Review of BITUING WALANG NINGNING The Musical: Nostalgic '80s Melodrama

June 18, 2015

"Bituing Walang Ningning" is best known to me as a Sharon Cuneta movie back in 1985. Christopher de Leon plays her discoverer and manager Nico Escobar. Ms. Cherie Gil turned the villainess role Lavinia Arguelles into an iconic character of Philippine cinema, with an immortal line about a "second-rate, trying hard copycat" that everyone knows by heart. I have vague memories about this film. Not really a fan of this type of films back then, I am not even sure I ever watched it completely. 

However, it turns out, "Bituin" started its life as komiks serial penned by the prolific writer, Nerissa Cabral. In 2006, this was also made into a TV series, starring Sarah Geronimo, Ryan Agoncillo and Angelika de la Cruz in the lead roles.

This time the multimedia hit takes on another incarnation -- a stage musical with a script written by Freddie Santos, who is also the director of this production by Resorts World Manila (RWM), Full House Theater Company in cooperation with Viva Communications, Inc. (Viva). The script includes 11 songs by Filipino pop maestro Willy Cruz. 

The show was first announced six months ago in January 2015. It did not even have a lead actress to play Dorina yet. A nationwide search was launched to search for this new star. And in March 2015, 19-year old Monica Cuenco from Leyte won the lead role. Cuenco seems to have lived the life of Dorina. She had been an orphan since age of eight and grew up with an aunt, making ends meet by selling puto and joining singing contests. She narrowly missed the big prize, placing second in the 2011 ABS-CBN reality talent show “Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Superstar” (won by Angeline Quinto).

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Luckily I was able to leave work by 4:15 pm, earlier than usual. There was a very strong downpour that afternoon and since it was the rush hour, there was very heavy traffic most of the way. I had to buy a burger to eat along the way for my dinner. I reached the Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater already 8:10 pm! 

Fortunately, they decided to delay the opening of the show to 8:30 pm since maybe there are notably still several empty seats in the supposedly sold out venue that gala opening night. Ceremonies were kicked off by RMW Chief Entertainment Officer Colin Kerr and Ms. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Their introductory speech was entertaining, because Kerr would sing the title every time he would mention it, and later Ms. Menchu did the same. 

Director and scriptwriter Freddie Santos confessed how nervous and pressured he was feeling, especially since the original writer of the story Nerissa Cabral and the composer of the 11 songs in the show Danny Cruz were both in the audience that night. I was half hoping Sharon Cuneta would be there, but no dice. 

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Dorina Pineda is a poor but spunky young girl who was also an obsessed big fan of singing pop-dance superstar Lavinia Arguelles. Lavinia's manager and boyfriend Nico Escobar discovers Dorina's own hidden prowess in singing. Nico decided to build Dorina up to provide competition and impart a lesson to the bratty and swell-headed Lavinia. However, as Dorina's star begins to rise, can she handle the intense intrigue that comes with success in show business?

All eyes are on newcomer Monica Cuenco in the lead role of Dorina. Her nerves and inexperience were quite evident in her acting and singing performances on this opening night. Even if they were melodically beautiful, her big showcase numbers "Pangarap na Bituin" and "Bituing Walang Ningning" did not possess not the flawless showstopping song deliveries you would expect for her to be convincing as the rising star seriously able to threaten the career of an established star. 

Her counter water-splashing scene did not work out perfectly as she again got water splashed on her as well. Her climactic conversation with Nico about their relationship in Act 2 meandered for a bit as she (and Mark) seemed to have missed some lines, as the English translations on the widescreen would betray.

It would not not fair to compare Monica with the previous Dorinas Sharon Cuneta and Sarah Geronimo, who were already big experienced stars when they got to play this role. Monica is experiencing an actual Dorina moment this night. This is only opening night and I understand the pressure she must have been feeling. She comes across as earnest and determined as she showed in her initial scenes. I hope she would be able to shake off these nerves and deliver more polished performances in the shows to come. As to matching Cuneta's and Geronimo's charisma and presence, that may be too much to ask.

Cris Villonco was the best overall performer in the show as she tackles Lavinia with such ferocious bitchiness, perpetually arched eyebrows and all. This showy role easily makes her the most explosive and memorable performer since everyone else was basically playing bland goody-goody roles. Villonco had measured campiness in her Lavinia that was delightful to watch, especially in that iconic water-splashing scene. I do wish she was given better songs to sing. While she sings them well, I did find it hard to accept her "Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat" and "Ang Boyfriend Kong Baduy" as big '80s pop-dance hits though.

