Aida in Manila June 24-July 10

DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda 

  (The Philippine Star)

Original Article can be found HERE

Fresh from presenting the hit musical Next To Normal, Atlantis Productions now brings the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Aida to Manila! Featuring an exciting pop-rock score by Elton John and Tim Rice, Aida is a timeless story of forbidden love that blooms and endures despite overwhelming, dangerous odds.


Aida, played by Ima Castro, is an enslaved Nubian princess who falls in love with her captor, Radames a captain in the Egyptian army and the betrothed lover of Princess Amneris, played by Rachel Alejandro. The young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately brings peace between their warring nations.


The young man caught in the middle of this love triangle is Myke Salomon who plays Radames, leader of the Egyptian army who in his quest for adventure and finds true love instead.


Myke says, “It is an honor to finally be part of an Atlantis show. I am very thankful that they entrusted me with this role. I am looking forward to becoming Radames. Aida is a very simple, moving love story with gorgeous songs. It is very musically challenging and I am looking forward to the challenge.”


Myke rose to prominence as the human beatbox of the Akafellas. While the rest of the boys sang in harmony sans musical accompaniment, Myke provided every other imaginable percussive sound and accent for the group. These skills quickly overshadowed the singer in Myke until recently. He has gone solo and has released an album titled Homework. He is also part of the Sabado Boys. He has dabbled in theater of late as part of Magsimula Ka and Care Divas. With Aida, he takes on his biggest challenge to date.


“Myke wowed us at our auditions with his effortless singing and musicality,” says Aida director, Chari Arespacochaga. “He will be a great foil to Ima, Rachel, Hajji Alejandro and the rest of the cast.”


Disney Theatricals premiered Aida on Broadway on March 23, 2000, running for 1,852 performances until Sept. 5, 2004. It was nominated for five Tony Awards and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score. The musical ran from 2001-2003 and 2006-2007 in two US national tours, performed on international productions in 20 countries, and continues to be produced all over the world.

Catch Atlantis Productions' AIDA on its closing weekend!

July 9, 2011  (Saturday) 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

 @ RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Contact the following ticket sellers: 

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Click here to view July 9 - 2PM Seat Plan:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdGU0bUJENDBrWFZ0UnJmSnpuRERzY2c&hl=en 

Click here to view July 9 - 8PM Seat Plan

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdDdtcWozVlZ0SER3dklzSUZOQmJKcVE&hl=en#gid=0

Ima Castro back in Manila for ‘Aida,’ ‘In The Heights’

By JOJO P. PANALIGAN

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines — Though based in London since playing Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 2001, singer Ima Castro is still very Filipino and she even refuses to put on a British accent when talking to kababayans.



“Nakakapagod kasi mag-accent ng ganun,” she said in a recent interview, laughing. “Pero kung gusto mo akong maglagay ng British accent pag nag-English ako, why nowt.”



Castro, who, before “Miss Saigon,” popularized the songs “Shine” and “Nanliligaw, Naliligaw,” takes with a grain of salt what many here consider undesirable. She remarked about the sweltering weather, the traffic and the mosquitoes inside her house in Tiaong, Quezon, but just in passing---as if these are parcel of life even for someone who has traveled and lived in many of the most beautiful places in the world including Tokyo, Singapore and Dublin.



Then again, the singer is in good spirits because she is home for the first time in 10 years in order to play lead roles in two musicals produced by Atlantis Productions. These are the title role in Elton John/Tim Rice pop rock musical “Aida,” and Vanessa in the smash hit Tony Award winning musical, “In The Heights.”



“I’ve been learning the songs even before I came here. Especially ‘Written In The Stars’ from ‘Aida.’ I think that song is one the best Broadway songs ever written,” she said.



According to the release, Aida is a Nubian princess who fell in love with a captain in the Egyptian army after her capture and enslavement by the Egyptian empire. As forbidden loves blossom between them, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever.  “Aida” will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati from June 24 to July 10, 2011.



