STARWEEK MAGAZINE COVER

STARWEEK COVER (OCTOBER 17, 2010

Article can be found here: 

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=621453&publicationSubCategoryId=90

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

STARWEEK: Gian Magdangal and Iya Villania in "The Wedding Singer": Singing I do

By Cheeko Ruiz

(Original Article can be viewed here: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=621453&publicationSubCategoryId=90)

MANILA, Philippines - It will definitely be a treat, not trick, for the hopelessly romantic Pinoy by the end of October as 9 Works Theatrical brings to the stage their musical version of the hit romantic comedy film “The Wedding Singer” that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

The musical, which capitalizes on the 1998 blockbuster, which reportedly had a modest budget of $21 million but registered a whopping $123 million in ticket sales, has for its lead stars Gian Magdangal of GMA-7 and Iya Villania of ABS-CBN.

“The Wedding Singer” was mounted on Broadway in the early months of 2006 and ran all the way to the end of the year, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. Executive producer Santi Santamaria and director Robbie Guevara say they had always been impressed by “The Wedding Singer.”

“The music struck me. It was great, there was romance,” says Santamaria.

“Santi was wondering how come ‘The Wedding Singer’ was not being staged locally. He said it is such a good show,” Guevara says.

It was in early 2008 when Guevara started working to secure the rights to locally produce the musical, which was staged in Britain after it closed on Broadway.

“When the rights finally became available in 2010, it was a dream come true,” Guevara reveals.

The plot takes place in 1985 when Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer, rocking reception halls with his signature tune, “It’s Your Wedding Day.” He is the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding he plays in as disastrous as his own failed romance.

Enter Julia Sullivan, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. The only trouble is, Julia is about to be married to Wall Street tycoon Glen Guglia and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of his life, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

The cast of the musical is a mixture of people from showbiz and veteran and newbie theater actors and actresses chosen from hundreds who auditioned.

Magdangal plays Sandler’s role as hopeless romantic wedding singer Robbie Hart.

Magdangal is a mainstay on GMA 7’s Sunday noontime show “Party Pilipinas” and most recently, he appeared as Roger in 9 Works Theatrical’s “Rent the Musical.”

Villania stars as waitress Julia Sullivan, with theater veteran Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as alternate.
Martinez was part of the opening team of Hong Kong Disneyland as the first Asian to play Nala in the
“Festival of the Lion King” and Bebe in the “Golden Mickeys.”

It is Magdangal and Villania’s second time to work together since “Footloose the Musical” five years ago, and Villania says both of them have grown as actors over the years.

“The story was made more emotional, to adopt to the Pinoy taste,” says Magdangal, who was also part of 9 Works Theatrical’s “Rent.”

“Robbie’s character is fun and crazy. The musical is very energetic so I guarantee that people will enjoy it,” he shares.

 “This is one of the biggest reasons why I came back. This is one of the roles that I’ve always wanted to do,” Martinez adds.

 Nikki Valdez is Julia’s bubbly and lovable cousin Holly, with former Miss Saigon-UK tour talent Analin Bantug as her alternate. Jeremy Aguado is Julia’s fiancé Glen Guglia.

“This is one of my biggest breaks in theater. Holly’s role is beautiful. Filipinos will like it because we are hopeless romantics,” Valdez says.

Other members of the cast are Lorenz Martinez (Sammy), Johann de la Fuente (George), and Myrene Santos (Linda).

“The Wedding Singer” is known for its tribute to pop songs of the 80s, hilarious script and hits like “Someday,” “ If I Told You,” “Single” and “Grow Old With You.”

Choreographer Francis Matheu said the dance steps were made more vibrant. “We injected a lot of 80s moves that people will be very familiar with. No boring moment, the lines are very witty from start to finish. We tried to capture every inch of the 80s,” he says.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

PHILSTAR SUPREME: The Singer and the Waitress

(Original Article can be viewed here: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=619234&publicationSubCategoryId=448 )

MANILA, Philippines - Supreme got to know The Wedding Singer’s two endearing leads, Gian Magdangal and Iya Villania, and here’s what we found out:

Supreme: What is your ideal wedding song?

Iya: From the soundtrack, Grow Old With You; not from the soundtrack, Spend My Life With You by Tamia and Eric Bennet.

Gian: Grow Old With You, and The Last Time by Eric Bennet.

S:  How is this musical different from the other musicals you’ve done?

I: I feel a certain gigil now onstage unlike before. It may also be that through the years, I have matured as an artist.

G: They say it’s easy to cry or to get mad. But it’s more challenging to be happy all the time — which the character of Robbie calls for. And it’s my first time doing a comedy, and one of the few and lucky times I get to play lead.

S:  How is the musical similar to and different from the film?