Mark Bautista also had very strong stage presence. However, he seemed trapped in restraints the way his Nico Escobar was written as a character who had an eternal frown on his face as he grapples with deep thoughts. He definitely shines more when he gets to sing. His first song was the ballad "Sa Duyan ng Pag-Ibig" (originally a midtempo 1980 Metro Pop entry by Passionata) which was not too familiar. But his next two other songs were both very popular and Bautista delivered them with so much passion. This guy's voice was perfect for these classic Filipino pop ballads.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo obviously had fun with her featured role as entertainment journalist Edith, a role created to break the monotony of melodrama in the show. She mixed her intrigue-digging Inday Badiday character with touches of Maurice Arcache flair and Ogie Diaz cattiness, if you can imagine that. The "True or Untrue" segment in her show "Exclusively Edith" was hilarious, as she injected some Kris Aquino's "Deal or No Deal" into the mix. I was expecting Ms. Menchu to rip through a Willy Cruz ballad herself, but that was not to be as Edith did not have a song to sing.

Pinoy Dream Academy (2006) alumnus and finalist Ronnie Liang also had his share of the spotlight in his first musical theater venture as pianist and composer Garry Diaz. Liang had the height, looks and a good singing voice, but I felt his costume and makeup somewhat hampered his stage presence. Liang got to sing "Init sa Magdamag" (a duet with Karina Joy Macaspac) and an upbeat solo "Paikot-Ikot" (originally by Randy Santiago). 

Expect Jon Santos to steal all his scenes as Auntie, Dorina's flamboyantly gay uncle and guardian who ran his own sampaguita business. He gets to sing Cebuano folk song "Usahay" in an early scene with Dorina. In more minor non-singing roles were Michael Williams (who played Larry, a record company owner), Jay Roa (who played Zosimo, Nico's new business partner) and John Nite (who played Kuya Germs German Moreno with relish in his glittery coats and trademark accent). 

Unlike "Mamma Mia" and "Rak of Aegis" which took songs from one artist and incorporated them to tell the story of the play, "Bituing Walang Ningning" uses the songs of Willy Cruz mostly as song numbers of the singer characters only, not really material to the story being told at that moment. The only exceptions would be "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan" (sung by Nico, Dorina and Gary) and "Mahawi Man ang Ulap" (by Nico) which seemed apt for the situations when they were sung. The title song "Bituing Walang Ningning" was sung three times all in Act 2, but it was only at the final concert scene that it was in more meaningful in context.

(Photo Credit: JSS)

Those huge stars that adorned the stage during final concert scene were spectacular. However in some scenes, the huge stage could feel awkwardly empty. The colorful backdrop projections provided much needed help to keep things interesting. The occasional advertisements projected (notably) Aristocrat restaurant and Champion detergent) can be rather distracting. I also like the idea of having the actors also engage some members of the audience as they walked among the seats in the auditorium and shook their hands as if the audience were in attendance of the events portrayed during the show.

The live musical accompaniment was provided by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar. The lighting director Shakira Villa Symes was able to create perfect dramatic atmospheres for the showstopping ballad song numbers. The effort by the production designers to create an 80s atmosphere was commendable. Those huge cell phones were remarkable.Thankfully for those seated on the sides, there were live projections on both sides with English subtitles, which can be entertaining in themselves (like "baduy" is "hokey" and "pangarap na bituin" is "wished-for star").

Being opening night, there were still a number of mic glitches which marred some scenes.  I am sure the production has observed and noted down the opening night hitches in the acting styles, blocking issues, excess or awkward dialogue and various tech problems and correct them accordingly in order to further streamline the show.

With modern Filipino theater going into exciting new directions with "Sa Wakas", "Rak of Aegis" and "Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady", an old-fashioned melodramatic musical like this may find it hard to attract the younger audience who look for angst and excitement. The attraction of a musical like this though is very different. "Bituing Walang Ningning" evokes nostalgia for '80s showbiz and OPM, which is always fun to revisit for those who have lived it. (It was nice to hear "Kumusta Ka?" and "Points of View" again.) The multimedia success of this story is testament to its appeal among Filipinos. And as always, the musical talents of our Filipino artists cannot be overlooked. Kudos!