Aside from studying her character in the musical, Castro plans to take lessons in swordsmanship for the role. Though she only has one scene in “Aida” to utilize this skill, Castro is the type of actress who wants to be excellent in everything she does, even the little things.



No wonder that “Miss Saigon” composer Claude-Michel Schonberg has dubbed the singer his “Miracle from Manila.” Castro was Lea Salonga’s replacement in that musical after the latter finished her contract.



“In The Heights,” on the other hand, tells the story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. To quote the release, it is a community “on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.” Like “Aida,” the musical will be staged at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium but from Sept. 2 to 18, 2011.



Castro would like to record a pop album while she’s here and if offered to do one. “Miss Saigon” folded up years ago but Castro has moved on to other shows that have honed her singing skills even more. Before flying to Manila, she has been touring with a group that puts on a show featuring a repertoire of songs from hit Broadway shows.



Recall, too, that Castro recorded a duet with Enrique Iglesias titled “You’re My Number One.” She also did concerts in Manila and Tokyo with Russell Watson in 2005; and was hailed Best Interpreter in the “First Asia Song Festival” in Bali, Indonesia. She recently recorded demo tracks for the upcoming West End musical “Sacrifice.”

Catch Atlantis Productions' AIDA on its closing weekend!

July 9, 2011  (Saturday) 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

 @ RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Contact the following ticket sellers: 

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

 

Click here to view July 9 - 2PM Seat Plan:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdGU0bUJENDBrWFZ0UnJmSnpuRERzY2c&hl=en 

 

 

Click here to view July 9 - 8PM Seat Plan

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdDdtcWozVlZ0SER3dklzSUZOQmJKcVE&hl=en#gid=0

 

Thank you, Kim; hello, Aida

By Jerry Donato 

  (The Philippine Star)

Read Original Article HERE

MANILA, Philippines - Her Vietnamese costume called ao dai will be stashed in the closet for sometime now as Ima Castro plays the title role in the Elton John and Tim Rice musical Aida. It will be locally staged by Atlantis Productions.
Portraying the Nubian princess is a breather for Ima who had essayed Miss Saigon’s Kim on the London stage since Lea Salonga made her final curtain call in 2001. It’s a welcome change Ima can’t wait to be part of. So, for her, it’s “Thank you, Kim. Hello, Aida.”


“Aida is more feisty. She is a strong woman,” Ima says, comparing her character with the lady from Saigon. “I think she is also boyish in a way because she can sword fight. I have to train to do that. Kim, on the other hand, is also a feisty and modern woman.”


Aida and Kim are both women in love. Princess-turned-slave Aida falls for an Egyptian army captain, while bar girl Kim for an American soldier. In the midst of warring nations and Vietnam War set as backdrop in Aida and Miss Saigon, respectively, love blooms and lives have been changed.


“(Aida) is very positive and it makes you feel good,” says Ima. “But the story is just heartbreaking. Aida and Miss Saigon are both tragic. Aida’s (ending) is more theatrical and subtle. Miss Saigon’s, on the other hand, is shocking. Both deaths are treated differently.”


Who is more selfless between Aida and Kim?


“Kim is willing to give up her own happiness for her kid while Aida is willing to give up her own happiness for her people,” answers Ima. “Aida is doing it as her duty as a princess while Kim as a mother.”


Although she has the West End experience to back her up in the new musical, Ima is not spared from having first-time jitters. She has studied the songs prior her return to Manila what with the challenge of having to sing them in low keys. 


“They are difficult because Aida’s songs are low for me as a belter,” shares Ima. “Most of the songs are in the lower notes. But the range is wide. It’s a big challenge but I’m very excited. You know it’s hard once you’ve warmed up your voice singing high notes and then you go back to low notes. That’s why I have to keep training (my voice) and singing to build my vocal stamina to sing those kinds of songs.”


“I’m gonna do around five solos and then the rest are production numbers,” she adds. “I love Dance of the Robe among the songs I’ll be performing. It has the highest note.”


