Review: "Pilato" – A Faith-Based Musical That Challenges Perspectives

"Pilato," the new offering from The Corner Studio, is an original Filipino musical that invites audiences to re-examine the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Pontius Pilate. Running from April 4 to 13 at the PETA Theater Center, this production provides a fresh perspective on a well-known biblical narrative.

Curtain Call for Pilato, cast with writer and director Eldrin Veloso

The musical traces Pilate's journey from his early ambitions in Rome to his appointment as prefect of Judea, a province rife with political and religious unrest. This setting serves as a backdrop for Pilate's moral and political struggles, offering audiences a nuanced portrayal of his character.

One of the musical's standout features is its thoughtfully composed score, which seamlessly blends traditional Jewish musical elements. This fusion not only enriches the narrative but also immerses the audience in the cultural and historical context of the story.

Jerome Ferguson as Pilato

Cast of Pilato, Noel Rayos as Hesus

Beyond its musical achievements, Pilato delves into themes of truth and power, resonating with contemporary societal issues. The production challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the complexities of decision-making in a politically charged environment. The play aims to unravel the mystery of truth's many faces, a particularly pertinent exploration in today's post-truth era.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Jerome Ferguson as Pilato, Onyl Torres as Josepo and Noel Rayos as Hesus, Pilato offers a compelling and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Its innovative storytelling and rich musical compositions make it a must-see production this season.

Don’t miss Pilato starting today, April 4 at 8pm for its world premiere and on April 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 3pm and 8pm, at the PETA Theater Center.

Tickets are now available at pilato.helixpay.com.

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Once On This Island - making waves of emotions in a spectacular musical

Saw the matinee show of 9 Works Theatrical’s Once On This Island last weekend with Angela Ken as Ti Moune and Sam Concepcion as Daniel.

The stage immediately took us to the sea. The drapes and fringes are constantly flowing while you hear the calming sound of the waves. If you’re not familiar with the show like me, you will immediately think you’re in a very colorful seaside vibe which they did deliver. I admit I was a bit worried about the sloped platforms and how they’d sing and dance but trusting the theater gods, our actors were completely safe to prance and give us a great show. The stage was indeed beautifully done. 

The songs and dances are quite inviting to a party. It would be delightful if they pulled some audiences to dance onstage for a moment to remember. 

This might be the most pleasant sounding musical for me to date. Angela Ken got the sound of a siren and pure emotions that comes out of Ti Moune. An early congratulations to her. Supported with many theater veterans in the show, all have complimented their harmonies.

Sam Concepcion who headlines another musical at the northern part of the Metro is also a must see. He and Angela make a cute chemistry that will swoon the audiences with their love story. Don't want to give spoilers but it is something emotionally devastating. It means that they are both great and effective in their parts.

And oh, I love the gods' hats. Hoped they could be part of the available merch so we can play gods at one time. 

Once On This Island runs until September 29 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati. Directed by Robbie Guevara. For tickets, visit bit.ly/OnceOnThisIslandMNL.

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Auditions NOW OPEN for PETA's One More Chance, The Musical

Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) much-awaited production for 2024, “One More Chance, the Musical,” featuring the music of the massively popular and award-winning Filipino nine-piece band, Ben&Ben, announces the casting call for auditions starting Monday, November 20, 2024.

Interested applicants who want to audition will have the chance of a lifetime to portray the roles of Popoy, Basha, the Thursday Barkada, and other ensemble characters from the cult-classic movie.

Applicants must submit 16 bars, or 1 stanza and 1 chorus, of the best part of any Ben&Ben or OPM song, along with 4 bars of choreography to any contemporary modern music. The full set of requirements can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/OMCauds.

The deadline for all casting submissions will be November 26 at 11:59 p.m. Live auditions at the PETA Theater Center will follow from December 4–5.

“One More Chance, the Musical” is slated to open in April 2024 at the PETA Theater Center.

