"MASTERCLASS"

Due to insistent public demand, Philippine Opera Company will re-stage the Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning show, MASTERCLASS, about the legendary opera diva Maria Callas. This moving drama depicts the fictional class conducted by Callas at the end of her career for three students during which she recounts her long tumultuous life as opera’s grand dame and reveals rare glimpse of her private life as paramour to the billionaire Aristotle Onassis.

Starring Philippine Cinema and Theater’s diva, Ms. Cherie Gil who garnered outstanding reviews and consistent standing ovations from her portrayal of Maria Callas last 2008.

She was cited twice as Best Actress in Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Best of Theater 2008, “Cherie Gil: A Revelation” quotes Ms. Rosalinda Orosa of Philippine Star. “Cherie Gil played legendary opera diva Maria Callas with the supreme confidence of someone who knows no one has ever been better than her. Last year, no one was. “, says Exie Abola of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

MASTERCLASS will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza with performances on July 29, 30, 31, August 5, 6, 7,12,13, 14 and 15, 2010. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Directed by Michael Williams.

For show and block buyers call 09158036544 / (02)5032336

Location: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati City

The Wedding Singer, The Musical Comedy

Watch 'The Wedding Singer, The Musical Comedy' on its 1st weekend run! :)

Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy

Based on the 1998 film THE WEDDING SINGER

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Orchestra Center — Php 1,400
Orchestra Side — Php 1,200
Loge Center — Php 1,200
Loge Side — Php 1,100
Balcony Center — Php 700
Balcony Side — Php 600

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Please contact the following for ticket reservations:

Ava
0917 830 0282
ava.velasquez@gmail.com

Cla
0917 885 2526 / 0922 835 1585
clebibadoobi@yahoo.com

Dindy
0910 200 1217
ms_dindy@yahoo.com

Mai
0917 500 8775
mai.dalman@yahoo.com

“DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN” RETURNS IN MAY 2010

COMEDY
STARRING JOEL TRINIDAD
DIRECTED BY: MICHAEL WILLIAMS AND CATHY AZANZA-DY

MAY 14 (FRI) 8PM
MAY 15 (SAT) 8PM
MAY 16 (SUN) 8PM
RCBC THEATER, AYALA AVENUE COR. BUENDIA AVE.

Php1,000 for orchestra center
Php500 for orchestra side and loge
Php300 for balcony

FOR TICKETS: TICKETWORLD AT 8919999 OR www.ticketworld.com.ph.


“I laughed so hard my sides ached and tears ran down my face!”

“The show is so funny and so true!”

“What a hilarious and insightful show!”

“This play can save marriages… I’m not kidding!”

These are just some of the comments overheard during Valentine's weekend at the Insular Life Theater in Alabang, where audiences had just seen local theater veteran Joel Trinidad perform in "Defending the Caveman," the longest-running one-man comedy show in Broadway history, which has sold over 8 million tickets worldwide in 16 different languages.

The show, with its hilariously true insights into the differences between men and women, was greeted upon its Philippine premiere with uncontrollable laughter, knowing nods of agreement, and a resounding standing ovation!

And now, to satisfy the countless requests for a repeat engagement, "Defending the Caveman" returns on May 14(Friday), 15(Saturday), and 16(Sunday). All 3 dates are at 8:00pm and will be held this time at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, Podium 4, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue cor Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

Joel Trinidad reprises his role as the Caveman. Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy direct. “Defending the Caveman” is brought to you by CTE Productions and Theater Mogul in cooperation with the San Miguel 632-BEER (2337) Home Delivery Service. With the special participation of Crossover 105.1, U92 Cool 2BU, 96.3 Easy Rock.

Tickets are at Php1,000 for orchestra center, Php500 for orchestra side and loge, Php300 for balcony and are available at Ticketworld. Call 8919999 or log on to their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph. You may also text 09175378313, call 2150788, or email theatershowbusiness@gmail.com to order tickets.

Avenue Q - Matinee (March 20) tickets

Don't miss this hilarious smash Broadway hit produced by Atlantis Productions!