I: In the movie, the last part was set on the plane where Robbie proposes on the PA system. In the musical, they take it all the way to Vegas, and Robbie follows after Julia and Glen. Other than that, it’s the same romantic comedy that’ll make you laugh and fall in love.

G: It’s similar because of the storyline and the feel-good flavor that Adam Sandler brought to the movie. It’s different because it’s a full-blown musical and with us playing it, we somehow added a Pinoy spin.

S:  How was the pressure like, taking on a role once played on the big screen by one of Hollywood’s most renowned comedians?

I: I’m not trying to portray Julia as Drew (Barrymore) did in the movie because Julia in the musical would have to be more magnified to suit the stage.

G: Nakaka-pressure din somehow. But I never allow myself to be dragged down by comparing myself to other actors. I always try to be original in my attack and in my understanding of a role.

S:  What was the most fun part of bringing this musical to life?

I: Being able to sing the songs that most people are familiar with, being able to look back at the ’80s through the dances, the costumes, the lingo… and the fact that it’s Wedding Singer (and) it’s a favorite of many. Who wouldn’t want to be part of something like that?

G: That I get to share it again with my friends — Iya, Nikki Valdez, Analin Bantug, Loy Martinez, and all the other actors I’ve worked with in the past.

S: How is the ’80s similar to today?

I: In terms of the fashion and the music. Midriffs, denim.

G: Music — the synthesizers are still rocking the airwaves. Fashion — shades. (Laughs).

S:  What do you love most about the ’80s?

I: The fashion and the songs, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston.

G: Michael Jackson, Phoebe Cates... The energy of the ’80s was different. They had more oomph. They were more daring and no holds barred.

S:  In the most ’80s way possible, how would you describe the musical?

I: Colorful.

G: 80s. ‘nuff said.

S:  Why should people see this musical?

I: Well, if you’re a fan of the movie, then you’ll definitely enjoy the stage version. And it’ll be a great way of experiencing the ’80s. You’ll be enjoying the same storyline plus great music and dancing – something that every Pinoy will enjoy.

G: This is the first time Wedding Singer (the musical comedy) is being shown in the Philippines. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun that we’ve been having and that we want to share (with) the audience.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

CIRCUIT MAG: It’s Gonna Be The 80s Again

by Toff de Venecia

(Original Article can be found here: http://www.circuitmag.net/2010/10/11/it%E2%80%99s-gonna-be-the-80s-again/#comment-2128 )

“I am not a child of the 80s. I was born in 1986 and spent the majority of the decade feeding off a baby bottle. But given the recent 80s revival, I may as well as be.”

From shoulder pads, to denim on denim, to Jackson appreciation at its all-time high, everyone from teens to the teenaged at heart are rip and roaring with a renewed 80s sense and sensibility.  Even the theater scene has joined the fray and capitalized on this unprecedented 80s revival.

Enter 9 Works Theatrical’s The Wedding Singer based on the New Line Cinema Film starring the well-loved tandem of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. When Robbie is dumped in the altar by longtime girlfriend Linda, he plunges into dumpster-level despair. But with the help of waitress Julia Sullivan, Robbie rediscovers why he was all about the love in the first place.

Here are seven reasons why you should catch The Wedding Singer, the play and we’re definitely sure you’ll fall in love with the story all over again.

1.    Gian Magdangal, who played Roger in RENT last February, will be plucking on his guitar strings as Robbie Hart.

2.    Iya Villania makes a theatrical comeback. The ASAP mainstay once appeared in a local production of Footloose as Ariel Moore opposite Jay-R.

3.    TV personality and actress Nikki Valdez also returns to the stage as Julia’s bubbly and uninhibited cousin Holly.

4.    The show features the hit song, “Grow Old With You,” popularized by Sandler in the film version.

5.    There will be a familiar face from the 80s Philippine socio-political scene making an appearance in the show’s second act.

6.    From the costumes to the choreography, the show is tailor-made to celebrate the 80s.

7.    Director Robbie Guevara interjects, “One word to describe Wedding Singer? FUN!”

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

Even when your arthritis is bad: A musical to grow old with

By Lia Alejo
The Philippine Star

(Original Article can be found here: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=619233&publicationSubCategoryId=448 )

MANILA, Philippines - One of the problems that has lasted through history and continues to beleaguer today’s society is the existence of the generation gap. However, there have been a number of notable attempts made to bridge this gap. In the world of film, for instance, one movie that successfully connects these generations is the 1998 romantic comedy

The Wedding Singer.

The Wedding Singer is set at a time where hairspray and shoulder pads reigned supreme; where video had only just killed the radio star, marking the birth of MTV; and where pretty much everything was ruled by the mantra “more is more”. As baby boomers and Gen X-ers might correctly guess, this was the 1980s. Throw in two comedians well-loved by the younger generation, great songs that stay stuck in your head without being too annoying, and tons of laugh-‘til-you-cry jokes, and you have for yourself the perfect mix of fun for all generations.