For more information on this much-awaited musical, follow PETA Theater on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @petatheater. For partnerships, email PETA at petatheater@gmail.com. For questions regarding auditions, email petaonemorechancetm@gmail.com.

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Parokya Ni Edgar musical casting calls

After the successful run of Ang Huling El Bimbo in August, Full House Theater company immediately revealed that the next OPM musical will feature the songs of Eraserheads' band contemporary, Parokya Ni Edgar. It was revealed today that the musical will be titled BURUGUDUYSTUNSTUGUDUNSTUY: ANG PAROKYA NI EDGAR MUSICAL.

Director Dexter Martinez Santos has posted casting call for the roles and ensemble with an invitation from PNE front man, Chito Miranda.

Interested talents may send their audition videos starting tomorrow, September 12 - October 1, 2023 via PNE2024@gmail.com. Bagsakan na!

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RAMA, HARI, all set for September 15, 16, 22 and 23

RAMA, HARI, the highly-acclaimed Filipino rock opera ballet, returns to the stage this September. The production holds the prestige of being the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists, Alice Reyes for Direction and Choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for Music, Salvador Bernal for Production Design, and Bienvenido Lumbera for the lyrics and libretto with English Translations by Rolando Tinio. Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and with the generous support of Birch Tree Adult Boost, the production features artists from CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines with performances running at the Metropolitan Theater on September 15-16, and at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, September 22-23, 2023.

Inspired by the ancient Sanskrit epic, Ramayana, the ballet tells of the adventures of Rama, prince and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who comes down to earth to save the world from Ravana, the most powerful of demons and in time falls in love with Sita, daughter of the king of Mithila, Janaka, and eventually marries her. The evil Ravana attempts to tear the two apart only to find himself defeated and his demonic plans thwarted.

Quite coincidentally, in the late 70s and early 80s a new musical genre was born, referred to as OPM, or Original Pilipino Music; and herein lies the uniqueness in the adaptation of the legend having the distinction of being the first OPM music and dance theater masterpiece.

Alice Reyes took the challenge of weaving the dancers and singers within the music score, instead of separating them, creating a wholistic staging. Reyes uses diverse elements derived from Asian theater such as the shadow play, various hand props, and Indian movements transposed to choreography in the modern dance genre.

The music of Ryan Cayabyab is an intermingling of various Southeast Asian musical influences rather than South Asian (Indian) with a dash of Western influence as heard in the monkey chant. The mixed influences of his music altogether “ Filipinized the score,” as he refers to his work as an “ eclectic piece,” a style that has eventually become his musical signature.

National Artists - Alice Reyes and Ryan Cayabyab

Complementing the music is the libretto of Bienvenido Lumbera, whose script has varying levels: an elevated diction for the protagonist and Filipino slang for the demons. The theatrical reason being that “the intrusion of a very contemporary diction could jar the audience into perceiving that the ancient epic of India is also “now” and “Filipino.”’ An English translation projected during the performance is the work of Rolando Tinio.

Salvador Bernal’s set designs further outline his stylized ornamented Oriental costumes.

RAMA, HARI was last re-staged in 2012 and won 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards. It was intended to be re-staged once more in 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic lockdown. This year, the long-awaited re-staging of RAMA, HARI will open in September with excited expectations.

This year, the creative team searched for new talents to join the cast and take on some of the production’s iconic singing roles.

The cast includes musical theater star, Arman Ferrer in the lead role of Rama with Vien King alternating. They will perform alongside dancers Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola.

Arman Ferrer and Vien King as Rama

Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, and fresh-face talent Nica Tupas alternate in the role of Rama’s beloved wife, Sita, with dance counterparts, Monica Gana, and Katrene San Miguel.

Karylle, Shiela Valderama-Martinez and Nica Tupas as Sita

Rak of Aegis Star, Poppert Bernadas, takes on the role of the demon King Ravana, alternating with Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Mathew San Jose making his Manila debut, and Jonel Mojica. Dancing the role are Richardson Yadao and Tim Cabrera.

