Showing posts with label stage plays in manila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stage plays in manila. Show all posts

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical (A Review)

By Anton Diaz
Original Article can be found HERE

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Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (KPANLL) is a proudly Original Filipino Musical about the aspirations and tribulations of the common Filipino, set amidst a battle between superheroes and supervillains. The show is very endearing throughout, flawlessly integrating Pinoy humor, poking fun at our quirky habits and (mis)pronunciation of words, and a hopeless love story.

I was in awe after the latest media preview at Onstage Greenbelt 1. It was my first time to watch the show, and we couldn't stop laughing and enjoyed it immensely.

I'm proud to be a witness of this coming of age of Philippine Theater and to watch history as it unfolds. Don't miss out on the show that everyone is raving about! 
This collaboration between Carlo Vergara (Writer and Creator) and Vincent De Jesus (Composer, Lyricist) is brilliant and unbeatable. Watch the video as they explain the inspiration behind KPANLL - The Musical.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-1.jpgMeet Fuwerza Filipinas--the most beloved superhero team of the country--who ironically do not speak Filipino nor interact with the common Filipino people.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-14.jpgFuerza Filipinas is made up of Team Leader Madre de Dios (Shiela Valderrama-Martinez/Astarte Abraham), Leading Man (Hans Eckstein), Nena Babushka (Giannina Ocampo), Windang Woman (Caisa Borromeo), Bazooka Man (Jef Flores/Chuck Lazaro-Hipol), and Popoy Pusakal (Chesko Rodriguez). 

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-2.jpgKayumanggilas is the supervillain team and nemesis of Fuerza Filipinas, who vow to annihilate the superheroes with their temporary superhuman powers provided by the "Chemical Q". They are the proud Filipino team with all the quirky Pinoy traits.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-18.jpgKayumanggilas features Team Leader Senyor Blangko (Domi Espejo/Nar Cabico), Henyotic the Scientist (Mikoy Morales/Rhenwyn Gabalonzo), Jeryc Sans Rival the Wolfman (Elliot Eustacio), Maracas Marko the Expert Boxer (Red Nuestro), and Itak-Itak (Red Concepcion/Joshua Cabilas).

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-16.jpgThe story focuses on the struggles of domestic helper Mely Moran and her sister Viva, who is perceived as lazy but believes she is destined for greater things.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-20.jpgThe plot is layered with different themes, including the kilig love story of Mely Moran, who hopeless falls in love with her amo, the superhero Leading Man...

20150702_224238...and the social theme of the fight of good citizens vs. evil politicians, with the latter seemingly winning and succeeding in eliminating the good people of this country.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-28.jpg
In many ways, it's like an evolution of the Pinoy superhero universe--from Zsazsa Zaturnnah to the new heroes and villains in Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.


Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-30.jpgI love how the lights, sounds, and set all work together to illicit emotions from and rouse the imagination of the audience.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-31.jpgIn the end, love conquers all and the common Filipino wins! Frankly, a lot of the side stories are left hanging in the plot, likely leading theater audiences to clamor for a Part 2.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (The Musical)-32.jpg
There are a number of things I love about Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical.

Firstly, there's Vincent de Jesus' Tagalog songs. They give the audience a deep insight into the Filipino psyche, while also making inspired use of our colloquial language. If I could compare it to anyone's music, it would be that of the Eraserheads--relatable, catchy, and memorable--the kind you would just love to play over and over again. 

Secondly, I also love the story, with it's blend of witty Pinoy humor, relevant social themes, and parallelisms to our own lives.

Lastly, I love that it's a feel-good musical and, in my humble opinion, a world-class production that can be staged in the likes of Broadway.

There were admittedly some dragging parts in the beginning, as the personalities of each of the characters were still being established. I also feel like some of the songs were senseless, like "We have a Maid", and I couldn't help but compare "Pretend I'm Her" to Eponine's song in Les Miserables.

I missed the first run of KPANLL at the PETA Theater, so I vowed not to miss this Onstage run. You have to watch this show and experience how it elevates the Original Filipino Musical to the world stage!

Congratulations to Dalanghita Productions, the creative team, and the entire cast of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical!

Live an Awesome Life,
anton  signature
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com



 
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY 
on its closing weekend run!
July 26, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM @ OnStage, Greenbelt


Ticket Prices: 1500, 1200 and 800

For inquiries, ticket sales and reservations,
Text Karl (0908.986.1896)
RC (0922.888.5348)
Onay (0917.908.0565)
 


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Rak of Aegis is Back!

