Joyfully Yours: 9Works Theatrical

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

9 Works Theatrical's "The Last 5 Years"

9 Works Theatrical, one of Manila’s most exciting theater companies, has turned 5 this year! For 9 Works Theatrical’s Artistic Director, Robbie Guevara, it seems like yesterday when he approached his friend, Managing Director Santi Santamaria with the idea of staging one of his favorite musicals of all time, "The Wedding Singer" but putting up a show would entail cost. Putting Robbie's dream aside, was decided along with their partners Mio Infante, Anna Santamaria, Toff de Venecia, Jonjon Martin, and Carlos Canlas, had to take into consideration.

9 Works Theatrical Team

Committed to bringing the best of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and The West End to its local audiences, 9 Works Theatrical had segued into doing two other musicals that would leave an indelible mark on their audiences for the years to come.

Their first show was Jason Robert Brown’s "Songs For a New World" followed by Jonathan Larson's "Rent" that ran 3 times! It was after these shows when "The Wedding Singer" was finally produced and directed by Robbie! After that came in Bob Fosse's "Sweet Charity," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," Marvin Hamlisch’s "They’re Playing Our Song," and finally "Grease."

“Five years na tayo? Eh ‘di let's do The Last Five Years!" shares artistic director Robbie Guevara. "I meant that as a light joke buy my partners took it seriously and liked the idea so much. And since I love the musical, I didn't object at all when they agreed to do it."

9 Works Theatrical's Artistic Director Robbie Guevara

Coincidentally, Jason Robert Brown who wrote 9 Works Theatrical's first production "Songs for a New World" also wrote "The Last Five Years!" How perfect is that?

"The Last 5 Years" with Nikki Gil and Joaquin Valdes

Returning to the stage after her PMPC Star Awards for TV win for Best Single Performance by an Actress and 2013 Philstage Gawad Buhay nomination for “They’re Playing Our Song,” singer-actress Nikki Gil will be playing the role of Cathy Hyatt.

Nikki Gil

Ok, this is not about the show but just wanted to highlight that I love the shoes Nikki was wearing during the presscon! They're super fab! :D

Bagging the 2013 Philstage Gawad Buhay award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his work in “Red,” actor and commercial director Joaquin Valdes returns to his musical roots to play the role of novelist Jamie Wellerstein.

Joaquin Valdes

“9 Works Theatrical began by showcasing the brilliance of Jason Robert Brown’s music in Songs For A New World. Our last 5 years have been remarkable and as we celebrate our anniversary, it’s but fitting to mark this milestone with the staging of arguably Jason Robert Brown’s most popular musical, “The Last Five Years,” an apt title to match our special occasion,” says executive producer, Santi Santamaria.

9 Works Theatrical's Executive Producer Santi Santamaria as he makes a toast for their 5th Anniversary.

For the artistic team, director Robbie Guevara is joined by Joseph Tolentino as musical director for instrumentation, Lionel Guico as musical director for vocals, Mio Infante as scenographer, GA Fallarme as video & projection designer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Chuck Ledesma as sound designer, Gerhard Daco as technical director, Leo Castillo as photographer, Wobbletop Productions as video producer for marketing, Tin Samson as programme editor, and Larry Palma as graphic artist.

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

“The Last Five Years” will melt your hearts at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati, all weekends from August 9 to 31, 2014, Friday and Saturday galas at 8pm, Saturday matinees at 3:30pm and Sunday matinees at 4pm.

Here's a short video teaser for you...

A limited number of performances are available for fundraising and block-buying. For tickets and other inquiries, please call 586.7105 or 0917.554.5560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at 9workstheatrical or look for them at Twitter & Instagram: @9WTonline. For details on "The Last Five Years" look up for the hashtag #L5YManila or use it to talk about it!

Power Duo Santi and Robbie

If you loved the production of 9 Works Theatrical during the last 5 years, you'll definitely love "The Last Five Years!" I've seen a lot of 9 Works Theatrical shows and have even wrote about it on my blog. I can't wait what else will be whipped out by the 9 Works Theatrical team especially the crazy ideas of Santi and Robbie in the coming years. I'm sure the production of the coming years will be more brilliant than their past productions which is definitely exciting and something for everyone to look forward to!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"Grease" Comes Back to Manila!