Poppert Bernadas, Mathew San Jose and Jonel Mojica as King Ravana

Theater icon Audie Gemora takes on the role of King Dasaratha. Also joining the cast are Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana in the dual role of King Dasaratha's Third Wife, Kaikeyi, and the Golden Doe, while Miah Canton, and Raflesia Bravo take on the dual role of Kaikeyi's evil adviser, Kooni, and Ravana's demon sister Soorpanakha.

Paw Castillo and Jon Abella do double duty as Monkey Army General, Hanuman, and Rama’s brother Lakshmana.

The showing of this grand epic is a timely presentation for the first show of ARDP after its celebration of its first anniversary last July 23. Starting with a press conference hosted by a heritage restaurant, Milky Way, which opened its doors in 1950 serving memorable dishes that have been relished by at least three generations of Filipinos. Keeping with the theme of RAMA, HARI, an Indian legend, Kashmir Restaurant, established in 1975, will also be coming on as a sponsor. Kashmir is now owned by Leon Araneta, son of Gemma Cruz Araneta, the country’s first Miss International in 1964. Both Ms. Araneta and Ms. Reyes were classmates at Maryknoll College where both are honored as Outstanding Alumnae.

Altogether, RAMA, HARI is indeed a celebration on many levels and truly an extreme reason for not missing the show.

RAMA, HARI is presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and with the generous support of Birch Tree Adult Boost. It features the artists of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with dance trainees from Guang Ming College, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and other independent performers.

SHOW SCHEDULE:
September 15, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*
September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Metropolitan Theater
September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*

September 22, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater**

*With live music performed by The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth
**Evening Performance Sponsored by Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp.

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tick... tick... BOOM! Time is not running out for everyone.

Live theater is back for 9 Works Theatrical. Maybe the most recent company to open its doors to the audience with their restaging of one of Jonathan Larson's notable musicals, tick... tick... BOOM! This expresses that there will be a right time for all things. And the timing for staging this is well-executed.

tick... tick... BOOM! is about a struggling artist who feels the pressure of success in a target time, the case of which is before the age of 30. Led by Jef Flores, with Reb Atadero and Tanya Manalang, alternating with Khalil Ramos, Vien King and Kayla Rivera, this musical hits to the core of everyone who undergoes existential crisis and overthinking the goals that surround us.

Jon (Flores/Ramos) is like many of us. He has the ideals, passion but punched by reality in the face. I sometimes associate him to Christian of Moulin Rouge who believes that everything has its order but dwells in the reality that we are starting penniless and need to work hard.

But on the bright side, we are lucky to be given with a handful of people who can support us. Reb and Tanya, playing Mike and Susan, could be your household companions. It seems that Jonathan Larson was very lucky to have these two in his life. He was not even harshly confronted of taking too long to push a career but instead they supported his dreams. 

The three, collectively, has to be given credit for exemplary performance in their roles. They have formed a great ensemble with just 3 cast members. The stage also has a notable moment that drew the audience into a great impact which understands our feelings and in a comforting way. A special applause for director Robbie Guevara for a fun treatment on this production. It was clearly different in Netflix's version which stars Andrew Garfield, but that is for another commentary. 

9 Works' comeback production of tick... tick... BOOM! runs until August 27, 2023 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. The cast are shuffled every show so you can watch different takes on the roles. For tickets, you may visit https://bit.ly/m/ticktickBOOMmnl

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Fear or Love, Baby?

9 Works Theatrical presents Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick… BOOM!

tick, tick…BOOM!: A Must-Watch for All Artists and Creatives

If you’re a struggling artist or creative, odds are, you’ve found yourself asking this question: Will you pursue the passion that makes your life worth living? Or will you pursue a career that makes a living?