‘Singer’ Goes To Manila

And now, 9 Works Theatrical, the company that brought Rent to Manila, is again making big sound waves in the Manila theater stage, by bringing you the local production of The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy. In fact, according to artistic director Robbie Guevara, it was precisely the prospect of staging this particular musical that first drove him and executive producer Santi Santamaria to put up the company. According to Guevara, “When we first encountered the material, we knew that we had to do it.”

Just like the film, the musical promises a world of fun for men and women of all ages and sizes. Still set in the ’80s, the musical tells the story of The Wedding Singer through songs both familiar (think Adam Sandler’s classic serenade-on-an-airplane song, “Grow Old With You”) and new.

The local production stays true to the original broadway script, and as Guevara puts it, “Everything is to a T.” However, the local staging does feature a bigger cast, as compared to the Broadway

cast of only 20. Here, The Wedding Singer will feature a cast of 26, with theater veterans as well as many new faces. To lead the stellar cast, 9 Works Theatrical brought back Rent’s Roger Davis, Gian Magdangal. Magdangal plays Robbie Hart, the Wedding Singer whose runaway bride turned him into the Wedding Grinch, ruining every wedding he plays.

The Wedding Singer also sets the stage for the comeback of theater sweetheart and TV personality Iya Villania, who, after five years away from theater, found the story that would lure her back to the stage. “It was something I was so familiar with,” she explains why she decided to go back to theater on The Wedding Singer. Villania is Julia Sullivan, the waitress who wins Robbie Hart’s affection. Problem is, Julia Sullivan is set to go through a comical name change into Julia Guglia, with an impending wedding of her own. Villania alternates the role of Julia with theater veteran Sheila Valderrama-Martinez.

The man responsible for Julia’s looming fate as Julia Guglia is her fiancé Glen Guglia, a money-hungry Wall Street shark whose character is brought to life by Jeremy Aguado. Meanwhile, the role of Julia’s best friend Holly is played by singer-actress Nikki Valdez, who alternates the role with Analin Bantug.

Lorenz Martinez plays Robbie’s head-banging best friend Sammy, while Johann dela Fuente shows his musical prowess as the band’s eccentric keyboardist George. Myrene Santos takes on the role of Robbie’s trashy girlfriend Linda, while Enchang Kaimo appears as Robbie’s ballsy grandmother Rosie.
With the help of funky stage design, costumes styled “with an attitude”, and glitzy lighting, this mishmash of crazy characters and 9 Works Theatrical promise to bring the audience back to the ’80s in the most contemporary way, to which men and women, both young and not-so-young, will relate. But more than being relatable, The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy will simply be pure, unadulterated enjoyment. Guevara exclaims, “One word to describe [The] Wedding Singer? Fun!”

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

INQUIRER SUPER: Party like it’s 1985

By Jed-Angelo Q. Segovia
Philippine Daily Inquirer

(Original Article can be found here: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/super/super/view/20101002-295462/Party-like-its-1985 )

Flash back to big hair and power ballads with 9 Works Theatrical’s staging of Hollywood-turned-Broadway hit ‘The Wedding Singer’

THIS writer fondly remembers performing with fellow cast members in a 2007 Repertory Philippines summer acting workshop, directed by theater stalwart Robbie Guevarra.

For the culminating production, the cast jumped on a then-new Broadway musical, never before staged in the Philippines. The director was less enthusiastic than they were. “I originally didn’t like [the songs’] lyrics,” Guevarra recalls, today in 2010, on the 38th floor of Manansala Tower in Rockwell, Makati. Back in 2007, a month after the first day of workshops, the musical was staged in this country for the first time ever, for one night only: 2006’s Broadway hit “The Wedding Singer.” (heretofore “Singer”)” The budget was tight and the costumes were borrowed, but the performances were pure. A packed house laughed, swooned, and cried to the musical’s, essence, the same way Guevarra was won over. “After the [workshop] cast read through the script, that’s when all the songs made sense, and I saw it was a great show.” His first staging was a workshop finale. Now, he’s bringing “Singer” back, in a grander production, through theater company 9 Works Theatrical (9 Works).

White Wedding

“9 Works was put up because of ‘Singer,’” says Guevarra, returning to direct. Ironically, it was others’ skepticism of the show, not Guevarra’s, that hampered its grand-scale production. “I pitched it to Repertory Philippines, but they weren’t keen on it,” Guevarra said during the media conference introducing the show and its cast.

“So I approached [executive producer] Santi Santamaria with the idea to put it up.”

Guevara kept the vision aloft, while Santamaria planted it in marketing and budget proposals. After an odyssey of contacting the show’s writers, publicists, then licensing agency Music Theater International, Guevarra secured the musical’s rights in 2008.

