Monday, October 25, 2010

CHASING TOFF: UN-DAWN-TED

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CHASING TOFF By Christopher De Venecia (The Philippine Star) Updated October 25, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments


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Thanks to the nurturing of director Bobby Garcia who was the artistic glue that gelled everything together. This is one of Bobby’s best works to date. Bravo, Bobby!
Currently on Broadway with the talented Bernadette Peters in the role of Desiree Armfeldt, A Little Night Music, Sondheim’s celebrated masterpiece that features the seminal hit, Send in the Clowns, recently reopened in the Great White Way with a tour-de-force performance from Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her regality and candor suited the role of Desiree so much and the “quietness” that the piece demanded, acting inwards and drawing audiences towards the actor rather than doing an outward and bombastic performance ala Gyspy Rose, that she won accolades in the recent Tony Awards as Best Actress in a Musical.

Now I didn’t really get to catch A Little Night Music on my recent trip to New York — reason being that it was the in-between rehearsal period of the show from Catherine Zeta-Jones to Bernadette Peters. And I have not seen any other version of the show for that matter. But after catching Atlantis Production’s local staging, featuring showbiz scion and the very beautiful Dawn Zulueta as Desiree Armfeldt, I may as well have come face to face with Zeta-Jones and some Broadway-level caliber interpreted on our local soil. Atlantis Production’s A Little Night Music was nothing short of breathtaking, fascinating, and life-changing as I walked away from the theater, stunned, haunted, and a reinforced aficionado and disciple of Stephen Sondheim (who is the show’s brilliant composer).

Based on Ingmar Bergman’s film, Smiles of Summer Night, A Little Night Music is a witty and urbanemusical set in waltz time. The action takes place in a weekend country house in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where surprising liaisons, long-simmering passions, and a taste of love’s endless possibilities are brought to light.

There is of course Desiree Armfeldt at the center of a humorous tug-of-war between Frederik Egerman, played by the excellent Nonie Buencamino, and Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm played by the comical Jake Macapagal. Both men, contrasting in personalities, are initially betrothed, and thus become adulterous to their respective wives — conjuring a messy Melrose web that entangles the show’s primary players. Frederik Egerman is married to the young Anne Egerman, played by the wonderful and amazingly comical Cris Villonco while the Count is married to Charlotte Malcolm, played by the beautiful Jenny Jamora. Adding to the mix is Felix Rivera who plays Henrik, Frederik’s son who we discover later on, to be in love with his stepmother Anne. The Melrose web climaxes when all the primary players travel to spend a Weekend in the Country, upon the invatation of Desiree and her mother, Madame Armfeldt, played by Jay Glorioso — the role played in the Broadway revival by Angela Lansbury.

Apart from the joyous and breathtaking performances and Mio Infante’s gorgeous chrysalis-looking set that encrusts the Carlos P. Romulo stage and paints the mood for each scene as it is transformed each time with Dong Calingacion’s lighting design, not to mention the powerful support from the likes of Teenee Chan and Raul Montesa, among other narrators in the show, accolades should be given to both Dawn Zulueta and Nonie Buencamino who, for this writer, are the luminous stars of A Little Night Music.

Dawn delivers the performance of a lifetime, not overplaying the character to depict a caricature but rather, tempering those tender moments that pull audiences in, hook, line, and sinker. Her Send in the Clowns was in a whole other universe. And myself, being a sucker for middle-age people who find love again in each other’s arms, I was this close to bawling like a kid from where I sat in the second row. Think The Notebook. Where Dawn shines brightly, there is Nonie Buencamino fueling Dawn’s light, lyric to lyric, word for word, emotion to emotion. There was so much depth in his performance, proof of his many wonderful years onstage, that the two of them together — Dawn and Nonie — really do paint a sterling example of how acting and theater should be done. Bravo! This is of course, thanks to the nurturing of director Bobby Garcia who was the artistic glue that gelled everything together. This is one of Bobby’s best works to date. Bravo, Bobby!

The show also stars Alys Serdenia as the hysterical maid Petra who sings a whopping The Miller’s Son, Crystal Baranda-Paras as Frederika, Gabriel Santos as Frid, and Agnes Barredo-Fenoli, Glen Llanes, Anthony Ong, and Jennie Nuyda as the other narrators. Chari Arespacochaga choreographs the show, with Ceejay Javier as musical director, Rajo Laurel as costumes designer for Desiree Armfeldt, Twinkle Zamora as costume designer, and Manman Angsico as vocal coach.

Monday, October 18, 2010

CHASING TOFF: THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE GIRLS

No photoThank heaven for little girls
CHASING TOFF By Christopher De Venecia (The Philippine Star) Updated October 18, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

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The cast of Little Women: Kelly Lati, Cara Barredo, Lora Nicolas, Caisa Borromeo with Pinky Marquez



Laurie is Mr. Lawrence’s grandson and has a sense of displacement from the world because both his parents died when he was young. Jo is outspoken, daring, full of ambition, and one of four sisters of the March clan. Once Jo and Laurie meet, they easily become the best of friends. Their relationship becomes very “sibling-like” as they grow fond of each other’s company, exploring and embracing new adventures together. Sound familiar? This is of course part and parcel of the timeless classic and Repertory Philippines’ wonderful offering for the holiday season, Little Women.