Aida, which is set to run from June 24 to July 10 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, is not the only musical Ima will be doing while she’s in town. She will star as Vanessa, the salon worker with big dreams, in In the Heights in September. Ima shares that Pinoys can relate to the story because it’s about a community whose people are hell-bent on chasing their dreams and finding their true home.


How’s life in London? Ima recalls that her stint in Miss Saigon ended in 2006; and that it’s been a while for her since she last did a West End musical. But she’s been touring around the UK and outside with shows called A Touch of West End and Encore. Ima has also formed an all-female band performing mainstream music.  


“Hopefully, I will stay here longer,” says Ima. “I would love to record a pop album. I’m very happy that I’ve experienced living there (in London). I’ll go back and forth anyway. I’d like to stay here more and spend more time here. I’m glad that I’m here.”

Catch Atlantis Productions' AIDA on its closing weekend!

July 9, 2011  (Saturday) 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

 @ RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Contact the following ticket sellers: 

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Click here to view July 9 - 2PM Seat Plan:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdGU0bUJENDBrWFZ0UnJmSnpuRERzY2c&hl=en 

Click here to view July 9 - 8PM Seat Plan

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdDdtcWozVlZ0SER3dklzSUZOQmJKcVE&hl=en#gid=0

Hajji on fears, dreams & things he did for love

DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda 

 (The Philippine Star)

View Original Article HERE

Hajji Alejandro plays the role of Zoser, Chief Minister of Egypt in the Tim Rice/Elton John Broadway musical Aida. Zoser is the father of Radames who will stop at nothing to assure his son’s rise to the throne. Hajji is one of the voices that defined OPM. Among his hits are Nakapagtataka and Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika. In Aida, he goes on stage with his daughter Rachel who plays a very important role as Princess Amneris.

In the title role of Aida is Ima Castro. Aida runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza from June 24 to July 10. For show buying, fundraising opportunities and tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078. For news and updates, follow AidaofManila on Twitter. Read on.

What other talent would you like to have aside from music and acting and why?

Since I was a kid I have always dreamed of becoming a super athlete. It could be any sport as long as I can excel in it; I guess it has to do with my competitive nature and the sheer joy of winning in whatever it is you’re good at.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about being a singer?

The best part to being a singer are the many perks and VIP treatments one gets to enjoy as a celebrity. My concerts have taken me to the most beautiful places in the world. It’s pretty much like having an all-expenses-paid vacation and getting paid for it.

Are you afraid of getting old?

I have long accepted the reality that everyone grows old and dies. But what I would like is to gracefully surrender my youth. That’s why I’m very conscious about my heath. I try to live an active lifestyle but at the same time go about things in moderation. In other words, a stress-free life.

How well do you understand women?

With all the relationships I’ve had, I confess that to this day, women have remained a mystery to me. That’s probably what keeps it interesting. It’s an endless process of trying to understand them.

What childish thing do you still do as an adult?

I still love watching cartoons and playing video games.

How do you pray?

Every night before I sleep, I try to recall everything that happened during the day and thank God for all of them. First of all for keeping my family safe and in good health. For all the blessings as well as, at times, some painful lessons I have to learn that day to help me become a better person. Fully aware that my days are numbered, I constantly ask for wisdom and guidance that I may be able to fulfill everything He has pre-destined me to do in my lifetime for His greater glory.

If you were a song what would its title be?

Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika

What was the best thing you did for love? The worst? Why?

When I’m in love, I give it my all. My girl becomes the center of my universe. The worst thing is, since no relationship is perfect, at times my foolish pride gets in the way and I just have to let her go.

What color describes your life? Why?

Purple would best describe my life. As you know it is a combination of red and blue that makes this color. Red because it’s bright and colorful, passionate especially when it comes to my music and my love life. And blue because I’ve had my share of failures and painful experiences that one might refer to as the blues. Incidentally, I was a Red Lion in high school and a Blue Eagle in college.