Original Article can be found HERE
 
RakofAegis2014_cover 

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been a fruitful 47th theater season for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and while the theater is ablaze with the ongoing Summer Program, the company shows no signs of stopping for a breather.

ROA_01

PETA’s 48th season sees the comeback of crowd favorite and hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis. Fans and first-timers are expected to flood the theater for this record-breaking hit that is set to open this June, due to insistent public demand.

ROA-10 

Breakout Kapuso star Aicelle Santos, and 2009 WCOPA Champion Kim Molina come back as Aileen; the promodizer with big dreams to raise her family from the knee-deep floods that have plagued their town for months. This all-Filipino, all-original musical features songs from the iconic band Aegis, with a star-studded ensemble on an award winning, must-see set.

This comedy musical has hit a record-breaking 135 shows in the first year of its showing alone, a milestone for the theater company and indeed, for Philippine theater. In 2014 alone it has garnered over 16 citations for performance and technical categories including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto), Musical Direction (Myke Salomon), Choreography (Gio Gahol), Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), Sound Design (Salomon and Happy Constantino), Set Design (Mio Infante), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Aicelle Santos and Joan Bugcat), Female Featured Performance in a Musical (Kalila Aguilos) and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Myke Salomon, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Juliene Mendoza)

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The cast of Rak has also enjoyed several new projects in between runs: Poppert Bernadas who plays Aileen’s suitor Kenny was recently seen in The Voice Philippines, while Pepe Herrera (Tolits) enjoys a stint in the romcom TV series, Forevermore. Singer Kim Molina also breaks into the theater scene with production after production, most recently in the upcoming Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady by Dalanghita Productions.

This run also welcomes many new neighbors to Barangay Venizia. Renz Verano and  Lorenz Martinez both play Aileen’s father Kiel, opposite Lani Ligot (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert; Broad Way, Narrow Way) who plays Mercy, Aileen’s mother; The Company’s Sweet Plantado also joins the cast as Mary Jane. The ensemble is joined by PETA artist-teacher Roi Calilong (D’ Wonder Twins of Boac, PAMANA), Teetin Villanueva (MANHID, Maxie the Musical) with Via Antonio and Raflesia Bravo.

ROA-07

The cast also sees the return of talented ensemble members made up of Stella Mendoza (Mary Jane), Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy), Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Myke Salomon (Kenny), Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, and Gie Onida (Fernan), Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, and Jimmy Marquez (Jewel), Gimbey dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Jet Barrun, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, and Kakki Teodoro (Ensemble).

    
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch RAK OF AEGIS
on July 31, 2015 | Friday | 8PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1800, 1500 and 1000

For inquiries, ticket sales and reservations,
Text RC (0922.888.5348)
 



Wednesday, May 13, 2015

‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’ opens in Manila





By: Rhea Manila Santos

Original Article can be found HERE



050815-kpmllady_main.jpgWhat was originally meant to just be a one-act play and graphic novel, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is now a full-length production courtesy of playwright Carlo Vergara (whom we can also thank for giving us Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah). Add to that the brilliant direction of Cris Martinez (of Kimmy Dora and Here Comes the Bride) and the musical genius of Vince De Jesus (Himala the musical) and you've got the best possible maiden outing of Dalanghita Productions. The original storyline promised a love story, a family drama, and a general critique on Philippine society (mestizos versus the morenos) but during the press preview held last May 6 at the PETA Theater in Quezon City, it offered so much more.

Bituin Escalante does not disappoint as the central character Mely, a 35-year-old breadwinner who ends up becoming the housemaid of Fuerza Pilipinas, the fair-skinned superhero crime fighting squad of the country. Mely enters her employment choosing not to be star struck by her employers’ status and instead focus on the daunting tasks ahead for her. Escalante's vocal range is both expressive and powerful as it conveys varying emotions of conflict, anger, and love throughout the show. 

Playing her leading man is Markki Stroem who is aptly named Leading Man as well. His character is a lonely man looking for friendship, but ends up discovering love in Mely. He is also the newest member of Fuerza Pilipinas. After having been consistently seen in stage productions like Carrie last year, Stroem seems to have built up a quiet confidence and stage presence which makes him one of the most endearing characters in this musical. 