The musical is based on the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and is set in 1985. With music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and co-written by the film’s writer Tim Herlihy, “The Wedding Singer” follows titular wedding singer Robbie Hart who, after being dumped by his own fiance, falls in love with waitress Julia Sullivan.

The cast is a 28-strong mix of theater debutants and veterans. They greeted media on the 38th floor of Manansala Tower in Rockwell, Makati, wearing “The Wedding Singer” shirts and headbands out of Olivia Newton John’s “Let’s Get Physical” era. They introduced themselves along with testimonies of their eighties experiences, ranging from recalling coups to “drinking milk” (for the younger members).

Gian Magdangal, who played Roger in 9 Works’ Rent, will play Robbie. Julia will be played by MYX VJ Iya Villania. Both appeared in 2005, during Stages’ “Footloose.”

While getting coffee, Magdangal revealed lessons learned from “Rent.” “How to distribute my vocal work, for one. I also have to be very energetic because the role demands it.”

None can be more excited than three members returning from the original 2007 show. JonJon Martin, Harold Cruz, and James Stacy all feel nostalgia and excitement at the show’s rebirth. Stacy in particular vows he will reprise his original role as a David Bowie impersonator.

Grow old with you

Press were regaled with two songs from the musical: The whimsical, timeless “Grow Old With You” and original ballad “If I Told You.” To finish it off, the whole cast burst into a fully-choreographed bonanza of “It’s Your Wedding Day.” The company will be following the script to the letter—“No ad-libs allowed” said Guevarra—but promise elements of surprise (one of which is an actual line in Tagalog). Guevarra intends to tap into Filipino’s love of drama by wrenching every bit of it in the show. “Mahilig umiyak ang Pinoy. Those moments in the show, piniga ko. I admit, this show has made me cry many times.” With the divide between the eighties and modern times this wide, “Singer” is far from dated—its setting is its selling point. “There’s everything for everyone, young or old,” Guevarra says. “We’re aiming at an audience in their 30’s, 40’s and upward—people who will relate to the Dolphin dance and other fads that are hilariously eighties.” The show’s elements promise to be unapologetically eighties: Sets, dancing, costume. 9 Works will take audiences to when hair was big and greed was good. Audiences will also find a theme as timeless as Madonna’s “True Blue”: The hope that someday, your dream wedding to that one special person will finally come true. “‘The Wedding Singer’ is a dream come true for [our company],” Guevarra says, clasping hands excitedly. “It’s our duty to share it.”

“The Wedding Singer” opens Oct. 23 at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. Shows on Oct. 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, Nov. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. For tickets call 9 Works Theatrical at 5575860 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call TicketWorld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

INQUIRER: If Iya were a Bride...

By Bayani San Diego Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

(Original Article can be found here: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20101013-297580/If-Iya-were-a-bride )

MANILA, Philippines—Now that all of show town is abuzz with nuptial fever with the forthcoming wedding of real-life couples Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez, singer-actress Iya Villania shares her own bridal fantasies.

Iya, who’s playing the Drew Barrymore role (to Gian Magdangal’s Adam Sandler) in the 9 Works Theatrical production of the musical “The Wedding Singer” (Meralco Theater, from Oct. 23 to Nov. 14), has very specific plans when she marches down the aisle someday.

She hopes to hire crooner Richard Poon as her official wedding singer. “I love his voice.”

As wedding song, she has an unlikely choice: “‘Bawal na Gamot.’ Just kidding.”

Seriously, she’s inclined to pick “Grow Old With You,” from “The Wedding Singer” soundtrack.

As for the groom? 

She’s keeping her fingers crossed that she’d tie the knot with longtime beau, TV host Drew Arellano.

“We’ve been together for six years now. I definitely hope we’d end up together,” she said.

Theirs is a romance that crossed network lines. She’s a Kapamilya; he’s a Kapuso.

“He’s very supportive. He’s doesn’t make unreasonable demands, with my time, for example. He’s very understanding. Even with kissing scenes. He respects my work,” she said of Drew.

Another bi-network pairing is her tandem with Kapuso leading man Gian. “It’s easy to work with him. We have natural chemistry. It helped that we got to work together in [her first play] ‘Footloose’ five years ago.’ We also have the same manager, Arnold Vegafria.”

She’s preparing for “The Wedding Singer” by watching videos of the movie and the play. “I don’t take anything for granted. I attend our rehearsals and read the script constantly. We regularly vocalize and have dance rehearsals, too.”

She’s glad that musicals are all the rage now, with the popularity of “Glee.”

“It’s great. Filipinos can sing and dance, and musicals, whether onstage, on TV or in the movies, give us a venue to showcase our talents,” she said.

On the boob tube, she gets to strut her stuff, singing and dancing weekly on ABS-CBN’s “ASAP.”