But seeing as that “sibling-like,” family oriented-ness, and passion for life are common between the characters and the actors that play them in real life, I may as well have just described the stories of real-life pals and two of my personal favorites, Caisa Borromeo and Jaime Barcelon. Okay, maybe not the “sense of displacement” part for Jaime.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a great relationship with my mom who’s also like a friend and mentor to me,” quips Jaime who is fresh off his stint with local pop singing group, The Ryan Cayabyab Singers. “I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Mr. C, recording and touring with them for the past few years.” But as Jaime makes preparations for his first solo music project, he conquers the theater stage alongside real-life pal Caisa Borromeo who, herself, is no stranger to the theater world. While Jaime has essayed several roles, including Rolf in Rep’s Sound of Music and Ryan in Ateneo Blue Repertory’s High School Musical, Caisa has played dozens of roles on stage, including notable appearances for Stages’ Footloose and West Side Story, Rep’s Aladdin Jr. and Mulan Jr., and I Love You Because.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” shares Caisa who considers the role of Jo to be her ultimate dream role. “It’s such a challenging role to play but it’s very exciting. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity.” Luckily, for the challenge that the material and the roles demand of the two, they have the amazing Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as their precious director and artistic guide.

“She is very clear about her vision for the show but at the same time allows us the room for discovery and to see what feels right for us,” says Jaime. Caisa adds, “She’s an actor’s director. She trusts her actors completely.”
This wouldn’t be the first time though that the classic was adapted into something other than its novel form. In 1933, Katherine Hepburn headlined a movie version, followed by a 1949 “theatrical” version with June Allyson and Elizabeth Taylor as Amy, and finally an “intimate” 1994 version starring Winona Ryder. Caisa relates, “The book of course is a lot more detailed but the musical tells the story differently because it starts off in the present time, and then goes back in time when Jo remembers the time she spent with her sisters.”

Little Women is a coming of age musical about a young woman who actualizes her dream of becoming a writer and how those close to her play an integral role in helping her achieve that dream. “The show reminds us about the importance of family,” says Jaime. “It’s also an inspirational show because it reminds all of us never to give up on our dreams.”

Among the showstoppers for the show are More Than I Am, Small Umbrella Under the Rain, Some Things Are Meant To Be, and a gravity-defying piece for any female theater aficionado, Astonishing which Caisa has taken upon herself to conquer.

The show also stars Lora Nicolas as Meg, Cara Barredo as Beth, Kelly Lati as Amy, Jeff Arcilla as Professor Bhaer, Jack Salud as John Brooke, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd as Mrs. Kirk, and Rep veterans Joy Virata as Aunt March, Miguel Faustmann as Mr. Laurence, and Ms. Pinky Marquez as Marmee (who according to Caisa and Jaime, sings a very moving Days of Plenty).

Little Women marks Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo’s sophomoric undertaking as director. Her last piece was Stages’ West Side Story starring Christian Bautista and Karylle. For Little Women, she is joined by assistant director Rem Zamora, conductor Gerard Salonga for the FILharmoniKA orchestra, set designer Joey Mendoza, costume designer Tuxqs Rutaquio, and John Batalla for the lighting design.
* * *
The show will run from Nov. 20 to Dec. 12, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with matinees at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Onstage, second floor, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati.
For ticket inquiries and further information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926, 571-4941, or e-mail info@repertory-philippines.com.Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

SLACK IS CUT

Apparently, a busy guy is capable of some downtime. And that's exactly what I had today. I mean besides the usual morning to mid-afternoon stress, I had pretty light day today... and most importantly some semblance of normalcy in my life. Today was my pal Rina's birthday. She was one of my sister and mother figures in SM and it's so nice that we've managed to stay in touch. Of course, the whole kooky and zany bunch of the marketing group was there to belt their hearts out to MUSIC 21... but more importantly, it's the company that you keep, even after your time with a company is over, that really just sticks with you. I love my SM family... I'll forever be a part of them, even if technically, I don't work for Men's Fashion anymore...

And then, I headed to Tata's surprise birthday party where Kirk, Deb, and some of her other friends prepared a carnival-themed party for her - replete with cotton candy, sorbetes, nachos, a candy buffet, and drinking games where you can possibly win a stuffed toy if you get luck. How cool right? It was just fun and good vibes all throughout the evening, and I guess I just really missed my friends. With my schedule for Wedding Singer, and the work that follows me 'til the wee hours of the morning, sometimes I can't catch a breath anymore. Thankfully today, I did =) And I feel reenergized moving forward to the hell week that is this week. Goodbye social life, hello prod week for Wedding Singer which opens in October 23 =)

Cheers to one of the cutest couples in the world, and congrats Kirk on the championship =)