In the musical, Mely's dilemma starts when her younger sister Viva (Kim Molina) leaves home and crashes with her for the night at the headquarters. What Mely does not know is that Viva has been brainwashed by the Kayumanggilas, an underground group jealous of Fuerza Pilipinas's popularity and power. When Viva tries to steal secret documents, a whole lot of trouble ensues. 

From start to finish, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, in it's own endearing way, aims to entertain then to impress. Not hard for it to achieve both with so much fun involved onstage. In a series of touching, humorous, and always witty song numbers, the audience finds itself losing track of the three hours it takes to watch this ambitious and entertaining production. 



    
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!    
Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY (The Musical)
on June 6 and June 7 (Saturday & Sunday) 3PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1200, 900 and 600  

For June 6, 2015 | Saturday | 3PM
Text: Karl (0908.986.1896),  LA (0917.633.9448)  and/or Jayme (0917.770.2762)   

For June 7, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM
Text: Buena (0917.885.0091),  Dain (0917.592.4567)  and/or Onay (0917.908.0565)


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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’: 5 reasons to watch the ‘yaya’ musical of the year

By Ma. Glaiza Lee | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com
Original Article can be found HERE






The leading ladies of 'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.' In photo on the first row, from left are: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Madre de Dios, Bituin Escalante as Mely, Kim Molina as Viva; second row, from left: Astarte Abraham as Madre de Dios, Frenchie Dy as Mely, and Natasha Cabrera as Viva. Photo courtesy of PETA.  
The leading ladies of ‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.’ In photo on the first row, from left are: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Madre de Dios, Bituin Escalante as Mely, Kim Molina as Viva; second row, from left: Astarte Abraham as Madre de Dios, Frenchie Dy as Mely, and Natasha Cabrera as Viva. Photo courtesy of Dalanghita Production.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady made a splash when it first came out as a one-act play-turned-graphic-novel at the annual Virgin Labfest in 2013. It revolves around two sisters, Mely and Viva, who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry become more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, amid the ongoing war between the superheroes and supervillains. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job in the headquarters of the superheroes, she needs to step up for the sake of her family.

The one-act play comes back with a vengeance as a full-length play which is set to open on May 7 and will run for four weekends until June 7, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Produced by Manila’s newest theater company Dalanghita Production, in cooperation with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), playwright Carlo Vergara extended the story and added some music and dance choreography to create a full-length musical spectacle.
Here are five reasons to watch this “new and improved” musical.


1. It’s created by the same team behind Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal.
From the creator of Zsazsa Zaturnnah, playwright and graphic novelist Carlo Vergara created another superhero-themed musical, and it brings back the artistic team behind the well-received musical that enjoyed successful multiple stage runs.


Leading Lady will be directed by Chris Martinez, with music and lyrics by Vincent de Jesus. Tuxqs Rutaquio, who played Ada in the Zsazsa Zaturnnah musicale, takes part in the stage and costume designs. Completing the crew are Lambert de Jesus (technical director), John Batalla (lighting designer), Nancy Crowe (choreographer), Mara Marasigan (assistant director), and Ejay Yatco (assistant musical director).


2. It pays homage to maids, the Filipino household’s real-time superheroes.
No controversial yaya meals here, but a “Yaya Musical” instead, says Carlo Vergara who shared during a recent press conference that he wrote the story with house helpers in mind.


“I created my graphic novels with an idea that everyone can be a superhero. In Zsazsa Zaturnnah, for instance, it was the parlorista who became the superhero. In Leading Lady, it was the maid. Growing up, with house helpers around, I would see their lives. They would come and go, some would stay longer. But as you learn about their lives, you can’t help but admire them for living away from their families and trying to make both ends meet. The thigs that they do, when you think about it, they are like superheroes. They can do everything. This play is like a little ‘thank you,’ a way of honoring them,” shared Vergara.

“In the song ‘We Have A Maid,’ the cast sings it when they finally find a new maid. Sometimes, we read social media posts like ‘Wala kaming yaya‘ or ‘Umalis na ‘yung yaya namin‘ and one can really feel the sadness; then, maya-maya, you’ll see an update ‘Yehey, we are so happy, we found a new yaya.’ You can feel that a heavy burden has been lifted. I want to capture that energy. I think house helpers deserve a little more praise.”


3. It has a powerhouse cast.
Bringing the characters to life are the country’s established artists from the theater, television, and film industries. Leading the cast is the First Lady of Philippine Theater, Menchu Launchengco-Yulo, who will play Madre De Dios, the leader of the group of superheroes called Puwersa Pilipinas.