On the Myx channel and on Studio 23’s “Us Girls,” she gets to hone her hosting skills: “[Co-hosts] Angel [Aquino] and Cheska [Garcia] and I enjoy doing the show. They are the best people to work with and we get different kinds of advice from each other.”

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

PEP: Gian Magdangal and Iya Villania will topbill The Wedding Singer

 by Amy Mosura

(Original article can be found here: http://www.pep.ph/guide/6830/Gian-Magdangal-and-Iya-Villania-will-topbill--The-Wedding-Singer- )

Following the recent trend of movies-to-theatre productions that have come to town such as Atlantis Productions' recent Legally Blonde and Xanadu, 9 Works Theatrical has announced that they are now rehearsing for The Wedding Singer, the Philippine production of the Tony-nominated Broadway play.

Gian Magdangal and Iya Villania will step into the roles originated by Tony-nominated actor and cult singer-comedian Stephen Lynch and Tony winner Laura Benanti, respectively. Gian will portray Robbie Hart while Iya will alternate with theater actress for the role of Julia Sullivan.

The  production is based on the surprise Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore 1998 hit, which spawned a multiplatinum soundtrack album full of '80s hits, as well as original songs like "Grow Old With You." But the play replaced the '80s soundtrack in favor of an original songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Biguelin.

"This play is very dear to us, because it's the reason why 9 Works Theatricals was founded," said director Robbie Guevarra, a familiar name to fans of Repertory Philippines productions. "Our company manager, Anna Santamaria, was in a Rep production I directed, and during performances, I used to duck out with Anna's husband Santi. We'd go out for coffee and discuss things, and we started talking about things that we'd like to see in the theatre. For some reason, we bonded over The Wedding Singer, and it was like, 'I love that show, I wonder why it hasn't been done here.' 'Well, why don't we produce it ourselves?' He's a marketing guy, and I could do the artistic end of the company. And because of that, we're here now."

Why then did 9 Works put out The Wedding Singer as its third offering? "We had The Wedding Singer rights as early as last year," explains Guevarra. "We were set to start production when we got a call from the show's production team to maybe postpone the show because the UK production was set to start. So we worked on Rent first, and then Songs for a New World, and now we're about to get our dream onstage."

Rehearsals ran for two weeks prior to the September 14 press conference, and full rehearsals began a day earlier, and will continue until October 18, when the production moves to Meralco Theatre for full dress rehearsals.

The Wedding Singer will open October 23, 2010 at the Meralco Theatre, with playdates on October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, November 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2010. There will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available via TicketWorld (Tel. No. 891-9999) or www.9workstheatrical.com.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

BUSINESS WORLD: The Wedding Singer in Manila

The Wedding Singer in Manila
Onstage by Juan Antonio Lanuza

(Original article can be found here: http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=19341)

Are you ready to dance the night away and relive the era of the 1980s? If you are, get ready for 9 Works Theatrical’s presentation of The Wedding Singer, a musical comedy based on the 1998 New Line Cinema film that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The show is set to open on Oct. 23, 8 p.m., at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City.

The story takes place in 1985 when rock star wanna-be Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancee leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, he makes every wedding he plays as disastrous as his own.

Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only trouble is Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

The Wedding Singer is written by Tim Herlihy and features a brand new musical score with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.

The cast in the Manila production is led by Gian Magdangal who plays Robbie. He is reunited by his Footloose co-star Iya Villania who will play Julia, alternating with Sheila Valderrama-Martinez.

Nikki Valdez, who also shared the stage with Magdangal and Villania in the local production of Footloose, returns to the stage as Holly, Julia’s bubbly uninhibited and lovable cousin.

Analin Bantug, who has played a bevy of roles, including Kim in her five-year sting with the Miss Saigon UK tour, alternates with Valdez as Holly.

Completing the stellar cast are Jeremy Aguado as Julia’s fiance Glen Guglia, Lorenz Martinez as Robbie’s pal Sammy, Johann de la Fuente as Robbie’s flamboyantly eccentric friend George, Myrene Santos as Linda, and Enchang Kaimo as Rosie, Robbie’s feisty grandmother.

Other cast members who will showcase their mettle in acting, singing and dancing are Arnold Trinidad, Bymn Buhain, Chinie Nepomuceno, Francis Matheu, Harold Cruz, Ikey Canoy, James Stacey, Jenny Villegas, Jonjon Martin, Luau Sablan, Mark Tayag, Mian Dimacali, Miguel Vazquez, Nikki Guevara, Peachy Atilano, Sab Jose, Shelyn Tayanes and Sylveth Ong-iko.

