Joyfully Yours: musical

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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

Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros Opens on Nov 9

Joyfullyurs 7:33:00 AM 1 Comments

Bit by Bit Company, in cooperation with the PETA Theater Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, proudly brings to the stage “Maxie The Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” which is an indie film turned into a stage play!

Based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (ufo Pictures, 2005), the show features book and lyrics by Nicolas B. Pichay, music by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio, and Janine Santos, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos.

Al Gatmaitan, Jayvhot Galang and Jay Gonzaga

The screenplay was made into a film directed by Auraeus Solito and produced by ufo Pictures in 2005. It was the Philippines’ official entry to the 2007 Academy Awards and has won numerous other awards, including the following: 2005 Best Film from the Asian Festival of First Films, 2005 Best Picture from the Toronto Imagine Native Film Festival, 2005 Golden Zenith Award for Best Picture from the Montreal World Film Festival, 2006 Best Picture from the Gawad Urian, 2006 Teddy Award and Glass Bear Special Mention from the Berlin International Film Festival, and the 2007 Independent Spirit Award from the IFC Spirit Awards.

Greg De Leon, Jayvhot Galang and Nazer Salcedo

If you remember the wonderful musical Orosman at Zafira back in 2011 (click here for details), Bit by Bit Company brought it to life and they're also the ones handling "Maxie The Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" in cooperation with the PETA Theater Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines! The show will be staged at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila.

Jojo Riguerra and Jayvhot Galang

The play tells the story of Maxie who belongs to a family of crooks living in a downtown community where daily living is a struggle to survive, in ways legal or not. Despite the sad reality of his community, Maxie grew up as a cheerful, positive, and generous adolescent, always ready to cheer everyone up. With the help of his friends, he manages to overcome hurdles through banter, romantic movie marathons, and improvised beauty contests. In the absence of a mother, Maxie takes care of his family’s needs, and they never fail to shower him with their unconditional love, acceptance and protection. However, Maxie’s devotion and loyalty to his family, together with his unassuming innocence, will be challenged when he falls in love with Victor. Not only is Victor years older, but he is also the very person Maxie’s family would consider an enemy: an honest policeman ready to uphold the law.

To know more about the colorful life of Maxie, please do watch the show! It's one of my favorite gay films of all time and I'm really excited how it will look like on stage!

The Ensemble

The cast is led by Jayvhot Galang (as Maximo Oliveros), Roeder Camañag and Nazer Salcedo (alternating as Paco Oliveros), Jojo Riguerra (as Victor Perez), Al Gatmaitan and OJ Mariano (alternating as Boy Oliveros), and Jay Gonzaga (as Bogs Oliveros).

The other members of the cast are Aaron Ching (as Nar), Nomer Limatog, Jr. (as Leslie), Teetin Villanueva (as Monique), Eo De Guzman and Merdin Mojica (alternating as Peter), and Greg de Leon (as Chief Dominguez).

The ensemble is composed of Ruth Alferez, John Paul Basco, Jules Dela Paz, Irene Delarmente, Elliot Eustacio, Karyl Factora, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Francelle Fetalvero, Al Bernard Garcia, Jeffrey Hernandez, Ronah Rostata, and Christian Velarde.

The band is composed of William Elvin Manzano and Rigil Borromeo (Guitar), Van Quiaong (Keyboard), Jonah Ruiz (Drums), and Allen Mamaid (Bass).

“Maxie The Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” shall run from November 9 to December 8, 2013 with shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. All performances are at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Jay Gonzaga, Nazer Salcedo, Jayvhot Galang and Al Gatmaitan

The other members of the artistic team are John Neil Ilao Batalla (Lights Designer), Gino Gonzales (Production Designer), Ohm David (Technical Director), Emman Feliciano (Assistant Director), Stephen Viñas (Associate Choreographer), and Arkel Mendoza (Additional Music).

Bit by Bit Company is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer) and Carlo Miguel Francia (Associate Producer). Assisting them are the rest of the production team, namely: Nicole Andrew Guila (Production Manager), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Lexie Bartolome (Assistant Stage Manager), Cheska Cartativo (Props Head), Henzy Manalaysay (Props Assistant), Nica Marcelo (Costume Head), Darwin Desoacido (Costume Assistant), Simon Tiukinhoy (Sounds Boardman) and Miggy Panganiban (Lights Boardman).