Tickets are P600, 800, 1000, 1300 and 1500

Saturday, March 20, 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC

Get your tickets now!
Contact 0917 532 4785.

Ateneo Blue Repertory's ZANNA, DON'T!

Ateneo Blue Repertory, the country's premier college musical theatre organization, closes its 18th season with Zanna, Dont!---A Musical Fairytale.

Zanna, Don't! takes place in a topsy-turvy world where homosexuality is the norm and the heteros must battle anti-straight prejudice. Set in Heartsville High, the plot revolves around Zanna, a teen fairy matchmaker and the hell that breaks loose when a boy and a girl, fall in love with each other. Providing a fresh perspective, it allows audiences to understand love and relationships from a different point of view.

Under the direction of Carelle Mangaliag and RR Herrera, and musical direction of Felix Rivera (Musical Director, blueREPs High School Musical, Performer, Avenue Q) and Pauline Gaerlan (Musical Director, blueREP's All Shook Up, Tick, Tick...Boom!) .

February 17, 2010 at 8:00pm to March 6, 2010 at 10:00pm
Rizal Mini-Theatre, Ateneo de Manila University

For Ticket Inquiries, you may contact Cassie Manalastas at 09178969797.


BILLING CREDITS:

ZANNA, DONT!

Book, Music, and Lyrics by TIM ACITO
Additional Book and Lyrics by ALEXANDER DINELARIS
Originally produced Off-Broadway by Jack M. Dalgleish in association with Stephanie A. Joel
New York Premiere presented by Amas Musical Theatre: Rosetta LeNoire, Founder;
Donna Trinkoff, Producing Director; Orchestrations and Arrangements by Edward G. Robinson

Zanna Don't is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY. 10018.(866) 378-9758
www.theatricalrights.com

SONG OF JOSEPH at CCP this March 7, 2010!

Watch "Song of Joseph" on March 7, 3 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The first original Filipino full-length musical on St. Joseph is based on books and lyrics by Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, music by Mar Jeannelle and Raymond Roldan produced by Fr. Ron Alkonga, OS.

Auditions for SLEEPING BEAUTY on March 22, 2010, 430-8pm at REP Karrivin Plaza

Auditions for Repertory Philippines’ production “SLEEPING BEAUTY” will be held at the Rep office, C2-A, Building C, 2316, Karrivin Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.

Auditions will be on March 22 (Monday) @ 4:30 PM. Must sing songs from the musical.
Pieces may be picked up at the Rep office.

Sleeping Beauty will run from August 14 - December 10, 2010.

The production is in search of actors for the following roles:

Blue Faun - Male, dancer (Balletic training a plus.)

Princess Melisande - Female, ingénue, Lyric Soprano, must move well, dance training a plus. Pheobe - Female, Soprano, dancer.

Sybil - Female, Soprano, dancer (balletic training a plus)

Minerva - Female, Soprano or Mezzo, character- comedic

Trollarina - Female or male, character-comedy, Baritone or Mezzo, must move well.

King - Male, Baritone, regal bearing

Queen - Female, Soprano

Prince - Handsome, look 25, able to sing simple song.

(The Prince appears at the end of the show, has a few lines and sings a short song. He need not attend all rehearsals but must be available during production week from August 2 to 13.) Chorus Female / Male – all voices; must be able to move well.

Actors must be available to do shows during the day. They must be able to speak English well. They must also be available during production week from August 2 to 13. Rehearsals are 4 – 7 Monday to Friday starting June 7, 2010.

Those interested to audition are requested to bring their bio-data and one close up and one full body photograph. For details, please contact Ms. Ayam Barredo at telephone no. 887-0710.

Joy Virata directs.

Ateneo Blue Repertory's ZANNA, DON'T! runs from February 17 to March 6, 2010!

Ateneo Blue Repertory, the country's premier college musical theatre organization, closes its 18th season with Zanna, Dont!---A Musical Fairytale.

Zanna, Don't! takes place in a topsy-turvy world where homosexuality is the norm and the heteros must battle anti-straight prejudice. Set in Heartsville High, the plot revolves around Zanna, a teen fairy matchmaker and the hell that breaks loose when a boy and a girl, fall in love with each other. Providing a fresh perspective, it allows audiences to understand love and relationships from a different point of view.