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"Bituing Walang Ningning" runs up to July 18, 2015 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, at 8 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays, and at 3 pm on Sundays. Tickets are care of TicketWorld and sold at these prices: SVIP PHP3,300, VIP PHP2,500, Gold PHP1,900, Silver PHP1,400 and Bronze PHP1,000. 

Recap of GAWAD BUHAY 2014: Awards Flood "Rak of Aegis"!

June 11, 2015

Last night, I was a witness to the seventh edition of Gawad Buhay Awards.  This local version of the Tony Awards as PHILSTAGE honors the best performances of the previous theater season among its members. 

Philstage is an umbrella organization of professional performing arts companies in the Philippines, including Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, PETA, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Trumpets, Actor’s Actors, 9 Works Theatrical and Philippine Opera Company. New among the roster of members are: Resorts World Manila’s Full House Theater Productions (eligible this year), Red Turnip Theater (eligible next year), and the newest company to join, Philippine Ballet Theater.

The show started promptly at 8 pm.   I could hear the show was already starting inside when I was still getting my ticket outside the Little Theater of the CCP. The emcee is the versatile and very funny actor Topper Fabregas. It seems I also missed an opening song number with Topper, Joaquin Valdes, Kim Molina and Red Concepcion (in drag wearing a corset!).

Nikki Gil (smashing in her body-hugging, bright orange gown) and her partner Steven Silva were already handing out the first set of awards.

Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance
Celina Dofitas, “Cinderella” (BP)
Edana Mae Labitoria, “Cinderella” (BP)
KATHERINE TROFEO, “Cinderella” (BP) (MY REVIEW)
Rita Winder, “Cinderella” (BP)

No nomination were cited for Male Featured Performance in Classical Dance.

Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance
Richardson Yadao, “Cinderella” (BP)
EARL JOHN ARISOLA, “Cinderella” (BP)

Denise Parungao

Female Lead Performance in Classical Dance
DENISE PARUNGAO, “Cinderella” (BP)
Monica Gana, “Cinderella” (BP)
Dawna Mangahas, “Nutkraker” (BM)

Philippine Ballet Theater number

Topper came out in a basketball jersey with a huge V in front and the name Tolits at the back. He is wearing one of the costumes from the first nominee for costume design, "Rak of Aegis". He introduced the special number from the newest member of Philstage, the Philippine Ballet Theater, who rendered a dance number.

Liza Magtoto and Margie Moran-Floirendo

Ballet Phils. president Ms. Margie Moran-Floirendo introduced the sole nominee and winner of Outstanding Original Libretto, LIZA MAGTOTO, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta). Ms. Magtoto dedicated her award to her "original Tolits", her Dad. There was no nominee for Outstanding Original Script.  Then, both of them presented the next award.

Outstanding Translation or Adaptation
Virgilio Almario and José Lacaba, “Mga Ama, Mga Anak” (TP)
ROLANDO TINIO, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP) (MY REVIEW)

Topper in his "Scrooge" costume. Unwashed since the run?

Topper came out in a nightgown with nightcap and scraggly beard worn in the next costume nominee, "Scrooge" by Rep. He joked that in true Rep tradition, that costume had not been washed since the show ended its run. 

The next presenters were Joaquin Valdes and Mailes Kanapi. 

Tami Monsod. "I'd like to say something in Filipino, but next year na lang."

Female Featured Performance in a Play
Pinky Amador, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
LIESL BATUCAN, “August: Osage County” (Rep) (MY REVIEW)
Sheila Francisco, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
TAMI MONSOD, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
Madeleine Nicolas, “Mga Ama, Mga Anak” (TP)

Male Featured Performance in a Play
Richard Cunanan, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
Hans Eckstein, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
YUL SERVO, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)
Dido dela Paz, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)
Marco Viaña, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)

Bituin Escalante. To her sister Kalila who lost to her, "Sagot ko drinks mo mamaya."

Female Featured Performance in a Musical
BITUIN ESCALANTE, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)  (MY REVIEW)
Kalila Aguilos, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Antoinette Taus, “Grease” (9WT)

Pepe Herrera dedicates his award to his mom who encouraged him to follow his heart. 

I did not catch his performance as Tolits in "Rak", may have to try to catch him in the re-run.