Alternating as Mely the Maid are Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy who are both known for their powerful vocals. Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera alternate as Viva, Mely’s younger sister. Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein share the role of Leading Man, the newest member of Fuwerza Filipinas.

The stellar list of cast members include May Bayot as the mother of Mely and Viva, Astarte Abraham who will be alternating as Madre De Dios; Giannina Ocampo as Nena Babushka; Caisa Borromeo as Windang Woman; Chesko Rodriguez as Popoy Pusakal; Jeff Flores as Bazooka Man; Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo alternating as Senyor Blangko, the leader of supervillain group Kayumanggilas; Red Nuestro as Marakas Marko; Red Concepcion as Itak-Atak; Elliot Eustacio as Jeryc Sans Rival; and Vince Lim and Mikoy Morales as Henyotik.

The ensemble is composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos, Brian Sy, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Alejandro Santos and Joshua Cabiladas.


4. It has an insane plot.
The musical will take the audience through the journey of the characters as each one tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist. This original Filipino musical combines comedy, drama, romance, action, and deceptions, among others. It tackles the complexities of different relationships, from family to lovers, from friends and foes.


In a fantastical Philippines, the dry existence of the common folk is occassionally punctuated by the apperance of the greatest defenders of the republic, the Fuwerza Filipinas, a corporate-sponsored band of six superheroes. Though the common folk marvel at the grand exploits of these superheroes who are prone to often land on tabloid showbiz news, the public have little doubt that these heroes are beyond their reach.

But unknown to the public, the superheroes are struggling with a challenge: they have to find a maid. They used to have an army of housekeeping personnel, but because of a security breach caused by one of the housekeeping staff who had fallen in love with Leading Man, they now have none.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the city of the common folk, Mely Moran tries to make ends meet. 

Because her mother is unable to work and her sister Viva is not responsible enough, Mely takes whatever odd jobs her high-school education can give her, such as working as a domestic helper. Their mother scolds Viva for not being as industrious as Mely, but Viva believes that she is meant for greater things. Mely would also berate Viva, though she knows too well that she once did a terrible thing to her sister.

Mely eventually finds herself in the vast headquarters of Fuwerza Filipinas as the superheroes’ one and only housemaid. Viva, on the other hand, gets hired as well, for a job that promises her the kind of prestige she has long been dreaming of. The job, however, will require her to enter the Fuwerza Filipinas headquarters, as she is made to believe that the superheroes aren’t the supreme defenders they project themselves to be.


5. It is an original Filipino production.
From the story to music and lyrics, it is downright Filipino. And since it is fairly a new material, after Vergara has rejuvenated it into a full-length play, the audience can look forward to the fresh and the unexpected.


The new additions to an existing material has also become a challenge to the actors as they try to turn their respective roles, all rich and zany with backstories, into relatable characters.

Menchu Launchengco-Yulo enthused: “It is an original production. I came on the set with no idea what to do. It is like a clean slate. Most of the time when I portray a certain role, like for example in ‘Anna and the King,’ I already had an idea where Anna is leading to. I already have a model for the role. But with this one, I don’t have any. I have to start from scratch and build the character myself. And it is a good thing. It enhances an actor’s creativity when it comes to characterization. And it leads to creative exchanges among the cast members.”

    
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY (The Musical)
on June 6 and June 7 (Saturday & Sunday) 3PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1200, 900 and 600

For June 6, 2015 | Saturday | 3PM
Text: Karl (0908.986.1896),  LA (0917.633.9448)  and/or Jayme (0917.770.2762) 

For June 7, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM
Text: Buena (0917.885.0091),  Dain (0917.592.4567)  and/or Onay (0917.908.0565)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Rak of Aegis Rerun!

With the smashing success of the first run-- sold-out shows and rave reviews, Rak of Aegis will be back on stage! Get your tickets now before its too late! 