Joyfullyurs 2:00:00 PM 0 Comments

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.

# 9Works Theatrical # Carla Dunareanu

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Sweet Charity Hits Manila

Joyfullyurs 1:55:00 AM 0 Comments

9 Works Theatrical is currently showing one of Broadway's most sensational spectacle and critically-acclaimed dance comedy musical "Sweet Charity" at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Makati. It was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Fosse also choreographed "Chicago" which was turned into a film on 2002 with Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere who starred in it.

The musical comes alive with the spirit of the 60's in a Manhattan night club. It is the story of Charity Hope Valentine, a very optimistic woman, who looks for the happily ever after type of love but always ends up with the wrong man. She is a bubbly dance hall dostess who has been used and dumped by a number of wrong man but she's not giving up to find the one. This year, coming back to the theater after "Legally Blonde," to play as Charity is Nikki Gil.

Nikki Gil with Kris Lawrence

Oscar Lindquist, the claustrophobic guy who Charity met in the elevator, is played by Kris Lawrence. Charity hopes that he will give the love that she has been longing for. This will be the first time that Kris is going to act on theater. According to some friends who have already watched the show, be very surprised on what he can do!

Nickie, one of Charity's closest confidantes at the Fandango Ballroom is played by Shiela Valderrama-Martinez. She was Julia at last year's "The Wedding Singer."

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez

Ciara Sotto comes back to play as Helene after playing Mimi in "Rent" last February. Helene is another close confidante of Charity.

Ciara Sotto

Sheree Bautista, another Mimi in last February's "Rent," comes back to play as Carmen - one of Charity's co-dancers at the Fandango Ballroom.

Sheree Bautista

The ladies of "Sweet Charity" performs "Hey Big Spender"

Herman, the owner of Fandango Ballroom which means he is Charity's boss, is played by Miguel Faustmann. Miguel is one of the most well-respected actors in Philippine theater. He has been in Repertory Philippines for over 20 years. He was the actor in one of my favorite play, "Duets" and lately, I learned that he played as the king in Repertory Philippine's "The Emperor's New Clothes" which was the first play that I've watched back when I was in elementary.

OJ Mariano also comes back after February's "Rent" to play two roles as Vittorio Vidal and Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck.

OJ Mariano with the girls

Other casts includes Angela Padilla (who plays as Ursala March the girlfriend of Vittorio), Job Bautista (who played as Angel, my favorite character, in February's "Rent"), Anthony Tarrosa Ong (who played as one of the goddess in Atlantis Productions' "Xanadu" last year), Caisa Borromeo, Chinie Nepomuceno, Vinia Pamplona, Carmelle Ros, Topper Fabregas, Francis Matheu, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

Artistic and production team is of course led by the director of this show, Robbie Guevara, and Santi Santamaria, the Executive Producer.

Robbie Guevara

Santi Santamaria

Lorenz Martinez, who played as Robbie Hart's bestfriend in "The Wedding Singer", is the Assistant Director of the show. Other members of the artistic and production team includes Joseph Tolentino as Musical Director - Pit Orchestra, Sweet Plantado as Musical Director - Vocals, Mio Infante as Scenographer, Martin Esteva as Lighting Designer, Mio Infante and Hanna De los Reyes as Costume Stylists and Designers, Dale Amon as Graphic Designer, Roy Macam as Photographer, Anna Santamaria (Santi's wife and a cast of "Noli Me Tangere") as the Company Manager, Toff de Venecia as Marketing and PR Director, Toots Tolentino as PR Consultant, Jonjon Martin as PR Manager, Carlos Canlas as HR Manager, Sunshine Domine as Production Manager and Aries Alcayaga as the Stage Manager.