This is the story of our protagonist Jon in the musical tick, tick… BOOM! Jon is an aspiring composer who is about to turn thirty and is growing increasingly anxious about his future in theater. Pressure mounts when his girlfriend, Susan, hounds him about leaving New York to start a family and seek a more stable profession. Tensions also rise when his best friend Michael—an erstwhile actor-turned marketing executive—tries to convince him to join the fold.

Amidst it all, Jon hears a constant ticking–a reminder that he is getting older, with little to show.

“You're no longer the ingénue / Turn thirty, 1990 / Boom! You're passe!”
- 30/90 from tick, tick…BOOM!

Created by Jonathan Larson in the 90s, tick, tick…BOOM! brilliantly captures the internal war within every creative spirit: the struggle between going after one’s dreams and settling for a comfortable but joyless life. This story continues to ring true decades after its debut, largely because Larson harnessed his own life experiences, to bring the characters and songs to life. tick, tick…BOOM! began as a semi-autobiographical rock monologue about Larson’s hardships while trying to make a name for himself in the theater since the ‘80s. Sadly, Larson died the day before the preview performance of his masterpiece, Rent. He was 35.

“Can he make his mark, if he gives up his spark?”
- Johnny Can’t Decide from tick, tick…BOOM!

If you are a creative spirit, or if you have artist friends and family, bring them to RCBC Plaza any weekend this August to catch this era-defining musical!

In this restaging of the three-person musical, 9 Works Theatrical has assembled the perfect cast in theater veteran Jef Flores and Kapuso star Khalil Ramos (alternating as Jon), Miss Saigon alum Tanya Manalang and multimedia performer Kayla Rivera (alternating as Susan), and rising star Vien King and actor-creator Reb Atadero (alternating as Michael).

Back L-R: Kayla Rivera, Vien King, Reb Atadero, Tanya Manalang
Front L-R: Jef Flores, Khalil Ramos

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Daniel Bartolome as musical director, JM Cabling as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Bam Tiongson as Sound Designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Marlito Ambrocio as technical director, Ian Cartalaba as costume supervisor, and JV Rabano as photographer.

tick, tick…BOOM! will be showing all weekends of August 2023 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm on Saturdays & Sundays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net. Grab yours while you can!

tick, tick…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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Experiencing “Milestone Anxiety”? tick, tick…BOOM! is your safe space

According to ExploringYourMind.com, milestone anxiety is defined as “the psychological pressure that people experience when they perceive that they haven’t yet met many of their expectations and life goals.” Some life milestones include buying a home, getting married, having kids and more. Just last year, UK-based organization Relate discovered that this milestone anxiety is rising among millennials and Gen Z members. The early 30s seem to be a real “crunch point”—by age 30, young adults are expected to have their lives together.

Anxious about turning 30 (or getting older)? Say less.
There’s a musical that says it all—one that was written decades ago, but is still relevant to our milestone anxiety-ridden generation.

tick, tick…BOOM! is a musical created by Jonathan Larson (Rent). It’s the story about a group of twenty-somethings trying to find their way in ‘90s New York.

Main character Jon is a struggling composer, who is days away from turning thirty. He can’t help but hear that internal ticking of the clock: he doesn’t want to turn a year older with nothing to show. His girlfriend, Susan, wants to leave New York to start a family and establish a stable career in the suburbs. Adding to the pressure is his best friend and ex-theater buddy, Michael, who convinces him to join the marketing industry instead and lead a more comfortable life.

“Years are getting shorter, lines on your face are getting longer. Feel like you’re treading water, but the riptide’s getting stronger.” - 30/90 from tick, tick…BOOM!

This musical continues to be #relatable even (and especially) among younger audiences because of its truthfulness. Larson actually drew inspiration from his own personal struggles and relationships; he was a young adult trying to make a name for himself as a composer in the 80s. Larson would eventually enjoy critical acclaim and worldwide success for his later work, Rent, but only posthumously. He died days before his 35th birthday, one day before Rent’s first preview performance.

“Johnny wants to hide. Can he settle down and still not drown?”
- Johnny Can’t Decide from tick, tick…BOOM!

