagalog, Ang Bagong Dugo Sa Lumang Ugat - Unang Kabanata. I guarantee that this is not just for theater goers but for rock fans as well.

For tickets and showbuying, you may contact 9 Works Theatrical at M +63917.554.5560 • T 586.7105 / 557.5860. You can follow updates via Twitter (9wtonline), Instagram (@9wtonline) and follow #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

The Voice PH's Jason Fernandez leads 9WT's American Idiot cast

Here's the part 2 cast of 9 Works Theatrical's American Idiot that will run from June 24 - July 10 at the Globe Iconic Store, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Taguig.

American Idiot is a musical created using the songs of US punk rock band Green Day. Know the cast below:

Chesko Rodriguez was formerly seen as Chantal in the award-winning La Cage Aux Folles in 2014-2015. He also played as one of the horses in Trumpets performance of CS Lewis classic, "The Horse and His Boy." He also appeared in little performances around the Metro.

We got a Miss Saigon alumna in the cast! Ela has performed internationally, notably in Paris, Belgium, Macau and Hong Kong. She was 2013 World Champion in the World Salsa Festival held in Hong Kong and 2012 Champion of Hong Kong’s Best Dance Crew in the jazz/contemporary category. In her latest stint as principal dancer and aerialist at The Festival of the Lion King at Hong Kong Disneyland she has also performed as an actor and puppeteer and a lead singer for High School Musical Live. Welcome back to the Philippines, Ela!

Mark Tayag is no stranger to the 9WT audience as he appeared in RENT and Grease.

Sarah Facuri also joins the cast of American Idiot and we're familiar with her in Grease and Sandbox Collectives' No Filter 2.0.

Last but not the least, coming from The Voice PH, Jason Fernandez takes the role of Johnny. The main protagonist of the story. On his picaresque journey, he experiences nihilism, drug abuse, and lost love. Jason is a former Rivermaya vocalist but unfortunately got eliminated in one of the episodes of The Voice PH. Taking the new path as a thespian, Jason gives us the promise of a great role and show.

For tickets and showbuying, you may contact 9 Works Theatrical at M +63917.554.5560 • T 586.7105 / 557.5860. You can follow updates via Twitter (9wtonline), Instagram (@9wtonline) and follow #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

They don't want to be American Idiots

9 Works Theatrical announced their first set of cast for their season-opener Green Day's American Idiot. The musical is set to open June 24-July 10 t the Globe Iconic Store, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Taguig.

Let's name some of the cast:

Will's pregnant girlfriend. She leaves Will and begins a relationship with another man to protect their child, eventually leading a life of glamour in stark contrast with Will's depression. Alex Godinez also played in 2014's Grease as a member of the ensembles.

Miggy Chavez is a lead vocalist of the PH rock band, Chicosci. Now joining the theater scene as Miggy, the father of Heather's child.

American Idiot is a musical created using the songs of US punk rock band Green Day. After a run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2009, the show moved to the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Previews began on March 24, 2010 and the play officially opened on April 20, 2010. The show closed on April 24, 2011 after 422 performances. While Green Day did not appear in the production, vocalist/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong performed the role of "St. Jimmy" occasionally throughout the run.

The story, expanded from that of the concept album, centers on three disaffected young men, Johnny, Will, and Tunny. Johnny and Tunny flee a stifling suburban lifestyle and parental restrictions, while Will stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend, Heather. The former pair look for meaning in life and try out the freedom and excitement of the city. Tunny quickly gives up on life in the city, joins the military, and is shipped off to war. Johnny turns to drugs and finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike, has a relationship and experiences lost love.

The book was written by Armstrong and director Michael Mayer. The music was composed by Green Day and the lyrics were by Armstrong. The score included all the songs from the original American Idiot album, as well as additional Green Day songs from other sources, such as the album 21st Century Breakdown, and unreleased songs originally recorded for the American Idiot musical.

The musical won two 2010 Tony Awards: Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Christine Jones, and Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Kevin Adams. It also received a nomination for Best Musical. In 2011, its Broadway cast recording won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

For tickets and showbuying, you may contact 9 Works Theatrical at M +63917.554.5560 • T 586.7105 / 557.5860. You can follow updates via Twitter (9wtonline), Instagram (@9wtonline) and follow #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

50 Shades closes this weekend

It's very hard and sad to say bye-bye to my first musical for the year, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. Definitely one of my favorites. And from March 18 to 20, 50 Shades will have 6 performances with a whole package by the riotous and amazing cast. Read my review [here].

Catch their hilarious and super-restricted show on these dates:

• Friday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.

