Carlos
P. Romulo Auditorium
There
has been a surge of musical theater productions here in Manila
in recent years with both local and foreign touring companies staging popular
Broadway. So it comes as no surprise that a show that spoofs and pokes fun at
these musicals will eventually find its way in local shores as Upstart Productions presents Forbidden Broadway.
This show will be staged from May
11-27, 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC
Plaza Makati .
Four of local theater’s most promising talents, Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo,
OJ Mariano and Lorenz Martinez will juggle multiple roles as they sing about 30
songs from around 20 shows in this musical revue under the direction of Joel
Trinidad. And I got to see and hear three of the songs performed by the cast
during the press launch of Forbidden Broadway at the Chihuahua Mexican Grill.
 |
| Joel Trinidad |
Originally
conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, Forbidden Broadway has gone through many versions since its debut
back in 1982. The one that will be staged here in Manila is Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits and
it will poke fun of the most popular musicals of all time like The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!,
Cats, Hairspray, and Rent to
name a few. Unfortunately, one musical that has stamped itself deeply into the
hearts of Filipinos, Miss Saigon, is
not included in this version. For a musical theater newbie, appreciating the
show might be a daunting task but Joel assured that it’s not really necessary
to have an extensive knowledge of musicals in order to enjoy the show. But someone
who knows his theater rather well will enjoy the show in a whole different level.
And since Manila has seen its fair
share of musicals over the past decade or so, it feels like it’s the right time
for a show like this.
 |
| OJ Mariano, Caisa Borromeo, Liesl Batucan, Lorenz Martinez |
One
of the special treats that makes this staging unique is the inclusion of guest
stars like Lea Salonga, Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, Cherie Gil, Jett Pangan,
Gabe Mercado and more. There would be one guest performing just one number in
every show date but who’s appearing when is a question that can only be
answered by watching the show itself. It’s this element of surprise that adds
another level of excitement to the show.
The
members of the cast with the exception of Lorenz Martinez are already familiar
to me since I’ve seen them in previous productions. I’ve last seen Liesl in
Next Fall. I’ve seen Caisa and OJ (and Joel as well) in Rivalry. I also saw OJ
in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. One more thing that made me really interested
in Forbidden Broadway is the inclusion of my friend, pianist Dingdong Fiel who
will be playing right onstage as opposed to being in the pit which is the norm
for most musicals. Another familiar face, Onyl Torres handles the musical
direction just like in the recently concluded run of Jekyll and Hyde.
Forbidden
Broadway is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance
materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1359 Broadway, Suite
914New York , NY ,
10018
Ticket prices:
P1100 Orchestra Center
P1000 Loge Center
P900 Orchestra Side
P800 Loge Side
P700 Loge Rear
P600 Balcony
For inquiries:
Upstart Productions (0917) 528-5678, upstarttickets@gmail.com
1 comment:
Forbidden Broadway, originally conceived and directed for the stage by Gerard Alessandrini comes alive here in the Philippines...fascinating play, pulsing with life, a brilliant and most unusual achievement. Absolutely compelling. the casts were great and so is the director..you know what's wrong with show? Absolutely nothing. congrats sir Trinidad, what you did was really a great job. It's worth watching, i have fun.:)
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