Joyfully Yours: theater

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

"Sister Act" Opens on June 27 at Solaire Resort & Casino

Based on the mega-hit film from the 1990s, "Sister Act" will be performed in Manila for the first time on a limited two-week run and promises the audience to dance and groove to the original score with music by 8-time Oscar Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Awardee Alan Menken!

Produced by Whoopi Goldberg, who played the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the movie, "Sister Act" tells the story of Deloris, a wannabe disco diva, who witnessed a murder and is put into a protective custody in a convent! Disguise as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the uptight Mother Superior. However, she unexpectedly helps her fellow sisters in finding their voices and breathing in new life to their choir while discovering her own self. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, "Sister Act" is a reason to rejoice!

"To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at 'Sister Act' - a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they are expecting - is a magical experience for a producer," says Whoopi Goldberg.

For the Manila production, the cast of "Sister Act" are as follows:

Dené Hill as Deloris Van Cartier, a powerhouse disco diva wannabe with a dream of Donna Summer-esque glory. Mouthy, ballsy, brassy and quick on the quip. She has no faith in anything but herself.

Rebecca Mason-Wygal as Mother Superior, an old-school Catholic mother superior with a spine of steel, a will of iron, and an acid tougue but softy in the inside.

Brandon Godfrey as Curtis Shank, a super cool, confident and smooth bad guy with a soul. He is a narcissist with sex appeal and charisma. Handsome but dangerous.

Will T. Travis as Lt. Eddie Souther, a charming, appealing and straight forward cop who imagines himself as him and sexy.

Jarred Bedgood as TJ, nephew of Curtis who is well-intended, overeager young man but doesn't have the brain power to think ahead.

Moses Bernal as Pablo, the funny, comical bodyguard of Curtis.

Sophie Kim as Sister Mary Robert, a young novitiate who is torn to take her final vows or leave the convent to rejoin the world that intimidates her. Her shy personality masks a huge, show stopping powerful singing voice.

Emma Brock as Sister Mary Patrick, an upbeat, fun and optimist who is filled with love and elight in God and friendship. She is always the head cheerleader ready for an adventure, a life experience and between meal-time snack!

Nancy Evans as Sister Mary Lazarus, a tough, full of vim and humor novitiate who is quick on the wisecracks and always ready to roll up her sleeves and dig in.

Harry McEnerny as Joey Finnochio, a big, burly and fiercely loyal comic who fancies himself as a guy women can't resist.

Kevin D. O'Neil as Msgr. Howard, a stately but benevolent priest with an Irish twinkle.

The other cast members are as follows: D’Naysa Jordan – Michelle/Ensemble; Caitlin Masiano – Mary Martin of Tours/Ensemble; Meghan Deeley and Tyler Simakh (Swing), Berlande Mills – Ensemble, Tina, Deloris (Understudy); Gabriel Rodrigues – Ensemble, Joey /Monsignor (Cover); Denzel Edmondson, Scott Fuss, Olivia Gjurich, Heidi Hayes, Kristin Litzenberg, Taylor Morgan Marsh, Ashley Masula, Paige McNamara, Damon McToy, Megan Opalinski (Ensemble); Stephanie Miller – Dance Captain/Swing).

Show Schedules are the following:

June 29, June 30 – 8 pm (Thursday – Friday)

July 1 and 2 – 2 pm and 8 pm (Saturday – Sunday)

July 4, 5, 6 and 7 – 8 pm (Tuesday - Friday)

July 8 and 9 – 2 pm and 8 pm (Saturday – Sunday)

Show duration: 2.5 hours with 15 min break.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at (02) 8919999 or go to https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/. For more details on "Sister Act," connect thru Ovation Productions at www.ovationproductionsmanila.com or follow them on Facebook at Ovation Productions or Twitter @ovationprod.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

"Suicide Incorporated" - A Dark Comedy that Raises Mental Awareness Opens July 15

Joyfullyurs 2:44:00 AM 0 Comments

How can a theater company help raise mental health awareness by staging a play that tackles the theme of depression, suicidal tendencies and suicide itself?

Catch Twin Bill Theater’s eye-opening production aimed to shed light and raise awareness on mental health issues to its audiences in “Suicide Incorporated” - a 2010 tragicomedy by brilliant Off- Broadway playwright Andrew Hinderaker.

Andrew Hinderaker

Imagine a world where a company that edits suicide notes exists. Now imagine being part of that company. "Suicide Incorporated" centers around a company that makes money by drafting suicide notes. The business is Hallmark gone Wall Street, turning a profit by bullishly pushing its clients to perform the unspeakable. The CEO speaks, in an advertiser’s tongue, about cornering the market by targeting those suicide victims least likely to leave notes: Men. It turns out all these men are emotional mice when it comes to discussing matters of the self.