Under the direction of Carelle Mangaliag and RR Herrera, and musical direction of Felix Rivera (Musical Director, blueREPs High School Musical, Performer, Avenue Q) and Pauline Gaerlan (Musical Director, blueREP's All Shook Up, Tick, Tick...Boom!) .

Zanna, Dont opens on February 17, 2010 and runs until March 6 at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo De Manila University.

For Ticket Inquiries, you may contact Cassie Manalastas at 09178969797.


BILLING CREDITS:
ZANNA, DONT!
Book, Music, and Lyrics by TIM ACITO
Additional Book and Lyrics by ALEXANDER DINELARIS
Originally produced Off-Broadway by Jack M. Dalgleish in association with Stephanie A. Joel
New York Premiere presented by Amas Musical Theatre: Rosetta LeNoire, Founder;
Donna Trinkoff, Producing Director; Orchestrations and Arrangements by Edward G. Robinson

Zanna Don't is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY. 10018. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

Dalawang Dula para kay Juan, Uncle Sam, at the Moled One featuring "HELLO PHILIPPINES" & "TITSER'S ACT"

The UP Repertory Company proudly presents its TwinBill Production Dalawang Dula para kay Juan, Uncle Sam, at the Moled One
featuring "HELLO PHILIPPINES" and "TITSER'S ACT"

Showdates:
Feb 2 (1pm and 4pm) College of Saint Benilde
Feb 13, 15, 20, (3 and 6pm), College of Engineering Theater, UP Diliman


Hello Philippines, a one act musical, is a humorous take on call center culture. Team leader Tiffany tells five agents from his team that one of them is going to get axed. The twist, however, is that he will leave that decision to the five agents. So now, it’s up to ex-tibak Anton, clueless rich girl Berni, the slutty Toni, the probinsyanong Brichi, and the overly religious Elsa to do whatever it takes to keep their jobs. Whatever it takes.

Hello Philippines is viciously funny and holds nothing sacred as it skewers the “call center lifestyle”, a life cycle born out of fast money and desperation, shifting body clocks, and too much coffee, beer, and cigarettes. It attempts to put into perspective all the sacrifices one makes to stay in such an environment, albeit in an entertaining manner.


Titser's Act

Set in a humble urban precinct poll a day before the 2010 national polls, the play centers around three public school teachers and their colorful commentaries on the issues lurking around the election.

From semi-electronic polls to mass killings, they dish out their conflicting remarks on each controversies served in a plate of wit and sarcasm. Teacher’s Act takes us to the shoes of the one person who has seen all the action and (mis)actions during elections – the teachers.



HELLO PHILIPPINES! will play back to back with TITSER'S ACT.

February 13, 15, 20 (3pm and 6pm)
Engineering Theatre
Both plays Written by Albert Cruz
Directed by Albert Cruz, Dax Carnay, and Albert Konrad de Luna


Cast:

Hello Philippines
Toni- Diana Marie Ampuan, Deng Ponce
Brichi- Marvin Salazar
Berna- Kristel Anne Perlas, Astrid Agbayani
Anton- Manuel Mesina III
Elsa- Carla Jill Masalonga


Titser's Act
Luzviminda- Dax Carnay
Dianne- Albert Cruz
Kristina- Albert Konrad de Luna


FOR TICKETS, Contact 0915-3497607 or 0915-4858246.
Email uprep@live.com

BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS.. a romantic musical comedy by Joel Trinidad, with music by Rony Fortich this Feb. 11-20, 2010!

Ateneo Blue Repertory
the premier musical theatre organization
of the Ateneo de Manila University
on its Eighteenth Year
presents

BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS
A romantic musical comedy by Joel Trinidad
With music by Rony Fortich

MARK, a young playwright, is putting the finishing touches on a play about finding the One Perfect Girl. The story is a thinly-veiled retelling of his failed relationship with NINA, who, unbeknownst to Mark, is starting to miss him, just a little. DEREK, Mark’s roommate and best friend, thinks that Mark would be better off actually meeting women instead of just writing about them, and is convinced that Mark should get out of his unhealthy funk and back in The Game.