While this play resonates with young adults, it’s not for them alone. People of all ages—or anyone who’s ever heard that (dreadful) internal “tick…tick…tick…”—will find comfort in Larson’s award-winning musical. If you’ve ever been bombarded with news about friends getting married, getting promoted, having kids, buying homes–you are probably feeling that mounting pressure. Will you compromise or persevere? Cages or wings, which do you prefer? tick, tick…BOOM! is your safe space for processing all these feelings.

9 Works Theatrical’s restaging of the three-person musical will showcase the talents of young adult stars: Jef Flores and Khalil Ramos (alternating as Jon), Tanya Manalang and Kayla Rivera (alternating as Susan), and Vien King and Reb Atadero (alternating as Michael). Owing to the beauty of theater and the life experiences that each of the artists will bring to the table, the incredible cast is ready to tell this poignant story about growing old, growing up, growing anxious–and ultimately, growing together.

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Daniel Bartolome as musical director, JM Cabling as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Bam Tiongson as Sound Designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Marlito Ambrocio as technical director, Ian Cartalaba as costume supervisor, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as operations & finance director, Charyl de Guzman as production manager, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.

Tickets are selling out fast!
tick, tick…BOOM! will be showing all weekends of August 2023 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm on Saturdays & Sundays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net. Grab yours while you can!

For partnerships & show buying inquiries, you may reach 9WT via info@9workstheatrical.com, 7586 7105 or 0917 554 5560.

For more updates, follow the official FB & YouTube pages (@9WorksTheatrical), Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@9WTonline).  #ticktickBOOMmnl #9WorksTheatrical

tick, tick…BOOM! is brought to you by 9 Works Theatrical, together with CNN Philippines and BroadwayWorld as official media partners, H&M as official clothing partner, and Make-up designory as official make-up partner.

tick, tick…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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"Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical… 'Yun Lang!" is All Set for March 17 - April 2 Performances

Are you ready to watch the latest musical theater treat from Ateneo Blue Repertory (blueREP)?

Presented by Rizal Library, and Co-Presented by Areté, Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical... 'Yun Lang! is a cult classic comedy based on the graphic novel by Carlo Vergara, with Music and Lyrics by Vincent A. DeJesus, and Stage Adaptation by Chris Martinez.

The show deals with otherworldly proportions about what it means to be queer in the Philippines. Sometimes, in the end, it takes something out of this world to bring you the truth of who you are, the range of what you can do, and the love that's been right beside you this whole time.

The cast includes award-winning performer, singer, actress, entrepreneur, and social media influencer Kim Molina as Zsazsa; Phi Palmos, Adrian Lindayag, and Shaun Ocrisma as Ada; Joshua Cabiladas, Almond Bolante and Robert Bradley Hao as Didi; Juan Carlos Galiano, Jude Matthew Sevilla and Elian Dominguez as Dodong; Kakki Teodoro, Anyah de Guzman as Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux; Carlin Maximo, Jelena Evangelista, Dani Tan, and Heart Romeo as Amazonistas; Kyla Rivera as Aling Britney, and other members of the Ateneo Blue Repertory as ensemble.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical… ‘Yun Lang! is also composed of a talented pool of artistic team members with the direction of Philippine Theater Actors Guild (TAG) President Missy Maramara; musical direction of music composer and writer Vincent A. DeJesus; production and costumes design of Tata Tuviera; choreography of Franco Ramos; technical direction of Adriane Ungriano; lights design of D Cortezano; graphic design of Ralf Borja; and illustrations of Rio Reyes.

The show will run from March 17, 2023, to April 2, 2023, at the Doreen Fernandez Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

For ticket inquiries, please contact Dani Villa (09171394640), or send an email to bluerep.house@gmail.com

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Shawn Mendes lends voice for Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Shawn Mendes, superstar recording artist and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, brings Lyle, the singing crocodile to vocal life, in Columbia Pictures’ new musical comedy Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (in Philippine cinemas October 12).