Robbie Guevara, one of 9 Works Theatricals’s founders, will be directing The Wedding Singer. He has performed in numerous productions both here and abroad, and was the director of Songs for a New Theatrical World and Rent, The Musical (both were 9 Works Theatrical productions) and many other plays and musical for Repertory Philippines, Blue Repertory and the Philippine Opera Co.

The artistic team includes musical director Rodel Colmenar conducting the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, choreographer Francis Matheu, musical director for vocals Onyl Torres, scenographer Mio Infante, lighting designer Martin Esteva, sound designer Chuck Ledesma and costume stylist Rossana Aranaz.

The play dates are on Oct. 23, 24, 29-31, Nov. 5-7, 13 and 14. Showtime on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.

For details, call 586-7105, 557-5860, 0917-554-5560 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call TicketWorld at 891-9999.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

ClickTheCity.COM: The 1980s Reinterpreted in Musical Comedy 'The Wedding Singer'

 (Original Article can be found here: http://www.clickthecity.com/arts/?p=9090 )

Are you ready to dance the night away and relive the era of the 80’s?

9 Works Theatrical proudly presents “The Wedding Singer”, a musical comedy based on the 1998 New Line Cinema film of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

“The Wedding Singer” is set to open on October 23, 2010 – 8 p.m. at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

The Wedding Singer takes place in 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding he plays as disastrous as his own.

Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only trouble is Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Since “The Wedding Singer” is set in 1985, here’s a quick look at some interesting facts in the music scene.

The Billboard Top 10 CD’s: Loverboy - Billy Ocean, Shout - Tears For Fears, The Heat Is On - Glenn Frey, Broken Wings - Mr. Mister, Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer, Oh Sheila - Ready For The World, We Built This City – Starship, The Power Of Love - Huey Lewis & The News, Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon, and St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) - John Parr

The top albums: Beverly Hills Cop - Sound Track; Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen, Like a Virgin – Madonna, Make it Big - Wham!, Private Dancer - Tina Turner, Reckless - Bryan Adams, Suddenly - Billy Ocean.

Grammy Awards: Album of the Year: No Jacket Required, Phil Collins; Best New Artist: Sade; Best Pop Duo or Group: “We Are the World,” USA for Africa; Best Pop Female Vocal: “Saving All My Love for You,” Whitney Houston; Best Pop Male Vocal: No Jacket Required, Phil Collins; Best Rock Duo or Group: “Money for Nothing,” Dire Straits; Best Rock Female Vocal: “One of the Living,” Tina Turner; Best Rock Male Vocal: “The Boys of Summer,” Don Henley; Record of the Year: “We Are the World,” USA for Africa; Song of the Year: “We Are the World,” Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

In fashion, the popular looks were power dressing, shoulder padding, dancewear, The Miami Vice look, the Thriller look (inspired my Michael Jackson), the Madonna look (inspired by the lady herself), designer sneakers and the preppy look.

Top 5 movies: Back to the Future, Rambo: First Blood Part 2, Rocky IV, The Color Purple and Out of Africa. Top TV shows: The Cosby Show, Dallas, Dynasty, The Golden Girls, Miami Vice and Knot's Landing. 

“The Wedding Singer” is written by Tim Herlihy and will feature a brand new musical score with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.

The cast of “The Wedding Singer” is led by Gian Magdangal who plays the role of Robbie Hart. Gian is a regular mainstay at GMA Channel 7’s Party Pilipinas and most recently, he appeared onstage as Roger in 9 Works Theatrical’s RENT THE MUSICAL. Here, he is reunited with TV personality and MYX VJ Iya Villania who he once shared the stage with in a local production of “Footloose the Musical”.

Iya Villania will play the role of waitress Julia Sullivan, alternating with theater veteran Shiela Valderrama-Martinez who was part of the opening team of Hong Kong Disneyland as the first Asian to play Nala in the Festival of the Lion King and Bebe in the Golden Mickeys.

Singer-actress and TV personality Nikki Valdez, who also shared the stage with Magdangal and Villania in Footloose, returns to the stage as Holly, Julia’s bubbly, uninhibited and lovable cousin.

Analin Bantug, who has played a bevy of roles, including Kim in her five-year stint with Miss Saigon UK Tour, alternates with Valdez for the said role.

Completing the stellar cast are actors Jeremy Aguado as Julia’s fiance Glen Guglia, Lorenz Martinez as Robbie’s pal Sammy, Johann dela Fuente as Robbie’s flamboyantly eccentric friend George, Myrene Santos as Linda, and Enchang Kaimo as Rosie, Robbie’s feisty grandmother.

Other members of the cast who will showcase their mettle in acting, singing and dancing prowess include: Arnold Trinidad, Bym Buhain, Chinie Nepomuceno, Francis Matheu, Harold Cruz, Ikey Canoy, James Stacey, Jenny Villegas, Jonjon Martin, Luau Sablan, Mark Tayag, Mian Dimacali, Miguel Vasquez, Nikki Guevara, Peachy Atilano, Sab Jose, Shelyn Tayanes, and Sylveth Ong-iko.