Derek himself used to be a notorious playboy, an expert at The Game. But that was before he started dating SANDY. Gorgeous and flirtatious, yet apparently uninterested in commitment, Sandy is a female Derek—and it’s driving him crazy. He doesn’t know that Sandy, whose last boyfriend left her because she was too needy, earnest, and available, is also playing The Game, and is only feigning aloofness to keep Derek interested. One stormy night, while Derek and Sandy are out on yet another date, Nina suddenly shows up at Mark’s doorstep…

--------------------

This Valentine Season, blueREPERTORY offers you a romantic musical comedy that is sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you fall in love with love. With direction by JOEL TRINIDAD ("Avenue Q," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"), assistant direction by EMERITA ALCID-TRINIDAD, musical direction by FELIX RIVERA ("Avenue Q," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"), choreography by CECILLE MARTINEZ, lights design by MIYO STA. MARIA, and stage design by JIO JAVIER, BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS opens on February 11, 2010 at the Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University.


Complete show schedules are as follows:
Feb. 11, 8pm (Opening Night)
Feb. 12, 7pm
Feb. 13, 3pm and 7pm
Feb. 14, 3pm and 7pm
Feb. 18, 8pm
Feb. 19, 7pm
Feb. 20, 3pm and 7pm (Closing Night)

Tickets are sold for 120 php at the Kostka Extension, Ateneo de Manila University.

For reservations and other inquiries, contact NINA DE LEON at 0920-983-6215.

RENT The Musical this February!

Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, the time is now for RENT !

Show Dates of RENT:
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 (FRI) - 8pm
Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 (SAT) - 330pm & 8pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 (SUN) - 430pm & 8pm

9 Works Theatrical’s new production RENT shall open this year’s local musical theatre scene on February 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

RENT is set in New York City's gritty East Village, and this revolutionary rock musical is an imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. This unforgettable and timeless story of a group of starving artists, who, despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT with Book, Music and Lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson, has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates.

Robbie Guevara directs RENT .

The cast includes Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive; Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger's roommate and Nicole Asensio as Mimi Márquez, an exotic dancer with HIV.

The cast also features OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist; Noel Rayos as Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III, the local landlord and a former room mate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen; Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen's partner; and Cara Barredo, as Mimi Marquez (at certain performances).

Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag.

The RENT production team is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Director Robbie Guevara, Production Manager Weng Lopez, Musical Director Ceejay Javier, Vocal Coach Onyl Torres, Vocal Consultant Lionel Guico, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Engineer Rards Corpuz, Sound Designer Chuck Ledesma, PR / Publicity Director Toots O. Tolentino, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, and Stage Manager Jojo Amboy. Cast Photography by Jojit Lorenzo and Production Photography by Sundee Guevara.

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019
Tel.: (212) 541-4684; (212) 541-4684


For tickets, call 9 Works Theatrical at 557.5860/0917.890.1103 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com.

Source

National and College Theater Festival to Open

It’s their time to shine.

To highlight the outstanding theater achievements of university-based theater groups, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its National Committee on Dramatic Arts headed by Dr. Glecy Atienza, will be holding Tanghal, the fourth National University and College Theater Festival on February 1-5, 2010 as part of the Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF).

The event will feature a showcase of six exceptional theater performances that will be followed by a conference featuring international guest artists that will tackle the contributions of theater groups in the universities and colleges all over the Philippines in the hopes of forming a National Student Theater Alliance. The fourth Tanghal is aimed at marking the importance of university and college-based theater programs in the Philippine history.

This year’s fourth Tanghal is slated to take place in the National Capital Region (NCR), as the three previous theater festivals were held in the provinces. The first Tanghal was held in Iloilo City in 2007 and was hosted by the University of San Agustin and the Teatrokon Western Visayas Theater Network. In 2008, Tanghal moved to Zamboanga with the Western Mindanao State University and the local government unit of the City of Zamboanga playing hosts. For the third leg of the theater festival, Tanghal was held at Laguna, hosted by Colegio de San Juan Letran in Calamba in cooperation with the Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog, Inc., Linang Laguna Theater Network and the Lusong Luzon Theater Network.