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action / CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.

Mendes describes Lyle as a character driven by love. “He just wants to have a family, a home, and feel connected to people,” says Mendes, “and love is the reason I sing, too – I sing when I feel comfortable, when I feel accepted. I relate to him a lot.”

“Hearing your own voice come out of an animated character is such a weird experience,” Mendes continues. “It can be a bit of an out-of-body experience to hear your voice coming out of a crocodile, he adds, but what he wasn’t expecting was how much the animators would capture of Mendes himself. “While I was singing in the studio, the animators were filming my facial expressions, and then animating Lyle to make similar facial expressions that I was making.”

The film features original songs performed by Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem, and Constance Wu, written by the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

For Mendes, singing the work of Pasek and Paul brought to the fore the way that gifted songwriters can make the songs of a musical work a dual purpose, building on each other as part of a cohesive whole and also providing a discrete, joyful experience. “When you watch one of their movies or shows, you’re digesting the entire thing at once, and you may not realize just how smart they are,” says Mendes. “You don’t realize how complex and how beautiful these songs are, how lyrically astonishing they are, and how much effort they put into them. But when you’re in the recording studio, going through the songs, it’s an eye-opening experience,” he concludes.

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Chuck Marbella topbills as Engineer in Miss Saigon Vienna Production

Cameron Mackintosh's smash hit love story of Kim, a Vietnamese girl, and Chris, an American GI, opened its Vienna tour on January 23, 2022 at the Raimund Theater. The cast includes Filipino Chuck Marbella as the Engineer.

Christian Rey Marbella, or Chuck, is a musical theater actor, singer and dancer, and has an extensive musical theater experience in Asia, United Kingdom and the United States.

His Theater credits include Engineer and Thuy in MISS SAIGON, Luntha in THE KING AND I, and the Apostle Peter in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Other theater credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, CINDERELLA, SHOWBOAT, THE FULL MONTY and some original Filipino musicals, like in CALAMBA JOE playing the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, as Emilio Jacinto in 1896:THE MUSICAL and as the demon Ravana in RAMAHARI 2012 REVIVAL, as part of Ballet Philippines 50th Anniversary Season.

He is very excited and looking forward to reprise his role of the Engineer, this time with a new text in German in MISS SAIGON Vienna 2022.

 

In his 10th reprise on the role of the Engineer, he was cast in the German version of Ms Saigon after his name was being picked for the Vienna production. He had to learn the language, to sing and speak and expressed his true dedication to the role and craft. As a proud Filipino, he regards that Pinoy talents have the grit, passion, and they strive hard to deliver the role. He plans to carry out the role by being loyal to the text of the musical. The Engineer is a complex, colorful character that is so much fun to play, as he would say.

Other Pinoys in the Vienna production of Miss Saigon are Aynrand 'ab' Ferrer, Winchester R. Lopez, Vincent Bueno, Judicel Eslao, Nila Axxelson, and Erick Somoza Arenas.

The moving love story of Kim, the Vietnamese girl, and Chris, the American GI, and their fateful encounter in Vietnam is brought to life in a lavish staging with haunting music, extravagant choreography, a striking set and breath-taking technical effects.

Not for nothing is the dramatic moment when a helicopter lands on stage considered one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of musicals.


The musical will be performed in German with English Subtitles.

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PhilStagers goes to the movies with Katips

In a very appropriate time while the Philippines is nearing its national elections in 2022, we are constantly reminded to check a candidate's personal, educational and political background so that we can choose wisely in the polls. We are also being fed with lots of information from history to check if we have learned something, whether it's a mistake or an achievement that made us who we are today.

Vince Tanada and the ensemble of Katips Movie

PhilStager's Films and director Vince Tañada gives us the movie version of Katips -- a musical play that narrates the life of students and activists during Martial Law. Students have displayed their strong will fighting for human rights and against tyranny during the Marcos era. They also have been the subject to military oppression and torture that is unimaginable to this day. If today's generations speaks about being woke, Vince Tañada and the rest of the cast who have experienced that era are all willing to testify and oppose what might undesirable thing would happen in the future if an unfit candidate will be declared in the position.