Male Featured Performance in a Musical
PEPE HERRERA, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)  (MY REVIEW)
Jerald Napoles, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Myke Salomon, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Juliene Mendoza, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Micko Laurente, “Kleptomaniacs” (TP)

A scene from "Sinta" by Dulaang Sibol

Next up was the presentation of the first Natatanging Gawad Buhay award, which is a lifetime achievement award. Before that, an excerpt from one of the awardee's works by his brainchild Dulaang Sibol, the musical "Sinta", was presented. 

Sir Onofre Pagsanghan, with Paul Dumol behind him

The first awardee was introduced and extolled by prominent playwright Paul Dumol. He is Mr. ONOFRE PAGSANGHAN, fondly called "Pagsi" by his students. Mr. Pagsi was very articulate, delivering his well-worded speech confidently without a script, calling himself a "very happy old man."

Nicco Manalo and group present a number from TP's "Kleptomaniacs" (MY REVIEW) (VIDEO)

Topper in his "La Revolucion Filipina" costume. For more audience impact. It worked!

Topper next came out on the stage practically naked with only a loin cloth and pencil-drawn abs on. This was from the nominated costume collection from the Ballet Philippine opus, "La Revolucion Filipina." 

The next presenters were Richard Cunanan and Shiela Francisco.

Carissa Adea

Female Lead Performance in Modern Dance
Dawna Mangahas, “Shutter” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
Monica Gana, “Duet” [from “Art of Dance”] (BP)
Kris-Belle Paclibar-Mamangun, “Salome” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
CARISSA ADEA, “Songs of the Wayfarer” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
Jessa Balote, “Sari’t Bahag” [from “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika: An OPM Festival”] (BM)

Richardson Yadao

Male Lead Performance in Modern Dance
Elpidio Magat, “Shutter” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
Earl John Arisola, “Duet” [from “Art of Dance”] (BP)
Rudy de Dios, “Aramica” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
Jean Marc Cordero, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)
RICHARDSON YADAO, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

No nominations were cited for Male and Female Featured Performance in Modern Dance.

Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production
BAM DAMIAN, “Aramica” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
Denisa Reyes, “Muybridge Frames” [from “Art of Dance”] (BP)
Bam Damian, “After Whom” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
Alice Reyes, “Bungkos Suite” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
Agnes Locsin, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

The cast of Kanser @ 35: The Musical

Following these awards, there was an operatic song number by the cast of the upcoming revival show from Gantimpala Theater Foundation, "Kanser @ 35: The Musical" featuring members of Viva Voce. 

Topper in his Full Gallop garb. He fit into Cherie Gil's costume?

Topper came back out wearing a black suit with a flowery shawl around him. This was a costume by Rajo Laurel from the third costume nominee "Full Gallop". He mentioned that he is different from Neil Patrick Harris because he is not paid for this gig, and that he only had one dresser with him. 

Karla Gutierrez from the Philippine Opera Company sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" to accompany the "In Memoriam" slideshow for departed members of the Philippine theater community. This list included young actor Aaron Ching and director Kokoy Jimenez.

Toots Tolentino (and his red shoes!) and Leloi Arcete

The next presenters were publicists Sir Toots Tolentino and Leloi Arcete to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the theater world.

Happy Constantino and Myke Salomon

Outstanding Sound Design
Jethro Joaquin, “Noises Off” (Rep)
Jethro Joaquin, “Wait Until Dark” (Rep)
MYKE SALOMON and HAPPY CONSTANTINO, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Bart Guingona, “Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)
Ryan Cayabyab (remastered by David Theo), “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

Outstanding Lighting Design
John Batalla, “Wait Until Dark” (Rep)
Katsch Catoy, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
Martin Esteva, “The Last 5 Years” (9WT)
Bart Guingona, “Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)
KATSCH CATOY, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

Ballet Philippines number

A beautifully haunting and athletic modern dance excerpt from "After Whom" followed performed by Ballet Philippines followed. 

Topper in his "Priscilla" costume. In his own words, he looked like a "green p*n*s"!

Topper came out wearing a neon green outfit with huge green afro wig from the fourth costume nominee "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

The next presenters were Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and partner Robie Zialcita.

Red Concepcion. His best role and performance ever!

Male Lead Performance in a Musical
RED CONCEPCION, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)
Joaquin Valdes, “The Last 5 Years” (9WT)
Nicco Manalo, “Kleptomaniacs” (TP)
Michael Williams, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)

Kim Molina. She looked genuinely shocked to win. 

I did not get to catch her as Aileen in "Rak", but I marveled at her voice as Viva in "Leading Lady". Hope to catch her in the rerun of "Rak".