The PIAF is annually held every February as per the Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed by former President Corazon Aquino in 1991 and is currently undertaken by NCCA headed by its chairman, Dr. Vilma Labrador and its executive director Cecile Guidote Alvarez. Commissioner Ricardo de Ungria, head of the Subcommission on the Arts, is the festival director of PIAF 2010.

For details, please contact RENE NAPEÑAS, Head of the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) and PIAF Media Director at 527-5529 or at numbers 097-5582656 / 09285081057 or VANESSA MARQUEZ, PIAF Deputy Festival Manager at 527-2209 or 0918-6380412. You can also call us at 527-2192 (loc. 612-615) or email us at ncca.paio@gmail.com.

Source

Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang

Dates available for booking of mobile presentations:
July 2009 to June 2010

Tatlong kinagigiliwang kuwento sa isang makulay na dula para sa mga bata at sa mga nakatatandang nais balikan ang hiwaga at pantasya ng mga salaysay mula ating paboritong Lola.


ANG PRINSIPENG MAHABA ANG ILONG
Noong unang panahon ay may isang prinsipe. Bunga ng isang sumpa, ipinanganak siyang may ilong na napakahaba. Dahil nais ng kanyang mga magulang na lumaki siya sa paniniwalang siya ay normal, hindi siya hinahayaang makalabas at tanging ang mga tao lamang na may kaibang ilong ang hinahayaang makapagtrabaho sa palasyo.

Isang araw, pinagbigyan siya ng mga magulang na makalabas ng palasyo at sa kanyang pamamasyal, malalaman ng Prinsipe ang katotohanan ukol sa kanyang kakatwang ilong. Ngunit makakatagpo rin siya ng tunay na kaibigan. Ang pagkakaibigan bang iyon ay sapat para mabali ang sumpa?


ANG BINIBINING TUMALO SA MAHAL NA HARI
Noong unang panahon, sa Kaharian ng Tondo ay may isang dalaga na bantog sa kanyang pambihirang ganda at talino. Bagaman isa lamang siyang anak ng utusan ay inibig siya ng prinsipe. Hindi sang-ayon ang datu sa pag-iibigan ng dalawa kung kaya’t nag-isip siya ng paraan para sila ay mapaghiwalay.

Tatlong hamon sa katalinuhan ang sunod-sunod na ipinadala sa kanya ng Datu. Mapatunayan kaya niya na ang kanyang talino ang tatalo sa hari at magbibigay sa kanya ng karapatang umibig kabila ng pagkaka-iba ng kanilang antas sa lipunan.


ANG PRINSIPENG DUWAG
Noong unang panahon ay may prinsipeng saksakan ng duwag. Dahil rito ay pinalayas siya ng kanyang Amang Hari. Sa kaniyang paglalakbay ay nakarating siya sa kalapit na kaharian kung saan niya nakilala ang isang maganda at matapang na prinsesa. Silang dalawa ay nagkaibigan at hindi nagtagal ay nagpakasal. Iniatang sa prinsipe and katungkulang maging pinuno ng hukbo.

Paano kaya pamumunuan ng isang prinsipeng hindi naniniwala sa pakikipaglaban ang isang hukbo? Mapatunayan kaya niya ang kaniyang pagmamahal sa harap ng mga matatapang na Gurko?

Source

BOTO.... Another Musical

Boto-boto-boboto-bonana-fanna-fo-foto-fee-fy-momoto-boto

Written by Vince De Jesus, Liza Magtoto, & Anj Heruela
Directed by Phil Noble

February 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, March 5-7, 2010
10am and 3pm

This play on voter's education is not just about the election, but about being a concerned citizen that may want change. Set in vaudeville style, the play is cast with 10 actors who do multiple roles in multiple stories. Generally episodic, the narrator, who plays an instrument live and sings some originally composed tacky campaign jingles, weaves the stories and comments on the scene and segues to the next. He may sometimes ask the audience for their opinion on controversial issues. Generally, the scenes may sound serious, but the attack is really comedy.

