"Grease" Comes Back to Manila!

After more than a decade since this musical was last performed in Manila, 9Works Theatrical returns with a spankin’ new production of "Grease The Musical" to culminate its 2013 season that started with a February production of "They’re Playing Our Song." 

The show is directed by seasoned actor and 9Works Theatrical's artistic director Robbie Guevara, includes songs from the hit movie such as “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One that I Want” that weren’t included in the original stage play.

Leading this handsome cast is TV star and stage veteran Gian Magdangal who plays the good-looking and confident leader of the T-Birds, Danny Zuko. Gian played as Robbie Hart in "The Wedding Singer" and Roger in 9WT’s three sold-out productions of "Rent The Musical."

Playing the role of the cute and naïve Sandra Dee-type Sandy Dumbrowski is singer-actress Frencheska Farr who was once the winner of the hit reality TV show, "Are You The Next Big Star?" While she is a newcomer to the stage, her critically acclaimed performance in the movie musical "Emir" will certainly lend its hand as she steps into shoes of the iconic role.

Gian Magdangal

Also returning to 9Works Theatrical is singer-actress and MYX VJ Iya Villania who will be playing the role of the sarcastic and outspoken leader of the Pink Ladies, Betty Rizzo. She last appeared onstage as Julia Sullivan in "The Wedding Singer."

Iya Villania

Alternating with Iya for the role of Betty Rizzo is Jennifer Blair–Bianco, a fresh face for 9 Works Theatrical! I last saw her as Gloria Hawkins in "Boeing Boeing" (Click here for my article about it). Jennifer is the wife of David Bianco who is the current Marketing Director of Repertory Philippines. 

Jennifer Blair-Bianco

Another fresh face is Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Kenickie, the tough-looking second-in-command of the T-Birds. Schooled in voice and acting abroad, the film and TV star, and recent Cosmo Bachelor, makes his Philippine stage debut. 

Rafa Siguion-Reyna

And to add to the fresh face to grace the 9Work Theatrical's stage is TV actress and Magic 89.9 radio host Carla Dunareanu! If you've read my article on "Boeing Boeing" before (there's a link above this paragraph too), she's the German stewardess. Carla plays Marty, the “beauty” of the Pink Ladies. Carla is thrilled to make her Philippine musical theater debut with this show!

Carla Dunareanu

The six actors will be joined by some of the country’s finest theater performers. Making up the rest of the T-Birds are Reb Atadero as the mischievous Roger, Mark Tayag as Italian-American lady-killer Sonny Latierri, and RCS’ Vince Lim as the guitar-playing Doody. Rounding up the rest of the Pink Ladies are Peachy Atilano as the good-natured, “beauty school dropout” Frenchie, and Sarah Facuri as the awkward and compulsive-eating Jan.

The rest of the Rydell High population will be played by Carlos Canlas as the all-American, rockstar “greaser” Johnny Casino, James Stacey as the fast-talking DJ Vince Fontaine, Harold Cruz as the awkward class valedictorian Eugene Florcyzk, Sab Jose as the enthusiastic cheerleader Patty Simcox, Angela Padilla as the no-nonsense English teacher Miss Lynch, and Carmelle Ros as the loud-mouthed dancer from St. Bernadette, Cha-cha Digregorio.

For this production of "Grease", executive producer Santi Santamaria and director Robbie Guevara have invited a few surprise guests – all notable actors of stage and screen – to fill in the role of Teen Angel who serenades the character of Frenchie during “Beauty School Dropout.” Expect a different Teen Angel every time you come see the show.

For the artistic team, Robbie is joined by Lorenz Martinez as assistant director, Joseph Tolentino as musical director for instrumentation, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as musical director for vocals, Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu as choreographers, Mio Infante as scenographer (set and costume designer), John Batalla as lighting designer, Chuck Ledesma as sound designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Twinkle Zamora for costume execution, Leo Castillo as photographer, Tin Samson as playbill editor, and Larry Palma as graphic designer.

Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as company manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, Sunshine Domine as production manager, and Aries Alcayaga as stage manager.

For over 40 years, "Grease" has remained one of the world’s most popular and beloved musicals. Time Magazine even dubbed its 2007 Broadway revival as the “#1 Musical of the Year.” Now Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, and the Rydell gang are back, ready to bop and hand-jive at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, all weekends from November 9 to December 1, 2013. "Grease" will have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday galas at 8pm, Saturday matinees at 3:30pm and Sunday matinees at 4pm.

For tickets and other inquiries, please call 586.7105 or 0917.554.5560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com. Like 9 Works Theatrical on Facebook: 9workstheatrical, follow on Twitter: @9WTonline and Instagram: @9WTonline. When posting a status or photo about the show, use the hashtag: #GREASEManila.

The show is presented by 9 Works Theatrical, together with The Rockwell Club and Raffles Makati.

"Grease" is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY. 10018.