Female Lead Performance in a Musical
Aicelle Santos, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Joan Bugcat, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
KIM MOLINA, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Nikki Gil, “The Last 5 Years” (9WT)
Tippy Dos Santos, “Grease” (9WT)

Maribel Legarda. "No, Myke Salomon and I are not having an affair."

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical
MARIBEL LEGARDA, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Jaime del Mundo, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)
Robbie Guevara, “The Last 5 Years” (9WT)

The next presenter was actress Sheenly Gener from Tanghalang Pilipino.

Mio Infante. On creating "ulan" and "baha".

Outstanding Set Design
MIO INFANTE, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Miguel Faustmann, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
Miguel Faustmann, “Noises Off” (Rep)
Mio Infante, “The Last 5 Years” (9WT)
Mio Infante, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

Carlo Pagunaling. The most emotional acceptance speech of the night!

Outstanding Costume Design
CARLO PAGUNALING, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Edgar San Diego, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Peta)
Rajo Laurel, “Full Gallop” (My Own Mann Productions/AAI and The Necessary Theatre)
Victor Ursabia, “La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)
Valeen Vicente, “Scrooge” (Rep)

The cast of "Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady" perform

The cast of the recently-concluded hit musical "Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady" by the newest theater company Dalanghita Productions presented an excerpt from their show. I daresay this show will be raking in its own awards next year.

Puppetry and Song number by Teatrong Mulat

A delicate puppet performance from Teatrong Mulat followed. This theater company was the brainchild of the second Natatanging Gawad Buhay awardee,  AMELIA LAPENA BONIFACIO. 

Ms. Bonifacio, with her former students behind her

She was lovingly introduced by Bibeth Orteza and Dennis Marasigan, who were her students in UP.  Ms. Bonifacio was also still very sharp, delivering her speech without a script. She recounted her encounter with Jim Henson, and how she told him to avoid showing on Sesame Street scenes showing wastage, like throwing pies in the face or breaking plates, since these are against Asian sensitivities. 

Joaquin Valdes and Nikki Gil

An excellent song number, an excerpt from "The Last 5 Years" (MY REVIEW) followed, featuring a pair whom Topper called "the most good-looking couple", Joaquin Valdes and Nikki Gil. (VIDEO)

The next presenters were Eladio Pamaran and May Bayot.

Chris Millado. Thanked both families he had the privilege to direct last year. They put the "FUN" in "DYSFUNCTIONAL."

Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play
CHRIS MILLADO, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
Miguel Faustmann, “Wait Until Dark” (Rep)
Bart Guingona, “Full Gallop” (My Own Mann/AAI)
Chris Millado, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)
Bart Guingona, “Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)

Gio Gahol

Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical
Nancy Crowe, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)
Gio Gahol, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Nestee Mamaril Gamilla, “Kleptomaniacs” (TP)

Myke Salomon. Winning for his first gig as Musical Director.

Outstanding Musical Direction
MYKE SALOMON, “Rak of Aegis” (Peta)
Inday Echevarria, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Full House)
Joseph Tolentino, “The Last Five Years” (9WT)

Jon Santos, Michael Williams and Red Concepcion sing "True Colors"

The next number was an excerpt from "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" with Jon Santos, Red Concepcion and Michael Williams singing Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" in their drag queen glory. I'd call this the best excerpt performance of the night. (VIDEO)

The next presenters were Sandino Martin, Bart Guingona, and Juilliard-bound TP actress Regina de Vera.

Female Lead Performance in a Play
Baby Barredo, “August: Osage County” (Rep)
CHERIE GIL, “Full Gallop” (My Own Mann/AAI) (MY REVIEW)
Liesl Batucan, “Wait Until Dark” (Rep)
Jennifer Blair-Bianco, “Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)
Gina Pareño, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)

Male Lead Performance in a Play
Spanky Manikan, “Mga Ama, Mga Anak” (TP)
ROBERT AREVALO, “Mga Ama, Mga Anak” (TP)
Jonathan Tadioan, “Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)
David Bianco, “Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)

Winners tonight Kim Molina and Pepe Herrera sing "Mahal Na Mahal Kita"

Three pairs from the long-running musical "Rak of Aegis" took the stage to sing selected songs from the show: Aicelle Santos and Jerald Napoles, Kim Molina and Pepe Herrera (both winners tonight) and finally, Kalila Aguilos and Lorenz Martinez. (VIDEO)

Antonette Taus and Guji Lorenzana

The final set of presenters were Antonette Taus (decked in an immaculate white gown with a deep plunging neckline) and Guji Lorenzana.

