Friday, February 15, 2019

Ballet Philippines ups the romance this Valentine's season with Romeo and Juliet; danseur Joseph Gatti returns as Romeo


Love is definitely in the air as Ballet Philippines' presents their most romantic offering for their 49th season, Romeo and Juliet,  happening this February 15-24, 201at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). 

Joseph Gatti

After making a splash as Basilio in last year's Don Quixote, internationally renowned American danseur Joseph Gatti makes a returns and switches gears from brash to tragic as he dances the role of the love stricken Romeo. Dancing opposite him as the blossoming Juliet is BP Principal Dancer Denise Parungao.

The other set of pairs dancing the star-crossed lovers in this production are Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad who have grown to be a formidable duo, and Monica Gana and Ronelson Yadao who are pairing up for the first time.

Denise Parungao
Photo by Jojo Mamangun

On opening night, February 15, 2019 and on the evening performance of February 16, 2019, the music of Sergei Prokofiev will be heard live through the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Marlon Chen.

This staging of Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by Alice Reyes, NationaArtist for Dance and also currently Ballet Philippines' Artistic Director, was last mounted in 1988 which means that a huge chunk, if not all, of BP's current dancers were not yet alive to have seen this before.

Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad
Photo by Jojo Mamangun

It has been said that this Romeo and Juliet boasts of the most opulent sets, designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal, that were ever seen at the CCP stage. Three decades later, these grand sets, revitalized with the help of Andy Locsin, son of National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, will grace the CCP stage once again.

Aside from the ballet, the music, and everything else that will be seen and heard on stage, there also will be various pre and post show attractions. A floral photo wall, rose bubbly drinks by Fifi L’Amour, roses courtesy of Island Rose are just some of the treats that await audience members even before the show starts. Chocolates from Theo and Philo will leave a sweet impression as tokens for the audience when they leave the theater.

Ronelson Yadao and Monica Gana
Photo by Jojo Mamangun

Also available during the ballet's run is Juliet's Potion, a new scent which is described as possessing top notes of bergamot and neroli, opening up to heart notes of rose de mai and orris, before rounding out with base notes of white musk, moss, mate and patchouli.

Romeo and Juliet may not be lucky in love but several audience members may be very lucky as Ballet Philippines will raffle off prizes such as an overnight stay for two at Discovery Primea with complimentary lunch/dinner at the Tapenade Restaurant, a staycation for two at the Bellevue Hotel with a complimentary breakfast and dinner at the Café d’Asie. Other prizes up for grabs include a dining experience at the Gallery Chele, jewelry from Tim Tam Ong, and flower bouquets from Island Rose.

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