Since its Manila debut a month ago, the hilariously cheeky spoof of the erotic blockbuster novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been a smash hit with Filipinos. As its acclaimed run comes to a close, this sexy, one-of-a-kind production was successfully able to draw in its share of celebrity fans. These stars could not stopraving about 50 Shades! The Musical Parody:

• “It’s very very funny, really really hilarious! One funny funny show that you guys shouldn’t miss.”- Michael de Mesa
• “The show is so fabulously rude and it’s sexy. So much fun! If you just want to have a good time, this is the show to watch.”- Joanna Ampil
• “What can I say? I’m still laughing from ear to ear.”- Pinky Marquez
• "I didn’t expect it to be that much fun.”- Mark Bautista
• “The songs are really catchy and it was really fun to watch!" – Carla Humphries
• "Please come and watch 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. It's a great laugh!” –Epi Quizon
• “You guys should watch from start to finish! You will have a good time!” –Gian Magdangal
• "I got hungry after I saw this." -Omar Itay (BAWAL KUMONTRA!)

I want to share the video below which is one of my favorite songs. There's A Hole Inside of Me as performed by Brenna Wahl as Anastasia Steele.

THERE'S A HOLE INSIDE OF ME

Feeling empty? Let your inner hole be filled by the joy brought to you by the fun, sexy, and hilarious production of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.“There’s a Hole Inside of Me” (featuring Brenna Wahl as Anastasia Steele) is just one of the eleven original songs featured in the adults-only hit show that will surely make you laugh out loud! Don’t miss the last three days of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody happening on March 18, 19, and 20 at the RCBC Theater. Tickets are available through TicketNet, Ticketworld, and SM Tickets. For more information, visit www.50shadesmanila.com

Posted by 50 Shades Manila on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Tickets for the final weekend run of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody are available from Ticketworld, TicketNet, and SM Tickets. VIP tickets include premium seating for the show as well as a photo opportunity with the cast onstage after the performance. For more information, visit www.50shadesmanila.com or call (02) 470 6956. This show is not associated with, endorsed, or authorized by E.L. James or Vintage Books.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

50 Shades Manila heats up

Hope that you're more than ready, physically and emotionally, when you watch 50 Shades: the Musical Parody that's opening on February 12. The perfect Valentine event not just for couples out there but for the whole mature audience. Content is very much explicit but incredibly funny so you have to prepare a lot of tissues to wipe tears of laughter and who knows what else. LOL

The book club opens the our senses with the book and getting into the universe where we explore the mind of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in a lighter way. This twist disses the book and movie with the hilarious music, incredible and sexy cast comprised of foreign and our local artists that will make us ask for more with no inhibitions. Don't worry that even if you didn't read the book or no idea at all about 50 Shades of Grey, you will surely enjoy the Book Club, Anastasia, Jose and Katherine Kavanagh, most especially because of Christian Grey. But I'm still glad that all of the characters have equally shared the limelight and you'll love all of them.

50 Shades's music includes a lot of metaphors and directly mentions all dirty things you can imagine and you'll love it. Tunes are very catchy and memorable but you don't want to play it on loud speaker. You'll be clapping excitedly and laughing out loud on songs, especially "I Wanna F*" by Christian Grey.

50 Shades releases not only the inner goddess but also the alpha male and will leave you hungry for more. It will leave you imagining all possibilities but make sure to "focus" on what things should be done. Hahaha! Congrats to the cast and director Al Samuels who also wrote the hilarious songs. The local cast and creative team, continue to sprit some fun to the audience.

Running for "69" minutes with a 15-minute "quickie," 50 Shades the Musical Parody turns the temperature up from February 12 to March 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Presented by Vivre Fort Entertainment and 9 Works Theatrical.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

PETA's 3 Stars And A Sun - review

So it's a dystopic setting for PETA's 3 Stars And A Sun, providing a storyline based on Francis Magalona's patriotic pop-rap songs that many of us would have not imagined. Re-imagining like how PETA did with Rak of Aegis, the musical has got a strong message on family and nationalism.

Getting inside the Stormdome gives you an idea that the musical is somehow dark. Until Bodjie Pascua leads everyone to stand and sing the National Anthem. It is a proud moment that you have to sing it despite the distractions from the actors which is kind of the start of the play. Make sure that you proudly sing Lupang Hinirang voluntarily.

If you look closely, lighting direction of 3 Stars form the Philippine Flag. Colors Red, Blue and White are dominant in most part of the musical, representing the two different sections of society -- red for Diliman, the lower sector; white for Lumina for the high society; blue, which should represent peace has no sector because it was missing in between Diliman and Lumina. At least that's how I see it.

Costume design gives you a flashback to the likes of Hunger Games and Divergent series. Again, they try to show the division of the society into 2 sectors. The selection of characters were also noticeable on how they classified each member of the cast to Lumina and Diliman.

I think it's understandable that patriotism is an overall message for "3 Stars." As notable in Francis Magalona's songs, he opens up to the youth the sense of loving the Philippines as events turn us slowly towards foreign patronage along with our pursuit of progress and peace. It's a combination of love, friendship, betrayal, and loyalty that will touch the patriotic heart in you. This musical immortalizes Francis M with brilliant performance and message. Just in time for national elections but I hope the message remain in our hearts forever.

PETA's 3 Stars And A Sun runs starting tonight until March 6 at the PETA Theater Center. For tickets, www.ticketworld.com.ph, 8919999

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More