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Modern Dance
“ARAMICA” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
“Muybridge Frames” [from “Art of Dance”] (BP)
“After Whom” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
“Bungkos Suite” [from “The Blue Moon Series”] (BP)
“La Revolucion Filipina” (BP)

The winning ensemble of AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY 

(Pinky Amador, Sheila Francisco, Richard Cunanan, director Chris Millado, Tami Monsod)

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Play
“AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY” (Rep)
“Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)
“Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)

The winning ensemble of RAK OF AEGIS. 

Rak is the biggest winner of the night -- winning 11 of its 17 nominations!

Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical
“RAK OF AEGIS” (Peta)
“The Last 5 Years” (9WT)

No nomination was cited for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance

Chris Millado and Audie Gemora thanks the audience.

The show running more than three hours already, longer than "Leading Lady" as Topper wittily put it. Philstage president Audie Gemora hurriedly thanked everyone on and behind the stage for all the services rendered gratis, all for the love of Philippine Theater. 

I left after those "final" words since it was already very late. But it turns out, Topper ran out to remind the gentlemen that the show was not over yet! The final major awards were presented by Bibeth Orteza, Rafa Siguion Reyna, and none other than "Armida Siguion-Reyna" (of course, it was the hilarious Jon Santos dressed in Ms. Armida's trademark "Aawitan Kita" baro't saya!). Too bad I missed out on seeing that last part.

Outstanding Modern Dance Production
“Aramica” [from “Heart2Heart: Ballet & Ballads”] (BM)
“Muybridge Frames” [from “Art of Dance”] (BP)
“LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA” (BP)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Play
“AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY” (Rep)
“Full Gallop” (My Own Mann/AAI)
“Pahimakas sa Isang Ahente” (TP)
“Venus in Fur” (AAI/The Necessary Theatre)

Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical
“PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT” (Full House)
“The Last 5 Years” (9WT)

Outstanding Original Musical
“RAK OF AEGIS” (Peta)

There were no nominations cited for Outstanding Original Musical Composition, Outstanding Classical Dance Production, Outstanding Original Play and Outstanding Production for Children. 

Several stage performances were not eligible for awards because they were not staged by Philstage member theater organizations.  I hope university productions, like Dulaang UP or Tanghalang Ateneo, as well as other professional theater groups, like Atlantis or PhilStagers, will also be included in the Philstage roster in the future.

Mabuhay ang Teatrong Pilipino!

Recap of IDINA MENZEL LIVE IN MANILA 2015: Bravura Belting

June 7, 2015

I first heard of Idina Menzel as the green witch Elphaba on the Broadway hit musical "Wicked," a role which would win her a Tony for Best Actress in 2004. Later I would later learn that she was the original Maureen on the Broadway hit musical "Rent" back in 1996.

More recently, Menzel got more mainstream recognition playing Shelby, the mother of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) on the hit TV show "Glee." She became more well-known when she sang the ubiquitous "Let It Go" from the Disney hit film "Frozen." Hers was one of the few original Disney soundtrack songs that hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, even doing better than the pop version by Demi Lovato. After John Travolta's infamous mistake on Oscar Night calling her a "Adele Dazeem", people now know exactly who Idina Menzel is.

When Ms. Menzel's concert was first announced earlier this year, the theater world in Manila became abuzz with excitement indeed. For one rare chance, a legitimate Broadway star is coming to Manila for a concert! Theater friends on FB were excitedly posting updates about the concert, especially those with inside connections, especially on the day of the concert itself. The anticipation for this star cannot be denied.

The audience in the MOA Arena cheered when the musicians came on stage to occupy their seats at around 8:15 pm. Ms. Menzel had her own musicians with her live band. However, she also had some members of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra to further accompany her on strings.




The concert started around 8:30 pm. When she appeared on stage wearing an emerald dress, she immediately sang the first line of "Defying Gravity"! This iconic Broadway song which Menzel herself originated, never sounded better. It was delivered with confidence that only the original owner of the song could possess. Then she segued to her version of "Don't Rain on My Parade". This was really a masterful version of this Broadway classic from "Funny Girl". It was amazing how she began the show with two showstoppers!

