Monday, April 23, 2012

Forbidden Broadway spoofs its way to Manila


May 11, 2012, 8:00 PM
May 12, 2012, 3:00 & 8:00 PM
May 13, 2012, 3:00 PM
May 18, 2012, 8:00 PM
May 19, 2012, 3:00 & 8:00 PM
May 20, 2012, 3:00 PM
May 25, 2012, 8:00 PM
May 26, 2012, 3:00 & 8:00 PM
May 27, 2012, 3:00 PM
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
RCBC Plaza, Makati

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 in 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 914, New York, NY, 10018. (866) 378-9758.

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:

arrow oh said...

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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