The stories follow the chronology of the election process, thus beginning with the voter's registration and ending with the need for vigilance even after election.

The first story is about an idealistic TEENAGER who wants to register, but his jaded GRANDPARENTS, supported by his apathetic cousin, try to stop him and question his idealism. This is followed by the episode on a couple who rely on vending bananaque and occasional work in construction for their income. As the WIFE tries to go to the miting de avance of a candidate she hates, she and her HUSBAND fight for their own opposing candidates, but actually in so doing, fight about the qualities they hate about each other.

We then center on the AMO and YAYA. The amo requires her personal staff to vote for a particular candidate who perpetuates political dynasties and feudal politics. Truth is, yaya wants to end her feudal relationship with her amo, who is ironically like a daughter to her, and she can't bring herself to vote for that questionable candidate, who may be the amo's secret lover.

A series of "what if" situations are then shown, exhibiting a future where automated machines may dictate the winner or where training schools for future leaders may be run, but the question is who will program these machines and run these schools?

The narrator then asks if automation may prevent cheating, and he sings about situations where it may not, thus necessitating the voter's vigilance.

One of such situations involve vote buying, which happens to a bloc of voters - the gay parloristas. The unity of this bloc of voters may break when one of them become disgruntled with recent events and think of leaving the country. But then, they are given more "equal" opportunities if they do vote for a certain candidate.

Guarding the process after the votes through people's participation in governance becomes the theme in the story about a voter who is thrown into our own world, and who comes from an ideal parallel universe. She tries to assert her right as a citizen, and discovers she can employ the people's initiative to oust their mayor. Instead, she is hounded by authorities. Her twin in this parallel universe couldn't care less, but she is the one imprisoned instead.

A miting de avance happens and all candidates fight for their posts. In a production number involving a sexy dancer and grandparents who indignify themselves, they later strip themselves of the gimmickry and along with enlightened voters, say simply what they want. The narrator leaves the audience with a question about what they want for their country, and how they may want to get it.

Source

JOEL TRINIDAD in "DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN"

Directed by MICHAEL WILLIAMS

Caveman is a nationwide comic phenomenon!

“Hysterically funny! As someone who has covered the theater off and on for a couple of decades, I'm as jaded as the next journalist, but I have to say that Caveman made me laugh until tears rolled down my cheeks. People were holding their sides. The woman sitting next to me laughed until she choked.

Caveman proceeds, with compassion as well as humor, to outline the idea that there are real reasons for our differences, possibly even genetic reasons whose origins are buried in the millennia of human evolution; and instead of judging the opposite sex according to one's own gender based standards, it is possible to recognize the differences and accept them without hostile judgment.

Caveman sends you out of the theater with a smile on your face. You feel less alone. Couples who were arguing before the performance stroll out into the night afterward holding hands. You know there's going to be some serious snuggling going on when they get home. Seems to me that's well worth the price of admission.

"Despite the club-wielding Neanderthal ring of its title, "Defending the Caveman," is a surprisingly sweet, gently comic, even sentimental little celebration of the male and female of the species.

Writer Rob Becker has found a way to mine the commonplaces of heterosexual relationships that goes straight to the funny bone. His affection for women, in tandem with his light-hearted defense of men, puts him in a win-win situation. In his hands, the fireworks of the sexual revolution have been melted into friendly fire.

“DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN is so perceptive, so witty, so sweetly understanding, you can’t help feeling exhilarated!”

"Men take your woman, women grab your guy!"

"The sensation of the year!"

"Outrageously funny! Caveman explores all of the things that make men and women fight, laugh, and love."

"Caveman is a blockbuster!"

"Hilarious! Probes the male mystique with a well-aimed spear."

If good theater is supposed to show an audience something of themselves, then "Defending the Caveman" is platinum-plus. Both sexes roar with pleasure in recognition of their own foibles and each others' flaws”

"When I saw Defending The Caveman, I knew I had a new homework assignment for my couples in therapy."

- Anna Beth Benningfield, President Emeritus, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

"The world needs to see Caveman!"