How would you describe youstate of mind?

I would like to think that I am a very positive person. I always look at the bright side of any given situation. I don’t dwell on negative things that happen in life.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is losing my voice.

What makes you laugh?

A lot of things make me laugh: my dog’s antics, a funny line in a movie or play, slapstick comedy, stand-up comedy, you name it. Sometimes I even laugh at my own stupidity.

Who are your favorite singers of all time?

Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Marvin Gay, Lionel Ritchie, Peabo Bryson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra.

What is the most romantic place on earth for you and why?

Vienna, Austria in May is the most romantic place I have been to. Flowers are in full bloom that time of year. Soft music, candlelight dinner and a bottle of red vintage wine are all you need to complete the picture.

The best gift you have ever received from a loved one?

On my 50th birthday, my son Ali gave me a huge painting for my living room. He painted a 1978 portrait of me singing at the Folk Arts Theater when I won the Grand Prize at the first Metropop. The best gift ever!

What role would you not play?

I will not play Dyesebel... hahaha! Kidding aside, I’m open to any role as long as it has great substance and challenging enough.

If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?

I’d probably be a cypress because it’s always fresh and evergreen. 

What is your philosophy in life?

Live life to the fullest but be mindful of your creator.

Your biggest regret?

My Dad died at 45. I should have spent more time with him.

If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be and why?

I would confess the sin of pride because it has cost me dearly with my past relationships.

If you were a wild flower, what would you be and why?

I’d probably be a makahiya flower because I can be very sensitive at times.

If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Why?

 I’ve always wanted to fly so I choose Superman.

Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?

I don’t know about heaven or hell but I do know that I will return to my Creator when I die.

Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?

For me the most beautiful person in the world is my Mom.

Write your epitaph?

Here lies the original kilabot ng mga kolehiyala. Kay ganda ng kanyang musika.

Catch Atlantis Productions' AIDA on its closing weekend!

July 9, 2011  (Saturday) 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

 @ RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Contact the following ticket sellers: 

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

 

Click here to view July 9 - 2PM Seat Plan:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdGU0bUJENDBrWFZ0UnJmSnpuRERzY2c&hl=en 

 

 

Click here to view July 9 - 8PM Seat Plan

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdDdtcWozVlZ0SER3dklzSUZOQmJKcVE&hl=en#gid=0

 

AIDA: A Timeless Love Story

DIRECTED BY: CHARI ARESPACOCHAGA

Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA is a contemporary musical take on a grand classic tale of the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden love blossoms between them, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing, staging and singing.

Catch Atlantis Productions' AIDA on its closing weekend!

July 9, 2011  (Saturday) 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

 @ RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Contact the following ticket sellers: 

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Click here to view July 9 - 2PM Seat Plan:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdGU0bUJENDBrWFZ0UnJmSnpuRERzY2c&hl=en 

Click here to view July 9 - 8PM Seat Plan

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmLBGx_WlZfkdDdtcWozVlZ0SER3dklzSUZOQmJKcVE&hl=en#gid=0

Ticket Prices:

Orchestra Center – P1700

Orchestra Side – P1600

Loge Center – P1300

Loge Side/Back – P800

Balcony – P700

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Tony Awards

• Best Original Musical Score (Elton John, Tim Rice) (winner)
• Best Actress in a Musical (Heather Headley) (winner)
• Best Scenic Design (Bob Crowley) (winner)
• Best Lighting Design (Natasha Katz) (winner)
• Best Costume Design Bob Crowley (nominee)

Drama Desk Award

• Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Heather Headley) (winner)

Grammy Awards

• Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA: Original Broadway Cast Recording Elton John, Tim Rice, Best Musical Show Album (winner)

John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards

• Best Musical (winner)
• Best Performance by a Leading Actress (Antje Monteiro) (nominee)
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor (Bastiaan Ragas)(winner)
• Most Promising Male Talent (Marlon David Henry) (nominee)
• Award for Best Translation (Martine Bijl) (winner)