The show is directed by Steven Conde starring six topnotch actors coming from different theater backgrounds have bonded together to essay the pivotal roles in this dark comedy exploring the perils of depression, coping with loss, guilt and redemption,

Steven Conde

Hans Eckstein shall play the role of Jason, the newest hire of Legacy Letters, a company that prides itself in doing just that. He has an impressive back catalog of birthday cards

Hans Eckstein

Jeremy Domingo plays Scott, the CEO and owner of Legacy Letters.

Jeremy Domingo

Bibo Reyes plays the role of Tommy, Jason's younger brother who, much like Jason, has some secrets of his own.

Bibo Reyes

Mako Alonzo and George Schulze shall alternately play the role of Norm, Jason's first client.

Mako Alonzo

George Schulze

Chino Veguillas shall play the role of Perry, Scott's ever loyal employee and the office kiss-ass.

Chino Veguillas

Produced by Twin Bill Theater, the company aims to produce shows that explore and challenge issues faced by today’s society. As its first official play for their first season, the founders led by theater professionals Joseph and Francis Matheu also noted that their goals are also focused on stirring up the public’s interest to rediscover, love and preserve our historical, cultural and spiritual values through theater; and to make quality, thought-provoking productions more accessible to the non-theater going public.

The artistic team of “Suicide Incoporated” are as follows: Steven Conde (Director), Ed Lacson (Set Design), Jay Pangilinan (Sound Design), and Joseph Matheu (Lighting Design).

The production team includes: Francis Matheu (Production Manager), Leoren Violan (Stage Manager and Graphic Design), Toots Tolentino (Publicity), Juliene Mendoza (Photography), and Kathleen Francisco (Marketing).

The playdates of “Suicide Incorporated” are as follows:

July 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 – 8 PM

July 17, 24 & 31 – 3 PM

JULY 30 – 3 PM & 8 PM

All shows will be held at The P.A.R.C (Performing Arts and Recreation Center) in 494 Lt. Artiaga Street, San Juan for ages 15 years old above due to strong language, and sexual references. It will be running for 1 hour & 20 minutes with no intermission.

Artist ? Doctor ? Engineer ? Businessman ? Lawyer ? Teacher ? Writer ? Man ? Woman ? Child ? Mother ? Father ? Grandparent ?

Mental health awareness is for everyone. It's time to talk about it And, it’s never too late to show you care !

Now stop imagining and get your tickets at https://goo.gl/bwsLkF, 0927-460-4652, or 0916-775-9374

To get updates on the show, check them on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/twinbilltheater or visit their website www.twinbilltheater.com or follow them on Twitter or Instagram @twinbilltheater.

# play # show

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

2nd Season of Artist Playground starts on June 9 with "Happiness Is A Pearl"

Joyfullyurs 2:22:00 AM 2 Comments

What Can You Do For Love ?????

"Happiness is a Pearl,” an original play penned by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer Rody Vera is all set to open on June 9 at the 1701 The Little Room Upstairs located at Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia St. corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

The play shall run until July 3, 2016 with 7 pm shows from Wednesday – Friday; 3 pm and 7 pm shows every Saturday and Sunday.

As the opening production for the second season of Artist Playground, “Happiness is a Pearl” revolves around three characters ---Kenji, a male courtesan; Maria, a poor Pinay Japayuki; and Mari, a wife who falls in love with Kenji.

Before becoming a prostitute in a club in Kabukicho, Tokyo, Mari was married to a wealthy businessman. But Mari’s billionaire husband soon leaves her when she becomes attached to a male gigolo named Kenji, who has a pearl stitched under the skin of his penis. However, Kenji sets his eyes on a poverty-stricken Filipina entertainer named Maria. Intertwined by fate and struggles, how will Kenji, Maria, and Mari find the true meaning of love and happiness?

“Happiness is a Pearl” will be directed by Paul Jake Paule, an esteemed actor, director and Aliw Awards nominee.

The cast shall feature guest artists Ruth Alferez (Mari); indie film actor Tomas Miranda (Kenji); together with The Players, Artist Playground’s very own group of artists namely Cath Go (Mari, alternate), Jerome Rosalin (Kenji, alternate); Shiela Espina and Irra Ruzz (Maria).

The Players are young budding professional group of artists, discovered by Artist Playground through its series of workshops. As in-house members of the company, they can write, direct or act in the year-long season of plays. They are also given the opportunity to hone their skills by mounting fresh and well-thought of productions that are entertaining, mind boggling, and socially relevant. through the professional guidance by some of the most respected artists in the industry.

In so doing, The Players are able to cultivate their talents and skills by engaging in powerful artistic explorations, and even act as mentors amongst each other as one family. Driven by the love for theater, The Players shall continue develop enjoyable theater masterpieces for its audiences regardless of age, gender, and class, in the entire Philippines, if not in the world.