- Lillian Glass, Ph.D., Author "He Says, She Says, Closing The Communication Gap Between The Sexes"

"One of the funniest evenings of my life!"

- Warren Farrell, Author "Why Men Are The Way They Are "


TICKETS - PhP2000, PhP1500, PhP500

For tickets reservation:
+6 9 1 5 8 0 3 6 5 4 4

C O M E and W A T C H ! ! !

Repertory Philippines’ Season 2010

For 2010, Repertory has selected for its season an exciting selection of shows sure to stimulate local theatre lovers.

The Season starts off with the Philippine premiere of Peter Quitter’s new romantic comedy, DUETS. Scheduled for mid-January to the end of the month, DUETS is four different vignettes with four sets of characters. Set in glorious comedy, the play explores the hilarious nuances of love in seemingly impossible, but extremely funny situations. Joy Virata and Miguel Faustmann take on all four sets of characters, providing rollicking entertainment as they go through costume and character changes onstage. DUETS is directed by Ana Abad Santos. Playdates are January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 8PM, with 3:30PM matinees on January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31.

Still high on love and laughter, February is ROMEO AND BERNADETTE, Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy. Directed by Joy Virata, the story promises to be uproariously funny. A take-off from good old Shakespeare, you’d think Romeo died? Well, he didn’t. He just took a sleeping potion and wakes up in Broadway in 1960. And he doesn’t fall in love with dear Juliet; instead he runs after someone he thinks IS Juliet, but is not. Because she’s Bernadette and she just happens to be the daughter of a local mobster. That being said, this musical is sure to be a bag of real fun for everyone. Catch it on February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8PM, and on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 for the 3:30 PM matinees.

As stark contrast to the lightness and gaiety of the first two offerings, the month of July brings on EQUUS, Peter Shaffer’s powerful, riveting drama that invades the dark corners of the human psyche. The play focuses its light on the naked reality of what contemporary society can do to the beauty that once was the human soul. This now-considered classic of our time will be performed on July 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8PM, and with matinees on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 3:30PM.

Repertory has always had a special place for young audiences through Children’s Theatre. And 2010 is the year for the adaptation of the well-loved fairytale SLEEPING BEAUTY, set to music. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Eiler, this show is sure to set the hearts of everyone, both old and young alike, singing to the melodies that include “I’m So Mad”, “It’s Lovely To Be A Troll”, and “Spinning Song”. SLEEPING BEAUTY is set for August 14th to December 10th.

As a perfect ending to the company’s Season, Repertory presents LITTLE WOMEN, Louis May Alcott’s classic. Set to music by Jason Howard, with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, the musical is an exceptional offering for the Season of giving and of love. The story, with its warm, feel-good theme focuses on the March family, Marmee and her four girls, and is a timeless reminder of what family is truly all about. Directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, LITTLE WOMEN is set for November 19th to December 12th.

All Repertory performances are at ONSTAGE, 2nd floor, Greenbelt One, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati. For tickets and inquiries, please call 887-0710 or log on to repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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N.O.A.H. the Musical from TRUMPETS on January 16 and 17 2010

The Trumpets Inc. stage group is back on stage with two rescheduled dates for postponed performances of N.O.A.H (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat), a modernized fable based on the biblical story of Noah's Ark.

Dates: January 16 & 17.
Place: Meralco Theater, Ortigas Theater.
Tickets: 515 to 1,236 pesos through the

More on DUETS.. showing this January 15-21, 2010 in Makati City!

DUETS is a stage comedy for two actors by Peter Quilter, author of "Glorious!" and "End of the Rainbow".

Repertory Philippines brings DUETS to Manila this January 15 - 21, 2010 at OnStage
2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Duets is directed by Ana Bitong.

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A GLORIUOSLY FUNNY EXAMINATION OF LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS AND WHY THE GRASS IS NEVER GREENER.

A Philippine Premiere of a New Romantic Comedy by the author of GLORIOUS!