National Broadway Theatre Awards

(now called "Touring Broadway Awards")

• Best Musical (winner)
• Best Score (nominee)
• Best Song in a Musical ("I Know The Truth") (nominee)
• Best Actor in a Musical (Patrick Cassidy) (winner)
• Best Actress in a Musical (Simone) (winner)
• Best Actress in a Musical (Kelli Fournier) (nominee)
• Best Direction (Robert Falls) (winner)
• Best Visual Presentation (Bob Crowley for Scenic Design & Natasha Katz for lighting) (winner)
• Best Costumes (Bob Crowley) (nominee)

Clarence Derwent Award

• Sherie Rene Scott (winner)

Outer Critics Circle Awards

Outstanding Actress In A Musical (Heather Headley) (nominee)

BACK-TO-BACK THIS SATURDAY! (MAY 7, 2011)

Care Divas (ang Fagvavalik) & Defending The Caveman

 

PETA'S Care Divas: May 7 / Sat / 3pm @ PETA
This schedule is a fund raiser for the PGH-Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Tickets Prices: P1000, P700 and P500. 

Contact Mr. Buddy Camarat @ 0917.792.5901 

or email buddy_caramat@manulife.com.ph

Defending The Caveman: May 7 / Sat / 8 pm @ RCBC

Tickets Prices: P1200, P1000, P600, P500 and P300 

Contact Bel Pacheco @ 0915.621.6512

*Recommended for adult audiences only. Show is Rated 18 (R-18)*

 CARE DIVAS
(Original Article from JELLICLEBLOG.COM)

It all started with an award-winning documentary. Who would have thought that Taylor Heymann’s 2005 video documentation of five Pinoy Caregivers in Israel will make it to the PETA stage six years after?

Well, Palanca Award-Winner Liza Magtoto (Despedida de Soltera, Agnoia and Rated: PG) and multi-award winner Vincent de Jesus (Himala the Musical, Zsazsa Zaturnnah ze Muzikal, and Manay Po), thought about this some years ago and went to a marriage of thoughts to bring to the Filipino audience an Israeli documentary that was once banned here in the Philippines.

The story revolves around five Pinoy gay Caregivers in Israel. Shai (Vince de Jesus) has been working non-stop as a caregiver and sometimes a masseur just so he could send money back to the Philippines. Despite the physical distance, his mother’s voice consistently reminds him of his responsibilities, insecurities and immorality. Likewise, Kayla (Ricci Chan/Jerald Napoles) has also been working non-stop, but hadn’t had chanced the luck to find the perfect employer. Despite his education he has accepted other domestic tasks apart from caregiving just to augment his need for a job and temporary security from deportation. Chelsea (Melvin Lee), on the other hand, has it all. A stable job, a lovable employer and a dashing boyfriend. His elderly is kind, giving and understanding. Despite the subtle mocking Chelsea would receive from his ward every once in a while, he was his symbol for an absent father. Thalia (Jason Barcial/Dudz Terana) and Jonee (Buddy Caramat/Phil Noble) are also part of the group. One a flirt, and the other a pessimist. Together, they formed a group that performs nightly in small time joints, until they got a possible break to perform in a more exclusive bar – The Tel ‘a Viv. Will they continue on doing what they do, or will their personal challenges hinder their search for identity and ambitions?

Apologies: this was my first PETA play (evah). But oh! it was a treat! The entire ensemble projected the needed energy to complete and stage a comedy musical. Melvin Lee (Sayaw Sabel, Skin Deep) as Chelsea was jumpy, indefatigable, and delightful. His portrayal of a symbol for optimism in a strange culture is enough to keep your hopes high. Vince de Jesus as Shai was a performance to treasure. He doesn’t act. He lives. He engages the audiences through natural movements and expressionless, yet effective humor. Award-winning stage actor and singer Ricci Chan (Zsazsa Zaturnnah ze Muzical, Rent, Temptation Island) as Kayla was still as superb as his other theatrical performances. Indeed, one can set high expectations from him when you see his name and photo in a souvenir before a show. His subtle nuances, and automatic wit were so powerful, you’d laugh out loud without you knowing it.