Menzel then sang two songs from her third studio album, namely "Brave" and the title song "I Stand". Admittedly the audience seemed to be more excited when she would sing her Broadway songs. The audience lustily cheered and even sang along when she sang another song from "Wicked" -- "The Wizard and I". (VIDEO)

For the subsequent number, she sang a gorgeous version of "River" originally sung by Joni Mitchell. She followed that up with a sultry version of Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" (from the 1930 musical "The New Yorkers"), which was wonderfully mashed up with the sexy Police song "Roxanne". (VIDEO)

She proved she can be as brassy as Broadway grand dame Ethel Merman by singing a medley of  the latter's signature songs: "There's No Business Like Show Business" / "Anything Goes" / "Everything's Coming Up Roses". Menzel also sang the title song from her debut album from 1998, "Still I Can't Be Still."




For me the next number showcased Menzel at her most emotional and vulnerable. She was barefoot and sitting, writhing and even lying on the floor while singing Radiohead's haunting ballad "Creep". Here, she unexpectedly dropped the first of a handful of "F-bombs" in lyrics in other songs that followed. This painfully raw performance is what I would consider the most unexpected highlight of the night.

For the next song, Menzel went down to the audience area to look for some people to sing her character Maureen's song from "Rent", the bouncy and sassy "Take Me or Leave Me." The first one she chose in the VIP area was familiar. It was Timmy Pavino, whom we recognized as one of the contestants in the second season of "The Voice Philippines." There were two girls who volunteered from the Lower Box on both sides, Andrea and Carla. To their credit they also sounded very good indeed. I am sure Menzel was impressed.




She followed that up with another song from "Rent" that meant a lot to her, "No Day But Today" dedicating the song to the writer of "Rent", Jonathan Larson, who died before their Broadway opening, never living to see his show's immense success.  The next song is from Menzel's latest Broadway project "If/Then" -- the powerful "Always Starting Over".  These were two very emotional songs delivered with so much passion.

For the third time in a concert, I saw an artist sing one song a cappella without a microphone, and just let his pure voice fill the concert hall. For Idina last night, she sang "For Good" from "Wicked". While the idea was sweet, I thought the song may have been too soft on its own for this feat to work well. From where we were seated higher up in the arena, we could barely hear her during the initial verses. It was only toward the end of the song when we really heard her voice. 

For her final song in the main set, what else could it be but "Let It Go" from "Frozen"? To make this song more special, Ms. Menzel suddenly started to sing Filipino lyrics for one of the choruses! We could barely make out what she said. So she repeated it and asked the audience to help her sing the Tagalog words: "Bumitaw, bumitaw, di ko na matatago. Bumitaw, bumitaw, isarado ang pinto... Lamig ay di ko alintana!" She was simply so dear in this song as she ended it by going down to the audience to shake their hands, even carrying a cute little girl wearing an Elsa costume along the way, before leaving the stage. 




The audience did not let her go yet, asking her to sing an Encore or two. She returned and sang two more songs. The first is an original song she wrote about her son Walker whom she brought along the tour with her, a sweet tune entitled "Child". For her second and finale song of the whole night, she went back to her own  childhood to sing her first favorite song, "Tomorrow" (from "Annie").

Idina Menzel was such a delightful performer. Her show tunes belting was very impressive to hear live as we expecting. But her friendly and even quirky nature definitely endeared her to the audience. She had some recurring jokes in her spiels: like how the three empty seats in the front row bothered her (so asked her PA to pick three lucky viewers to fill those seats), and how her legs were aching because of a past injury (maybe why she decided to take off her high heels midway in the show and complete the concert in her bare feet?). 

The poster may have suggested a stuffy formal affair, but it turned out to be a funny, relaxed show where not only Ms. Menzel's powerful voice, but also her warm personality, will be fondly remembered by all who were there.

Review of PENTATONIX LIVE IN MANILA 2015: A Cappella on Adrenaline!

June 6, 2015

Thanks to the popularity of the Pitch Perfect films, acapella singing groups are back into vogue in the mainstream. Arguably the most popular of these a cappella groups out there in the recording music business now is Pentatonix (or PTX for short). 

Since we just saw and enjoyed Pitch Perfect 2 (which actually featured PTX in a cameo role) I decided this would be a great experience for the whole family to watch a real acapella concert live. It helped that the tickets were not too expensive, only P5800 for the VIP seats to P850 for the Upper Box seats!