(Aegis' surprise live performance at PETA's Rak of Aegis show. Video by Aaron Ching)

"Rak of Aegis is a valiant effort to bring people to the theater, and to enjoy something distinctly Filipino. With everyone, left and right, quoting Defying Gravity lyrics posted next to a green heart Emoji, here comes a musical less grand but with heart - a blue, red, and white one, with three stars and a bright, bright sun." - Juice.ph

"The actors alone give you a show to watch, and while you do look forward to the musical numbers a little too much, the play, as you will realize shortly after, can be described the way you would Aegis: brutally honest, extremely Pinoy, and best over beers..." - BroadwayWorld.com

"The Filipinos’ ability to laugh and sing even during the most difficult times is something that rings true not only in the play, but in real life as well." -Pep.ph

"When in Manila and you want to understand the Filipino spirit through music, there’s only one band to turn to: Aegis. And for the first time ever, the discography of one of the country’s biggest cultural phenomena will be part of an original rock comedy musical: Rak of Aegis." - WheninManila.com





PETA's RAK OF AEGIS *Rerun*
Aug 9, 2014 | Saturday | 3PM | PETA Theater
Ticket Prices: P1200, P1000, P800

For reservations and inquiries, contact:   
Jayme del Rosario 0927.202.2017 
Buena Elizondo 0917.888.7179 

You may also get tickets thru TicketWorld.com.ph


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Thursday, December 26, 2013

PETA closes theater season with ‘Rak of Aegis’

The Manila Times 
Original Article can be found HERE


 THE music of the legendary pop-rock band Aegis conquers the local theater scene as the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) closes its 46th Theater Season with Rak of Aegis, a Pinoy rock comedy-musical featuring the songs of Aegis.
Opening on January 31 at the PETA Theater Center, Rak of Aegis will run for six weeks, Fridays to Sundays until March 9.

The highly anticipated new musical will feature chart-topping songs of the 90s Pinoy rock band, like “Luha,” “Halik,” “Sundot,” “Christmas Bonus,” and “Basang-basa sa Ulan” performed by a mix of talented theater artists led by Isay Alvarez-Seña, Robert Seña, Aicelle Santos and Joan Bugcat.

Other cast members include Ro Alfonso, Jet Barrun, Kakai Bautista, Poppert Bernadas, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Neomi Gonzales, Pepe Herrera, Carlon Matobato, Julienne Mendoza, John Moran, Jerald Napoles, Gie Onida, Phillip Palmos, Myke Salomon, Paeng Sudayan, and Gold Villar.

A story of love, fame and resilience, the narrative revolves around the residents of the flooded  village of Villa Venizia. At the center of the story is Aileen (Aicelle Santos alternating with Joan Bugcat) a young mall promodizer caught in the web of finding love and seeking fame to support her family.

Aileen’s family like the other residents are greatly affected by the flood. Her father Kiel is in the brink of losing his job as baranggay captain Mary Jane (Isay Alvarez-Seña) plans to close her failing shoe factory. Knowing that her income will never be enough to make ends meet, Aileen decides to make a video of herself in the hopes of becoming the next YouTube sensation. Aileen’s suitor Tolits (Jerald Napoles alternating with Pepe Herrera) posts the video online, unaware that it will put Villa Venizia under the spotlight and change their lives forever.

Rak of Aegis is a musical filled with visual spectacle showcasing the Pinoy’s natural love for music and innate resilience in the face of calamity. The musical is created by the same women behind PETA’s hit comedy musical Care Divas, PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda and Palanca Award-winning writer Liza Magtoto, with musical arrangement and musical direction by actor-musician Myke Salomon.

The musical also consists of a talented artistic team, which includes Gio Gahol (choreography), Jonjon Villareal (lighting design), Mio Infante (production design), Carlo Pagunaling (costume design), Maco Custodio (shoe design), and Joan Pamintuan (accessory design).

   
Catch PETA's RAK OF AEGIS 
MAR 1 2013 | SAT | 8PM| PETA Theater 
Ticket Prices: 1000, 800 and 600

For reservations and inquiries, contact:   
Jayme del Rosario 0927.202.2017 
Buena Elizondo 0917.888.7179 

 Like our FB Page:  
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rak-of-Aegis-March-1-2014-Saturday-8PM/1416327261929890 
 
     

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Angel Aquino pushes herself to the limit with full-length theater debut in ‘Closer’

By Edwin P. Sallan, InterAksyon.com
Original Article can be found HERE
 
Angel Aquino. (Photo by Jojit Lorenzo)

“I like to challenge myself as an actor.”

That’s Angel Aquino’s quick response when asked why she continues to accept offbeat roles in films, television and, this month, in theater with her casting in Red Turnip Theater’s maiden production of “Closer”, a faithful staging of Patrick Marber’s award-winning play.