Nomer Limatog, Jr., Eo De Guzman, Jayvhot Galang and Teetin Villanueva

The marketing and publicity team is composed of Marvin Ray Olaes (Marketing Head), Toots O. Tolentino (Publicist), David Fabros (Photographer), Pow Santillan (Logo Design) and Ron Misayah and Jan Evert Tagle (Graphic Designers).

The show is being presented in cooperation with The Skin Sanctuary, Hardin Creekside Resort, Dole Packaged Foods Philippines, Bed Manila, Make Up Store, Party Rack, Regine’s Boutique, Tunog at Liwanag sa Teatro, Camp Suki, Crystal Clear, Lyric Piano, Moonleaf Tea Shop, Headway Vera Salon, Pond’s, Party Solutions, and Wacoal.

Media sponsors are MYX, Solar News Channel, People’s Television, Crossover FM, Business World, Circuit Magazine, Outrage Magazine, ClickTheCity.com, HerWord.com, WhenInManila.com, Pinas Music Zone, A.S.K. by FlowGalindez, and BroadwayWorld Philippines.

Jayvhot Galang

For show information, please call (0917) 842-7346 or email maximooliverosmusical@yahoo.com. Follow Maxie on Twitter or Facebook. Tickets are available at all TicketWorld (891-9999) and SM Tickets (470-2222) outlets.

# Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros # Bit by Bit Development Company

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Discover "Lorenzo"

Joyfullyurs 6:20:00 AM 0 Comments

What comes to your mind when you hear the name "Lorenzo?" For Filipinos like me or those who has been living in the Philippines, I'm sure you're thinking about the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz.

This September, the award-winning actor, Christopher de Leon through Green Wings Entertainment Network, Inc. presents a new musical directed by Nonon Padilla, which features the musical stylings of Ryan Cayabyab and libretto by award-winning writers Juan Ekis, Paul Dumol, and Joem Antonio called "Lorenzo."

Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano star in this musical which tells the story of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s escape to Japan and subsequent martyrdom there, is framed within a play that tells the modern-day story of Laurence, an OFW whose imprisonment in a Middle Eastern country and imminent execution prompt him to reflect upon the struggles of his historical countryman and cope with the inner struggles of his own predicament.

Lorenz Martinez

OJ Mariano

"Lorenzo" is deeply relevant to Filipinos from all walks of life as its themes span the unquenchable rage of the suffering man to the cathartic acceptance of one’s circumstances, the struggles of our ancestors to our struggles in the ever-changing contemporary world, being apart from one’s home to inspiring others with one’s sense of being a Filipino in a foreign land.

In line with the declaration of 2013 as the Year of Faith, this show, "Lorenzo," touches upon the theme of faith as a heroic virtue and how faith moves one to make the most powerful albeit difficult choices.

The show will be staged at the SDA Theatre, located on the fifth floor of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde on P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila on September 12, 13, and 14 with shows at 1pm and 6pm.

For more information about the show, visit www.lorenzorocks.com. Interested to watch? Get the tickets at www.ticketworld.com.ph today.

# Christopher de Leon # Green Wings Entertainment Network

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

2nd Rep Phil Show for 2013: "No Way to Treat A Lady"

Joyfullyurs 5:07:00 AM 0 Comments

Repertory Philippines' second offering for the year 2013 No Way To Treat A Lady opens on March 1, 2013 (Friday) at 8pm. The show is a musical comedy thriller with book, music and lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen which is based on the best-selling novel and renowned movie by William Goldman.

The show is directed by Audie Gemora who have directed Camp Rock last year. No Way To Treat A Lady is a musical comic thriller chronicling the exploits of a 1970s momma's boy serial killer. The story is about a serial killer in the name of Christopher Gill (to be played by Audie Gemora and Jamie Wilson as alternate), who draws a red lipstick kiss on the forehead of each of his victims as a calling card.

Audie Gemora as Christopher Gill (Photo from Rep Phil)

The killer is being chased by Detective Morris Brummell (to be played by Joel Trinidad) who has a manipulative mother. The story focuses on the themes: Betrayal, Death, Friendship, Jewish or Yiddish issues, Love, Parenting and Family.