On the other hand, Jerald Napoles‘ Kayla (Chan’s alternate) was near perfection! Despite the fact that he was the only straight actor in the entire main cast, his portrayal of a gay underdog was enough to make me laugh at the start, and cry at the end of Act of 1. He may not have Chan’s voice, but he surely has the talent to add dimension to a relatively complex character. Dudz Terana (Si Juan Tamad Ang Diyablo at and Limang Milyong Boto) as Thalia was hilarious, sexual and a scream. His minor projections for a snicker were subtle, yet can still command a crowd to laugh hysterically. Buddy Caramat (Noli at Fili Dos Mil, Ikaw ang Pag-ibig) deliciously created the Jonee character. His juicy portrayal of pessimism was ambitious, however, falls short in terms of the needed energy I was expecting. However, Phil Noble (Si Juan Tamad Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto: director) created the same role in some of the performances, and must say that he creatively projected the required negativism in the story. His matured portrayal of a character on a losing end was so convincing, I even saw myself.

The rest of the ensemble equalled the main actors’ theatrical spirits. Paul Holme convincingly changed characters and projected energies required of a current role. AKAfellas’ Myke Salomon as Daniel/Faraj, was delicious, hot, and convincingly sexual. His singing voice was that of our typical Prince Charming and his performance was superb, you’d think of Gene Kelly and Simon Bowman at the same time...

Caredivas is not a story of epic proportions with a cast of thousands. There are no Sarah Balabagans here, nor Flor Contemplacions. There may be a hair-raising scene prior to the end of Act 1, but that’s it. In Caredivas, it is the Filipino culture that is being tried and persecuted abroad. The musical extemporizes how despite the worrisome pains, the Filipino still manage to pull that smile, and find ways on how to stay happy – and surviving.

Story-wise it is happy musical with the purpose to make the audience laugh, cry and learn. The characters may be gay, ambitious, flirtatious and queer, but the plot’s undertones deliver a far deeper and bigger outcry – that culture can be damaging to identity, and that lack of tolerance may be another’s misfortune.

 DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN: THE REPEAT

(Article from CLICKTHECITY)

"I laughed so hard my sides ached and tears ran down my face!"
"The show is so funny and so true!"
"What a hilarious and insightful show!"
"This play can save marriages" I'm not kidding!"

These are just some of the comments overheard last February 2010 at the Insular Life Theater in Alabang, where audiences had just seen local theater veteran Joel Trinidad perform in "Defending the Caveman," the longest-running one-man comedy show in Broadway history, which has sold over 8 million tickets worldwide in 16 different languages. 

Why is this show such a hit everywhere in the world? Well, is there a more widely discussed subject than the difference between men and women? There are hundreds of books written on the subject but nevertheless there are few texts which address this eternal discussion point as humorous and as recognizable as the monologue "Caveman". Defending the Caveman shows in a hilarious, clear, and familiar way how different men and women are. Whatever the nationality is, both men and women will identify themselves clearly in the show's message.

Defending The Caveman was greeted upon its Philippine premiere with uncontrollable laughter, knowing nods of agreement, and a resounding standing ovation! Three months later, Defending The Caveman played to another appreciative SRO crowd, this time in Makati.

And now, to satisfy the requests for a repeat engagement and after a yearlong wait, "Defending the Caveman" returns on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 for a very limited engagement.

Joel Trinidad reprises his role as the Caveman. Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy direct. "Defending the Caveman" is brought to you by CTE Productions and Theater Mogul in cooperation with BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, San Miguel 632-BEER (2337) Home Delivery Service, and www.TheMillionaireSocietyNow.com (online millionaires helping you become one too).

Venue: Carlos P Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue cor Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City