WHAT I ATE TODAY:
Breakfast:
none

Lunch:
none

Merienda:
Venti Creme Brulee Macchiato
3-Cheese and Ham Sandwich



Dinner:
Watermelon Shake
Lemonade
Pasta Telefono
3 slices of Bread
Mozarella Dip

Rina's Birthday:
Yakimeshi Rice
Fish Fillet
Fries
2 Chicken Wings
1 serving of pancit
1 glass of iced tea

Tata's Birthday:
1 pc. hotdog
Nachos w/ Beef and Cheese
Cotton Candy
1/2 bottle of beer
1 shot of brandy
Sour Tape
Gummi Bears

EXERCISE:
none


WEIGHT:
191.5 pounds
(gained three pounds... oh nyo)

Friday, October 15, 2010

HIGHER AND HIGHER

On to the next one... Just finished successful shows at the Venice Piazza at the McKinley Hill. Now pulling an all-nighter working on the souvenir program for WEDDING SINGER THE MUSICAL. Ika nga ni mareng Nikki Valdez who message me on Facebook, ang hirap nga naman kumayod but we love what we're doing so we keep doing it...

All I know is, it took me a lifetime to get to this point. And now that my folks are finally supportive of what I wanna do, then I gotta do everything it takes to safeguard and protect this. Higher and higher... yep. Indeed.

Saw the cutest chow-chow by the way the other day while having lunch with my pal Caisa... How cute is this. I wanna have one, trained and all, with instant affinity and liking towards me, without the burden and hassle of having to raise it. AKA. Robo-Chow-Chow.



WHAT I ATE TODAY:
Breakfast:
none

Lunch:
none

Merienda:
4 pcs. takoyaki.. right next to our ad for Wedding Singer which came out in Inquirer today. woot woot!


Dinner:
5 pcs. mozarella sticks with dip
5 pcs. chicken fingers with gravy
1/2 fried chicken from Mc Do
3 spoons of rice
5 sips of coffee

EXERCISE:
none


WEIGHT:
189.5 pounds

Thursday, October 14, 2010

MISERY

You can be riding on top of the world yet still feel the full weight of the universe on your shoulder. Sometimes, seriously, a guy just needs a break. Thank God for my passion - it's my new security blanket. It's the new Energizer that keeps me going. On to the next one =)




Here's something that does cheer me up: BON CHON. Oh god, I'd kill for a dozen of these right now.

WHAT I ATE TODAY:
Breakfast:
none

Lunch:
3 cups Corned Beef Rice 
Sunny Side Up Egg
3 pcs. hotdog

Dinner:
1/2 Bacon Pasta (which sucked by the way)
Nachos w/ Beef and Cheese
Some of Anna and Shelyn's pasta

EXERCISE:
none

WEIGHT:
189.5 pounds

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

TARGETS UNACHIEVED

REPOSTING FROM MONDAY...

TOMORROW'S TARGET (Monday Oct.11):
- eat breakfast
- eat less
- jog in the Polo Field before rehearsals
- no ice cream and late dinner

Eat Breakfast? Nope. I still skipped it. Because the minute I got up, I started working. 
Eat less? I think so. Well I didn't eat as much as Monday. 
Jog in the polo field? Nope. because work got in the way.
No Icream? Well, yes, I didn't have ice cream.
Late Dinner? Well, I had a late snack.

WHAT I ATE TODAY:
Breakfast:
none

Lunch:
Spaghetti Vongole
3-cheese Ensaymada
Queso de Bola dip
1 glass of Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea

Dinner:
2 pc. Combo Kebab w/ Rice
2 glasses of Dalandan Sangria
2 pcs. sticky rice
1/2 serving of nachos

I'm getting busier and busier by the day. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Let's go! I have to regain my social life back though. haha. =)



WEIGHT
188.5 pounds

- 2000 and THIN

Monday, October 11, 2010

THEATER IS LIKE A DRUG

Theater is like a drug. Imagine having a meeting from 2pm to 2am on a Saturday... yet loving every single minute of it. You feel like you can go on and on, discussing things because well, it's your passion. And what's better is that it's a shared passion by people whose passion are definitely overflowing. I feel driven to go from day to day because I love what I'm doing. I love it so much that it becomes me, it becomes who I am. I am what I do, and I love every single minute of it.

It took me a lifetime to get to this point - and now that I'm here, well, I just gotta do my best and God will do the rest. Lord, thank you for this opportunity to do something that will carve a mark in people's lives, for allowing me to enable people to grow in their own crafts, and for enabling me to grow with people who are willing to entrust me with the kind of responsibilities that people would have to work all their lives for. Help me protect them and nurture them and embrace them wholeheartedly that I emerge a better person who made a difference in people's lives.



WHAT I ATE TODAY:
Breakfast:
none

Lunch:
6 pcs. Crazy Maki
Watermelon Shake
Fillet Mignon Tips with Mushroom Penne

Dinner:
Shabu-Shabu
1 serving of fried rice
1 serving of fish with tofu
1 glass of pineapple juice

Late Dinner:
1 Large Fries
1 Oreo McFlurry

WEIGHT:
193.5 pounds

EXERCISE:
none

TOMORROW'S TARGET:
- eat breakfast
- eat less
- jog in the Polo Field before rehearsals
- no ice cream and late dinner