Robbie Guevara, one of 9 Works Theatrical’s founders, will be directing The Wedding Singer”. He has performed in numerous productions both here and abroad, and was the director of Songs for a New World and RENT THE MUSICAL (9 Works Theatrical’s first two productions) I Love You Because, A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof, Gay Birds and Romance, Romance, for Repertory Philippines; Bat Boy for Blue Repertory; Heart & Music and the Rhythm of Life for the Philippine Opera Company.

Incidentally, “The Wedding Singer” is also the reason that propelled Executive Producer Santi Santamaria and Artistic Director Robbie Guevara to establish their theater company, 9 Works Theatrical. “When we first encountered the material, we knew that we had to do it,” relates Guevara. Santamaria adds, “Wedding Singer is a crazy and energetic musical, and audiences will surely enjoy,” to which Guevara interjects, “One word to describe Wedding Singer ? Fun! ”

The artistic production team includes Musical Director Rodel Colmenar conducting the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Choreographer Francis Matheu, Musical Director for Vocals Onyl Torres, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Designer Chuck Ledesma, and Costume Stylist Rosanna Aranaz.

The production team is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Production Manager Sunshine Domine, Technical Director Paul Domine, PR and Publicity Consultant Toots Tolentino. PR Director Christopher de Venecia, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, Stage Manager Lambert de Jesus, Company Manager Anna Santamaria and Photography by Revolution.

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

The Wedding Singer: From Film to Stage

by Ibarra C. Mateo

(The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - On Feb. 13, 1998, the New Line Cinema movie The Wedding Singer starring Adam Sandler as a 1985 rock-star wannabe, whose day-job is singing in New Jersey weddings, and Drew Barrymore as the waitress who became the object of his love and affection was released.

The romantic-comedy film reportedly had a modest budget of $21-M but to the surprise of many, it went on to register a whopping $123-M in ticket sales. When it opened in the US, it ranked second with $18-M in ticket sales, a notch below Titanic.

To capitalize on the box-office hit of the movie written by Tim Herlihy and directed by Frank Coraci, two soundtrack albums were also minted in 1998. While the cast members performed the movie’s song numbers, the two albums had the original artists and versions of the songs.

Some of the more famous songs from the The Wedding Singer and The Wedding Singer Vol. 2 were: Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Boy George; White Wedding (Billy Idol); China Girl (David Bowie); Somebody Kill Me (Adam Sandler); True by Spandau Ballet; Just Can’t Get Enough (Depeche Mode); Love Stinks (The J. Geils Band); You Make My Dreams (Hall and Oates); Holiday (Madonna); and Grow Old With You (Sandler).

The following songs were featured in the movie but not in the two albums: 99 Luftballons (Nena); Till There Was You (Ellen Dow); Boys Don’t Cry (The Cure); All Night Long (All Night) (Lionel Richie); That’s All (Sandler); Miami Vice Theme (Jan Hammer); Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen); and Wake Me up Before You Go-Go (Wham).

As a testament to the audience attraction with The Wedding Singer, it was mounted on Broadway in the early months of 2006 until Dec. 31 of the same year, with music written by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy.

In a press conference, executive producer Santi Santamaria and director Robbie Guevara said The Wedding Singer crystallized the setting up of their new theater company called 9 Works Theatrical.

“The music struck me. It was great, there was romance,” said Santamaria...

Read the full and original article by clicking here:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=615945&publicationSubCategoryId=70

 

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0 

 

ABS-CBN NEWS: Iya Villania, Nikki Valdez Return to Musical Theater

by Boy Villasanta 

(abs-cbnNEWS.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Partly because of the dearth of films, movie and television projects, young stars and singers Iya Villania, Gian Magdangal and Nikki Valdez have embarked again in another medium to showcase their talents.

For the second time, they come together in a happy, startling and well-meaning Broadway musical theater, “The Wedding Singer,” since they starred in the youth-oriented, footsie stage song-and-dance drama, “Footloose,” some years back.

“The Wedding Singer,” the musical, is of course, an adaptation of the hit movie of the same title set in the 80s but filmed and released in the 90s starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Magdangal plays the role of Robbie Hart, the wedding singer who is the toast of the town in New Jersey until his fiancee leaves him in the altar. Shot through the heart, according to PR man Toots Tolentino, Robbie makes every wedding he plays as disastrous as his own until Julia Sullivan (Villania), a waitress wins his affection but who is about to be married to a Wall Street shark. And nless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Valdez takes on the role of Holly, Julia's bubbly, uninhibited and lovable cousin.
During the press launch recently, Iya was very high spirited, mixing with a cast of less than a hundred, throwing herself around literally, poking fun with some of her costars, moving comic and making faces.