“Closer” was also adapted into the big screen by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Nichols (“The Graduate”) in 2004 and starred Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman.

Asked by InterAksyon how she reacted when she was first offered the role of American photographer Anna Cameron played by Julia Roberts in the film version, Angel admitted that she initially did not take it seriously.

“I was like, ‘Wow! Let’s go for a reading’. But as we got into it, I began to wonder, what did I get myself into?” she recalled.

Although Angel had her first taste of theater back in 2002 when she was included in the cast of New Voice Company’s production of “The Vagina Monologues”, “Closer” is actually her first full-length theater debut.

 
Angel (third from left) with 'Closer' castmates Marc Abaya, Cris Villonco, and Bart Guingona.

“I have this huge stage fright. I do hosting jobs and sometimes I screw up my lines. Hindi puwedeng ganun in a dialogue-heavy play like ‘Closer’. I really need to do this right,” she confessed.

To her credit, Angel has done a really good job of bringing Anna to life and, together with fellow stage greenhorn Marc Abaya, holding her own against theater veterans Bart Guingona and Cris Villonco.

“But it’s a wonderful material. It’s beautifully written and I think it’s something that every actor would aspire to be part of so I feel it’s a privilege to play Anna,” she added.

As acting challenges go, “Closer” is not the only project that pushes Angel’s acting ability to its limit. She has been essaying some of the most memorable characters in recent memory, such as the title role in Topel Lee’s psychological horror drama, “Amorosa: The Revenge”; a transgender in Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s provocative Cinemalaya 2013 feature “Porno”; and the unfaithful wife of a hired killer in Erik Matti’s “On The Job”.

And then there’s her recent CineFilipino Best Supporting Actress turn as Pilar, the mysterious new woman in a small town in Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s acclaimed lesbian coming-of-age drama, “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita”.
“I was in Lucena doing a fashion show so I wasn’t able to attend the awards night. But I kept telling everyone involved in the film to keep me updated and they texted me all night, and I was so happy with the awards we won,” she exclaimed.

Under the sheets with Teri Malvar in 'Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita'.

Angel admitted that she was surprised that “Ang Huling Cha-Cha” was one of two films to be honored with the festival’s Best Film award. “But I’ve always believed in the film. The first time I read the script, I really wanted to do it, it was such a great material and Pilar was a great character to play.”

She said she was also very happy for her young co-star Teri Malvar, who won Best Actress. “The vehicle was really good for her and brought out the best in her acting. I really wanted her to win because she worked so hard,” she admitted.

One of the film’s highlights was a kissing scene involving their respective characters. For Angel, doing delicate scenes is part of one’s growth as an actor.
“A kissing scene is a kissing scene. Kahit sino pa yan, dapat halikan mo siya the way you should kiss that person in real life, whether it’s a man or a woman, whether you like it or you don’t, you just have to do what needs to be done when you’re playing a role,” she pointed out.

As for being regarded as a sensual actress, Angel chalks that up to years of experience.

“When you’ve been acting for several years as I have, you learn a few things, develop a few tricks and experiment on some traits you’re not very familiar with like, yes, sensuality. You just have to bring that to the fore.”


Directed by Ana Abad Santos, “Closer” runs every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 27. Venue is at Whitespace located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.

 
Catch Red Turnip Theater's CLOSER
OCT 26 2013 | SAT | 3PM| Whitespace, Makati
Patron Ticket Prices: 1000 
 
Contact:  Onay Sales 0917.908.0565 or Jayme 0927.202.2017
   



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

ALADDIN (The New Stage Musical)


Catch ALADDIN on its closing weekend run!
December 8 / Saturday / 8PM 
Meralco Theater, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City

 
Contact Us:
Robert Ceazar Marzan  (0922.888.5348)
Jayme del Rosario (0927.202.2017)
or Onay Sales (0917.908.0565)



Ticket Prices:
Php1,500.00 – Orchestra Center
Php1,350.00 – Orchestra Side
Php900.00 – Orchestra Side Obstructed
Php1,100.00 – Loge Center
Php1,000.00 – Loge Side
Php700.00 – Balcony Center
Php600.00 – Balcony Side
Php500.00 – Balcony Back

Click HERE to view seat plan for the December 8, 8PM Schedule


ALADDIN
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin
Book by Chad Beguelin

Based on the Disney film written by 
Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliot and Terry Rosio

Starring
Tom Rodriguez as Aladdin
K-La Rivera as Princess Jasmine