Joel Trinidad as Detective Morris Brummell (Photo from Rep Phil)

The show will be having 5 actors on stage playing 17 roles! Other actors include: Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Sarah Stone, Sheila Francisco as Flora Brummel and Pinky Marquez as Alexandra Gill.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Sarah Stone

with Joel Trinidad as Detective Morris Brummel

(Photo from Rep Phil)

All performances will be at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 on all weekends starting from March 1 - 24, 2013. All Friday shows will be at 8pm, all Saturday shows will be at 3:30pm and 8pm and all Sunday shows will be at 3:30pm. Onstage is at the 2/F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City.

Pinky Marquez as Alexandra Gill

Co-presented by the City of Makati, the other members of the artistic team of No Way To Treat a Lady is composed of Baby Barredo (Artistic Director), Liesl Batucan (Assistant Director), Dingdong Fiel (Musical Director), Mio Infante (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer) and John Batalla (Lighting Designer).

Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Sheila Francisco, Joel Trinidad,

Audie Gemora and Pinky Marquez (Photo from Rep Phil)

The production team of No Way To Treat a Lady is composed of Juno Henares (Officer In Charge), Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Gold Soon (Stage Manager), Denis Lagdameo (Technical Director), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of No Way To Treat a Lady is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales).

# Audie Gemora # Carla Guevara-Laforteza

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Love Theater? Come and Join the Auditions for "Maxie the Musical"

Joyfullyurs 6:12:00 PM 0 Comments

Are you familiar with the indie film, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, which came out on 2005?

The story is about a young gay boy, Maximo, who falls in love with a police that is investigating about his family's criminal activity. The film garnered numerous awards locally and internationally including a nomination in the Sundance Film Festival.

Bit by Bit Development Company, the same company who produced Orosman at Zafira, announced its forthcoming production of Maxie The Musical based on the film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.

Auditions are set on March 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2013 at Studio A of the Peta Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Registration starts at 12 noon. Auditions begin at 1pm and will end at 8pm. For those interested to audition, please expect to sing, dance and act with equal facility. Also don't forget to bring a copy of your CV and a 5R recent headshot photo.

Here are the role requirements:

a. Maxie - Must look 13 -15 years of age. Must be androgenous, able to pass off as both male and female. Has a strong soprano voice. Must be able to dance. If auditioning for this role please prepare a pop song that will showcase your vocal range.

b. Victor - Police officer, object of Maxie’s puppy love, affection.

Must look like in his mid to late 20s. Should be willing to appear on stage in underwear. Strong baritone or tenor voice. Must be able to sing both ballad and rock songs.

c. Bogs - Early 20s. Maxie’s brother. Preferably able to play the guitar. If auditioning for this role, please prepare a slow OPM song and showcase guitar ability.

d. Boy - Late 20s. Maxie’s brother. Eldest of the siblings. Strong baritone voice.

e. Art - Mid to late 20s. Victor’s police partner. Willing to play multiple roles.

f. Peter - 15-17years of age. A closet bully. Must have comic timing. Background in dance is preferable.

g. Paco - 40’s. Petty crime lord. Maxie’s father. Must have a strong Tenor voice.

h. Ensemble players - 15 years old and above with strong singing voices (all vocal ranges) and acting capacities. Be ready to sing 1 song from a Pinoy alterative band and 1 song from a broadway musical. Be ready with a dance piece, either hiphop, contemporary or jazz. Must be ready to learn a dance combination.

Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros will be based on the book and lyrics by Palanca Hall of Fame Awardee Nicolas Pichay. Music by William Elvin Manzano, Arkel Suaco Mendoza and Jj Valiente Pimpinio. Direction and Choreography by Dexter Martinez Santos. Presented through special arrangement with Origin8 Media. Based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.

Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is set to open on Nov. 15, 2013 and will run until Nov. 24, 2013 at the Peta Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

For more information, visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MaxieTheMusical.

# Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros # audition

"Ip Man The Musical" Set for 2014 World Premier is Produced by a Fil-Australian

Joyfullyurs 12:30:00 AM 0 Comments

It's been 3 years since I've started blogging. If you've been following my blog, you'll notice that most of my entries are about theater, particularly shows produced by Filipinos. Aside from the rich natural resources and culture the Philippines have, Filipinos are naturally talented singers, dancers and actors.

A few years back when Hong Kong Disneyland opened, I think majority of the actors and tour guides which I saw there are Filipinos. They can even talk in Cantonese fluently and say their lines correctly which is really amazing!

This is me a few years back in Hong Kong Disneyland.

When I heard that during the press launch of Ip Man The Musical which was held in Singapore that a Filipino-Australian in the name of Robert Vicencio will be producing an international major musical, I felt that Filipinos are really amazing like the way I felt in Hong Kong Disneyland way back many years ago.