“It is my pride to be chosen as the lead of the stage play. I really like theater so much,” said Villania.

Gian was also inspired to tackle the main protagonist. “It's not everyday that one is given a chance to do this kind of role,” Magdangal exclaimed.

When he did a duet as teaser with Iya on one of the original songs of the play, “Grow Old With You,” he was breathing life to the character early on...

Read the full and original article by clicking here:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/21/10/iya-villania-nikki-valdez-return-musical-theater 

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

BOY ABUNDA's DIRECTLINE: The Wedding Singer Now On Stage

The Wedding Singer now on stage
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda 

(The Philippine Star)

When I watched The Wedding Singer

some weeks ago, (I didn’t catch its theatrical run in 1998), I was easily transported to the ’80s. It stars Adam Sandler as the wedding singer and Drew Barrymore as a waitress whom he falls in love with. What makes the movie memorable, aside from Drew and Adam delivering great performances, was the music. Who could ever forget Boy George’s Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, David Bowie’s China Girl, the Police’s Every Little She Does Is Magic, Spandau Ballet’s True, Huey Lewis and the News’ Do You Believe In Love, Hall and Oates’ You Make My Dreams, Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Madonna’s Holiday, etc.

The Wedding Singer was one of the big hits of the ’90s. In 2006, a musical version made its debut on Broadway.

Several weeks ago, 9 Works Theatrical held auditions for its own production of The Wedding Singer. Theater aficionados came in droves to audition for parts in the musical. They belted out popular ’80s tunes. Hopefuls sang a varied repertoire ranging from Total Eclipse of the Heart and Karma Chameleon to Let’s Hear It For the Boys. They also performed to an ’80s stylized and inspired choreography by choreographer Francis Matheu.

Over a hundred contenders tried out for slots in the select cast of 28 which includes select chorus members who will play impersonators of notable characters from the ’80s.

The panel of judges was composed of The Wedding Singer director Robbie Guevara (Songs for a New World, Rent), vocal coach Onyl Torres, choreographer Francis Matheu, PR and Publicity director Toff de Venecia and executive producer Santi Santamaria.

After a thorough deliberation, 9 Works Theatrical has chosen Gian Magdangal in the lead role as Robbie Hart, Iya Villania alternating with Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as the waitress Julia Sullivan, Nikki Valdez alternating with Analin Bantug as Holly (Julia’s bubbly, uninhibited and lovable cousin)...

Read the full and original article by clicking here:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=609513 

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0

 

Wedding Bells Ringing for Iya and Gian

By Deni Rose M. Afinidad

(The Daily Tribune)

 

Like the ill-fated lovers Romeo and Juliet, actors Iya Villania and Gian Magdangal are worlds apart. Iya is a host for ABS-CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP, while Gian performs for the rival Party Pilipinas on GMA 7. But once their eyes meet, their voices collide and the music plays, their differences seem to disappear. In fact, it’s as if they have their own world and everyone else vanishes, including the reality that Gian is committed to singer-actress Sheree, while Iya’s long-time boyfriend is TV host Drew Arellano. 

No one knows if Gian and Iya’s second time to work together as on-stage partners (since Footloose five years ago) could have developed into a secret romance. But one thing is for sure: the two have hit the jackpot in chemistry as the Drew Barrymore-Adam Sandler counterpart of 9 Works Theatrical’s musical rendition of the hit movie, The Wedding Singer. 

Featuring the hit song “Grow Old With You,” The Wedding Singer is a Tony Award-nominated musical based on Sandler and Barrymore’s 1998 New Line Cinema film. Known for its tribute to the pop songs of the 1980s, hilarious script and hits like “Someday” and “If I Told You,” the musical is written by Tim Herlihy, with music composed by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book by Chad Beguelin and Herlihy. 

“The Wedding Singer is so much fun,” remarked the musical’s director, Robbie Guevara, who also directed the theater company’s recent versions of Rent and Songs for a New World. “It’s a crazy and energetic musical, so audiences will surely enjoy.”

The plot takes place in 1985, when rock star wannabe Robbie Hart (Magdangal) is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer, rocking reception halls with his signature tune, “It’s Your Wedding Day.” He is the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding he plays in as disastrous as his own failed romance.

Enter Julia Sullivan (Villania), a winsome waitress who wins his affection. The only trouble is Julia is about to be married to Wall Street tycoon Glen Guglia (Jeremy Aguado), and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever...

Read the original and full article by clicking here:

http://www.tribuneonline.org/life/20100926lif1.html

 

Catch the Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy

on November 7, 2010 (Sunday) 8 PM @ The Meralco Theater 

Contact Us:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

To view available seats, click here: 

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dHdYQ2hSd2s4Ymk4WG9KM2RGTHlCalE&hl=en#gid=0