Four sets of characters, four crucial moments; Jonathan and Wendy are on a blind date and hope their bad taste is only in their clothing and not in a prospective partner; Barrie is gay and Janet wishes he wasn’t; Shelley and Bobby are divorcing on a holiday in Spain but drunk on emotion; Angela is about to marry for the third time and brother Toby hates the dress, the groom, the party and only wants the best for her—really. All played by two actors in a fast, furious and hilarious tribute to humankind. If you like Neil Simon – you’ll love this!

Duets is four vignettes performed by two actors that explores the lighter side of romance and relationships. Theatrically brilliant, Duets is created for the audience to witness the magic of theatre as actors perform costume changes onstage as the scenery shifts to the next story - all written as part of the performance.

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A Little Night Music (Musical) starring DAWN ZULUETA in October 2010!

What it is about...

A Little Night Music is a Musical inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles of a Summer Night.

A Little Night Music recounts the romantic complications that befall mismatched lovers as they spend a deliriously mad-capped weekend at a country estate. It is a whimsical and magical musical that asks whether love is the meaning of life. It also features the most popular song in the Sondheim catalog, Send in the Clowns, and is the winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical.

A Little Night Music provides a rare opportunity to stage a dream musical with Dawn Zuluete as the female lead.

Sponsorship, showbuying and fundraising opportunities for A Little Night Music are now available. Call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.

A Little Night Music is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

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MORE ON CATS, THE MUSICAL featuring GRIZABELLA

Grizabella is the "Glamour Cat" in the musical production Cats. She does not appear in T. S. Eliot's work Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but she is a prominent character in the stageplay. It appears that she is the feline version of the woman mentioned in T.S. Eliot's poem "Rhapsody on a Windy Night".

Remark the cat
Who hesitates toward you in the light of the door
Which opens on her like a grin.
You see the border of her coat is torn
Is torn and stained with sand,
you see the corner of her eye
Twists like a crooked pin.”

The character of Grizabella featured in an unpublished poem that T. S. Eliot wrote for his godchildren, intending to include it in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. However, as his widow, Valerie Eliot pointed out, he thought it was too "sad for children" and so didn't include it in the finished work. Valerie Eliot came to the 1980 Sydmonton Festival concert where Andrew Lloyd Webber premiered some of his settings of the Old Possum poems, and gave him the paper with the fragment of Grizabella written on it. From there Lloyd Webber and director Trevor Nunn incorporated the Grizabella poem as a main strand of the plot of the show.

Grizabella is, at the time of her appearance, a very old cat, withered by her age to the point that she no longer resembles the proud, carefree, flamboyant dancer of her youth. Her fellow Jellicles are quite repulsed by Grizabella's dishevelled condition, and taunt her.

Possibly because of this, it is Grizabella whom Old Deuteronomy consigns to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. During her change, Grizabella sings the song "Memory", which has been thought of by audiences as a very emotionally touching, profound, and even mysterious composition. It has been recorded by over 150 different artists, including Barry Manilow, Michael Crawford, and Barbra Streisand.

Another interpretation of Grizabella's past is that she left the Jellicle tribe to explore the outside world ("Grizabella the Glamour Cat"), despite knowing that she would never be allowed back in. The other cats shun her for leaving them, despite that she wants to be with them again. After several attempts to gain their acceptance, Grizabella's emotional appeal (represented by "Memory") is accepted; seeing how much that she is suffering, she is chosen to be reborn.

The name Grizabella is probably derived from "grizzle" which means either "grey" or "disheveled", and "belle" which means "beauty". Hence "Grizabella"; "The grey beauty" or "the disheveled beauty".

The role of Grizabella was originated by Elaine Paige in the West End production, who later reprised the role for the video. In the first Broadway production, Grizabella was played by Betty Buckley. Buckley won the Tony Award for outstanding achievement in the theater in 1983 for playing Grizabella. Laurie Beechman headed the First National Company of Cats and in 1984 she replaced Buckley. Beechman stayed with the show for more than four years and made occasional return engagements over the next decade. Dee Roscioli played the role in the US National Touring Company in 2003-2004. Dianne Pilkington (2006-2007) & Chrissie Hammond (2007-2008) played the role in the recent UK National Tour (2006-2008).

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CATS will be shown in Manila on July 24, 2010.
More on CATS here.