Toots Tolentino

Toff De Venecia

"Sweet Charity" will be on stage until August 28, 2011. For ticket reservations, please log on to TicketWorld. For inquiries, contact 9 Works Theatrical or call (+632) 586.7105 or (+632) 557.5860.

Special thanks to Dusit Thani Manila for accommodating 9 Works Theatrical for the delicious lunch during the press conference last June.

The lunch menu and dessert of Dusit Thani Manila

# 9Works Theatrical # play

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Jump Over the Moon

Joyfullyurs 11:00:00 PM 0 Comments

"Leap of faith, leap of faith, leap of faith, leap of faith" kept singing in my head after I've watched Rent, The Musical for the second time last night. Even though it's my second time, it still landed on a good spot in my head!

The freedom wall during February's Rent

Last February, 9Works Theatrical staged this at Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza where I've watched for the first time. I was totally ready on what to expect with the play since I've read the summary and did a little research. My jaw dropped upon seeing Angel Dummott Schunard(played by Job Bautista) jumped up and down on the table with his heels! The next shock I had was when Tom Collins (played by OJ Mariano) and Angel kissed on stage. When Joanne Jefferson (played by Jenny Villegas) and Maureen Johnson (played by Carla Guevarra-Laforteza) kissed, it was another "woah" moment. They're such good actors and actresses that it was like it's so natural for them. Kudos to that! I also cried at the moment where Angel died. The tears which OJ shed knocked on my heart.

The cast of Rent, The Musical last February 2010 with the big stage.

This December, Rent, The Musical will be staged again but this time at a smaller venue - Cinema 2 of the Power Plant Mall - for a limited run of performances to celebrate Power Plant Cinema's 10th Anniversary until December 12, 2010. Even though the venue this time is smaller and there's new additions and changes in the cast, the energy and power of the play remains. I was looking forward for Angel's dancing stint "Today for you, tomorrow for me!" which still made my jaw drop but I think he jumped more the last time. There were some changes in the set (which is smaller, of course!), the blocking and the actions however, the show is remains spectacular! Viva La Vie Boheme!

The casts of Rent, The Musical (The Repeat). Notice the smaller stage and set?

The artists who will reprise their roles for this special production are singer/TV host Gian Magdangal (as Roger Davis), Fredison Lo (as Mark Cohen), OJ Mariano (as Tom Collins), Job Bautista (as Angel Dummott Schunard) and Jenny Villegas (as Joanne Jefferson). The rest of the returning ensemble is composed of Gary Junsay, Harold Cruz, Johann de la Fuente, Mark Tayag and Peachy Atilano.

This show is still directed by Robbie Guevara.

New members of the cast are Lorenz Martinez (as Benjamin Coffin III), Amparo Sietereales(as Mimi. She originated during a previous production of Rent in Manila several years back.), Sheree Bautista (as Mimi, Gian Magdangal’s real-life lady love that makes Gian feel all the more challenged because they're kissing in front of everyone when they usually do it in private.), Mian Dimacali (as Maureen Johnson), Sab Jose and Pam Imperial also join as part of the ensemble.

Other members of the artistic team are: Ricky Villante, musical director – band; Onyl Torres, musical director – vocals; Mio Infante, scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma, sound designer; Bek Soriano, costume stylist; and Francis Matheu for additional choreography.

Production team is composed of the following: Santi Santamaria, executive producer; Anna Santamaria, company manager; Toff de Venecia, Marketing & PR Director and Production Manager; Paul Domine, Technical Director; Arma Bonilla, stage manager; Toots Tolentino, PR Consultant; Jonjon Martin, PR Manager; Shelyn Tayanes, Marketing Manager; Campaigns & Grey, PR Agency.

I won't say anything more about the show for it will become a spoiler. Just go watch it! It's worth your every cent! For tickets, get it from the Power Plant Cinema ticket booth or call 8981440 to 41 or 0908-8692988.

# 9Works Theatrical # play

Joyfully Yours

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

9 Works Theatrical's "The Last 5 Years"

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"Grease" Comes Back to Manila!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Sweet Charity Hits Manila

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Jump Over the Moon

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