Robert Vicencio was originally onstage in the smash hit musical Miss Saigon at London’s West End and went around the world together with Ms. Wang Hongming who recently formed W Squared Live Entertainment Ltd.

Robert Vicencio (Photo from Toots Tolentino)

Wang Hongming (Photo from Toots Tolentino)

Based in Shanghai, W Squared Live Entertainment Ltd is managed by international & local industry experts focusing on both musical productions and entertainment solutions in the Asean region.

Ip Man The Musical is based on the globally successful movie trilogy Ip Man. This is also the first time an international major musical will chose to premiere its show in Singapore. It is also the world’s first Chinese concept-based musical with martial art elements strategically designed to target both the overseas and China Mainland markets. It also aims to perfect the combination of artistic and commercial elements into one theatrical production created for a global release.

Grandmaster Ip Ching has joined the creative team of Ip Man The Musical in order to bring more significance to the musical’s production team as a whole, injecting a pure perspective of the Wing Chun martial arts philosophy straight from the son of the ‘The Father of Wing Chun’ into the musical’s development.

Auditions for the show will be conducted by middle of this year and will travel through China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, THE PHILIPPINES (So get ready interested actors! =D) and other parts of Asia with the aims of identifying and discovering new musical talents.

Ip Man The Musical is also supported by the FLY Sound Company from Taiwan which serves as the production’s audio equipment strategic partner and Lateensail from Japan, who will provide all multimedia technologies and content, as the production’s multimedia strategic partner.

Robert Vicencio who holds strongly his enthusiasm for Chinese culture and passion of musicals and martial arts said during the presscon, "There is a great similarity between singing and martial arts, from the slow perfection of each move, to the breathing which is required to sustain long notes or powerful blows. Creating Ip Man the Musical finally brings to life this philosophy of mine and materializes it into a musical stage to be shared with the world. I truly believe it’s the right concept, right team, right story and more importantly the right time!”

Bey, Robert, Donnie Yen and Hongming (Photo from Toots Tolentino)

According to Grandmaster Ip Ching, "It will be the first time to promote Wing Chun using the medium of a musical. And we hope that the production can attract a wider range of audiences so they will become more knowledgeable about Wing Chun through this innovative production! I wish Ip Man the Musical great success in the future!" He continues to advise on Ip Man 3D, the third installment of the successful movie series produced by veteran Hong Kong movie producer, Raymond Wong and written by Edmond Wong. Both Wong's are not my relatives even though we all came from Hong Kong. They're obviously more creative than I am. I just love art and love to watch creativity unfold in front of my eyes. =D

Incidentally, the Wong’s who are behind the movies have also been invited to join the creative team of Ip Man The Musical. Being a Wong too, I'm proud of them and hope I get watch this show *crossing my fingers.*

Raymond said during the presscon, "I am very pleased that Ip Man the movie has helped influence the creation of Ip Man the Musical. This will transcend to international theatrical stages, and create higher levels of awareness, appreciation and audience appeal of the national treasure Wing Chun. I am confident that the musical will be more popular due to the fact that Kenji Kawai, who is Ip Man the Musical's co-composer, is also the musical director of all the Ip Man movies."

Robert’s co-producer Ms. Wang Hongming who helped and participated in introducing original musicals into China thinks the development of Chinese concept musicals is very promising. She further explained, “The efforts of the team are bound to give an unforgettable experience to the audiences who like both musicals and martial arts globally. ”

Edmond, Bey, IpChing, Hongming, Robert and Raymond (Photo from Toots Tolentino)

In addition, Ip Man the Musical and its producers are strongly being looked at for support from the Singaporean government with its aim to create Singapore as a “West End” of Asia, with the producers finally deciding to premiere their show in Singapore, a first for that territory.

# Edmond Wong # Ip Ching

Joyfully Yours

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

9 Works Theatrical's "The Last 5 Years"

Thursday, November 7, 2013

"Grease" Comes Back to Manila!

Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros Opens on Nov 9

Al Gatmaitan, Jayvhot Galang and Jay Gonzaga

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Discover "Lorenzo"

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

2nd Rep Phil Show for 2013: "No Way to Treat A Lady"

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Love Theater? Come and Join the Auditions for "Maxie the Musical"

"Ip Man The Musical" Set for 2014 World Premier is Produced by a Fil-Australian

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