AVI

KEVIN

MITCH

SCOTT

KIRSTIE

Pentatonix is a group of talented young vocalists from Arlington, Texas. The original three members were Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi and Kirstie Maldonado. They recruited bass profundo Avi Kaplan and beatboxer Kevin Olusola to complete their group when they joined the TV competition, "The Sing Off." PTX won the third season, but did not really get mass recognition until their Youtube channel went viral, now with more than 8M subscribers.


I have seen a lot of concerts in my life, but this may be only time I have seen a concert begin almost exactly on the time stated on the ticket, 8 pm. The screams were so unexpectedly loud when the house lights were dimmed and the quintet appeared on the stage. Their first number was a mashup featuring Ariana Grande's hit "Problem." This was immediately followed by an exciting Beyonce Medley incorporating songs from her career in Destiny's Child to soloist, from "Bills, Bills, Bills" to "Halo". 

They told the audience that this is their 4th year as a group and they just recently celebrated their anniversary. While they were talking, it was so incredible to hear Mitch's childlike squeaky high-pitched voice contrasting with Avi's solid, full, heavy bass voice. These two guys seemed to have the most fans when you based it on the screams they received when they took their turn on the mic. They related their backstory and introduced the next song as the first song they ever arranged, Lady Gaga's "Telephone," which they submitted as an entry to a radio contest. 




Their next song is their tribute to their favorite artist Sam Smith, "La La Latch." This was followed by their rendition of Jazmine Sullivan's "Love You Long Time." With scenes of busy Tokyo in the background video, the next song sung was Clean Bandit's song "Rather Be." These songs were also so amazingly arranged and perfectly rendered.

While the others took a break offstage, Kevin came on stage carrying his cool-looking cello. He impressively performed his cello cum beatbox solo number entitled "Julio." The others then joined him again onstage to perform a catchy foreign language song entitled "Papaoutai," a big hit by Belgian musician Stromae. Unfamiliar as that song was, their versatile vocals were really in full display in that song. It was also so true in the next number called the "Opera Moment", immediately segueing to a cover of Imogen Heap's "Aha!" So complex and so good -- my favorite part of the concert!




PTX sang their version of "4,5 Seconds," Kanye West's collaboration with Rihanna and Paul McCartney, while they went down the stage to shake hands with their fans in the VIP seats. After they this, they sang a mashup of Ariana Grande's "Break Free" with their original song "See Through." 

As we hear them sing the opening strains of "Uptown Funk," Avi thrilled the girls in the front row when he announced that he was going to pick one of them to go onstage. They picked an excited girl in a red blouse and short skirt named Eve. The guys serenaded her mashing that Mark Ronson hit up with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" (VIDEO). After the song, the lucky Eve got to hug each PTX member, and even got to take a selfies with them right there on the stage.

The next number was an amazing mash-up of music from the 1600 to the present, from Beethoven to Carly Rae Jepsen. This was an incredible and fun arrangement of hit songs they called The Evolution of Music. You have to hear it to believe it. 




They ended their main set with two original songs. The first one was called "Standing By." For the final song, "On My Way Home", (VIDEO) they divided the audience into three sections and taught us a tune to sing each section. The result sounded so fine indeed. After this song, PTX thanked the audience and left the stage. 

Of course, the audience shouted for more. Later on, we were chanting the tunes that they taught in the last number on our own, which really sounded so good. PTX excitedly reentered the stage, saying how great the audience sounded. They declared that they wanted to do something special, but that there had to be total silence. Then they put their microphones on the floor and sang "That's Christmas to Me." The audience cooperated allowing the pure voices of the PTX to conquer the immense size of the Araneta Coliseum. Incredible vocal feat, incredible aural experience. (VIDEO)




For their final encore number, PTX sang their awesome Daft Punk Medley. The original music video of this medley has already hit 130M views to date and it also won them their first Grammy earlier this year for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. The very energetic number sounded so much better performed live, and was a most memorable ending to a great concert. Incredibly, we were actually leaving the Araneta Coliseum by 9:30 pm. For most concerts, the concert was only gaining heat by that time.

In the beginning I was imagining how minimalistic this concert would be, since PTX only brought their voices with them, no need for a live band or any accompanying music. However, PTX were true masters of their vocal instruments. Their voices combined in ingenious harmony enveloped the whole coliseum with a wall of beautiful sound like it had not experienced before.