Katips' storyline is a mixture of emotions at the same time trying to inform audiences about history. And the creative team of Katips and PhilStagers ensured that the story reaches out the right audience to understand the message. While it was a depressing time for the students during Martial Law, it also gives a message of hope, truth and a call for unity and justice.

Katips is 2016 Best Musical Performance in the Aliw Awards that year. This year, it is joined by actors and displaced artists who have the same objective and have put great efforts to give a strong message in protection of freedom. Cast includes Jerome Ponce, Vince Tañada, Mon Confiado, Johnrey Rivas, Lou Veloso, Nicole Laurel Asensio, Adelle Ibarrientos, Sachzna Laparan, Joshua Bulot, Vean Olmedo, Carla Lim, Patricia Ismael, Dexter Doria, Afi Africa, OJ Arci, Ricky Brioso, and Liam Tanare. With guests Dindo Arroyo, JP Lopez, Bernard Laxa and Nelson Mendoza.

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Watch the trailer of Jonathan Larson's tick, tick.. BOOM! coming to Netflix

In a community ravaged by the AIDS epidemic, a young artist writes what he thinks is the next great American musical. tick, tick... BOOM! follows the story of Jonathan Larson, played by Oscar-nominee and Tony award-winner Andrew Garfield, who waits tables in a diner during the 1990s and composes songs. The acclaimed musical is now made into a movie, produced and directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and coming to Netflix on November 19 and select theaters.

Jonathan Larson also revolutionized theater with his hit rock musical R.E.N.T. and this autobiographical musical shows the struggles of a young artist and feeling the pressure of people around him - from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; and from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security. Watch the full trailer below.

 

tick, tick…BOOM! stars Academy Award nominee & Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús, Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry, Emmy Award nominee Mj Rodriguez, Emmy Award winner Bradley Whitford, Tariq Trotter aka Black Thought of The Roots, with Emmy and Tony Award winner Judith Light, and Vanessa Hudgens. The film is written by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson and produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard for Imagine Entertainment, Julie Oh, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Andrew Garfield and Lin-Manuel Miranda

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Andrew Garfield is Jonathan Larson in Netflix's tick, tick... BOOM!

 Andrew Garfield is a hopeful musician and playwright in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "tick, tick... BOOM!" Aside from being a great wonderful adaptation relevant to our time, it is also the first directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda!

Tick, tick... BOOM! follows the autobiography of Jonathan Larson,  a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael (Robin de Jesús), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?”

Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson

The musical is also performed by Jonathan Larson as a solo work in 1990, before it was revamped into a 2001 Off-Broadway musical by playwright David Auburn following Larson’s tragic death. “Rent” opened on Broadway in the meantime, making the late Larson a musical theater phenomenon. Watch the trailer below:

Tick, tick... BOOM comes to theaters this fall and on Netflix in memoriam of Jonathan Larson's 25th death anniversary.

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Behind-the-scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights

Take a peek behind the scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, showing TOMORROW in theaters in the US and via HBO Max!

Director JON M. CHU and concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA on the set

MELISSA BARRERA, DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA and director JON M. CHU on the set

Director JON M. CHU, concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
and ANTHONY RAMOS on the set

MELISSA BARRERA (background l), LESLIE GRACE, writer/producer QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES and DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA on the set

Director JON M. CHU and choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT on the set

Choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT (center) on the set

Behind the scenes of the pool dance sequence

Director of photography ALICE BROOKS on the set

In The Heights tells the story of Usnavi, one of the residents of Washington Heights, where there is a kaleidoscope and vibrance of hopes and dreams in the tight-knit community -- and where he does his daily grind while he sings about his homes and dreams.

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