The artistic team of “Happiness is a Pearl” are as follows: Paul Jake Paule (Director); Roeder Camanag (Artistic Director), Rody Vera (Playwright); Jesse Lucas (Music); Sharon Perlas (Sound Designer); Rowena Jarito (Sound Designer Apprentice); Melvin Sumalinog and Erick Jonathan Sumalinog (Guitarists); Joseph Navarro (Lights Designer and Board Operator); Lezlie Dailisan (Choreographer); Reynoso Mercado (Production Designer); Sem Pabion (Dramaturg); Mailes Kanapi (Creative Consultant); and John Mark Yap (Lay-out Designer).

The production team is composed of the following: Kimberly Claire R. Somoza (Production Manager); Dayana Dancel (Stage Manager); Jacelle Escanan and Princess April Tuason (Assistant Stage Managers); Reynoso Mercado (Set Head); Coleen Lanit (Costume Head0; Christian James Tiongson (Props Head); and John Paul Racho (Spinner).

For tickets and inquiries, visit their Facebook Page: Artist Playground or contact 0926-9323179.

# Artist Playground # Happiness Is A Pearl

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

9 Works Theatrical's "The Last 5 Years"

Joyfullyurs 6:00:00 PM 0 Comments

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!

# 9Works Theatrical # Joaquin Valdes

Monday, July 21, 2014

"Fluid" Opens on July 24

Joyfullyurs 8:26:00 AM 0 Comments

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Technical Theater Program Batch 111 proudly presents a reinterpretation of the Palanca Award-winning play, “Fluid”.

Written and directed by Floy Quintos, the comedy is about young Filipino contemporary artists struggling to make a name for themselves as they negotiate the tricky terrain between Love, Art and Compromise.

“Fluid” is set to open on July 24 and shall continue to run on July 25 and 26 (1:00 pm and 7:00 pm) at the 5/F SDA Theater, School of Design and Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 950 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. A press preview is set on July 23 at 7 p.m.

“Fluid” is written as a series of scenes in different locations featuring three pairs of characters who seemingly have nothing to do with each other. Amir is a struggling and frustrated young painter whose life is about to be changed by Mira a wealthy art collector who dreams of discovering new talent. Jom and Alben are passionate theater actors torn between their passion for their craft and the lure of fame. Renata is a seemingly batty orchestra coordinator out to defend the dignity of her orchestra when it is hired to play at a society wedding by the overbearing events coordinator, Simone. All these unique and clashing characters come together unexpectedly at an art exhibit where their impulses lead to joyful mayhem.

The cast of “Fluid” is made up of professional actors. Red Turnip Theater’s Ana Abad Santos who originally created the role of Mira in 2004 reprises her role. Kalil Almonte last seen in “Sintang Dalisay” and “Games People Play” plays Amir. JC Santos, fresh from his tint in Hong Kong’s Disney Land and Singapore’s Universal Studio, plays the ambitious Jom while Russell Legaspi last seen in this year’s Labfest plays the earnest Alben. Amihan Tanedo Ruiz and Gel Basa both last seen in “Breakaway Antigone” play Renata and Simone respectively. Musical Theater actor Tony Falcon also appears in the show.

“Fluid” had its successful runs in the University of the

Philippines

, Diliman (2004) and in Ateneo de Manila University (2007). For this new production, “ FLUID ” is being restaged by the Benilde Technical Theater Batch 111.

The artistic and creative team of “Fluid” is led by Floy Quintos (Playwright and Director), Ellawyn Cruz (Set Designer) and the students of DLS-CSB Major in Technical Theater Batch 111.

For further information, check them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Fluid111. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @Fluid111 or use #Fluid111 to talk about the show! For ticket inquiries, please contact: 09179285737.

The Technical Theater Batch 111 is comprised of the Bachelor of Arts Major in Technical Theater students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The AB-Technical Theater program is a three-year and one-term course offered by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts that trains students to become professional Production Managers, Stage Managers, Lighting Designers and Technical Directors.

# Amihan Ruiz # Ana Abad Santos

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

"Games People Play" Opens on April 22

Joyfullyurs 8:51:00 PM 0 Comments

Games People Play, a Palanca-winning play by Glenn Sevilla Mas features theater actors Abner Delina, Thea Yrastorza and Kalil Almonte. Ed Lacson Jr., who also does the production design, directs it while Teresa Barrozo does the sound and music design.

Abner Delina as Julio plays one of the childhood games he would never forget.

Thea Yrastorza as Luna who is a trusting girl that later becomes a nun pursued by the most lustful dreams.

Kalil Almonte as Diego who is a confused fatherless boy that grows up to be a confused young man.

Games People Play is about three characters who try to understand why they are the way they are by revisiting their childhood, specifically the games that they played with each other. Each game is a rite of passage and it represents a significant moment in their coming of age.

The writing of the play was inspired by this quote from child psychologist and writer Bruno Bettelheim: “The monster a child knows best and is most concerned with [is] the monster he feels or fears himself to be.”

The production will run from April 22 to 26, 2014, 7:30 PM with a 2:30 PM show on April 26, at the Fine Arts Blackbox Theater, Fine Arts Annex, Ateneo de Manila University.