Announcement: Trumpets announces “The Bluebird” Ensemble!

The Bluebird’s wings are even mightier with our adult ENSEMBLE. Below are their SELECTED Theater/Performing Arts Experience.

• Atilano, PEACHY – They’re Playing Our Song, Sound Of Music, RENT, The Wedding Singer
• Bolaños, EMS - Little Mermaid, Joseph the Dreamer, Rivalry, I Dream, Undaunted, Star Cruises
• Canlas, CARLOS – In the Heights, Man of La Mancha, Once on this Island, Magsimula Ka, Star Cruises 
• Canoy, IKEY – Kitchen Musical, The Little Mermaid (Disney), The Wedding Singer
• Conde, STEVEN – Full Monty, The Choice, Rivalry
• Delgado, DAVID SHAWN – Rivalry, Camp Rock
• Imperial, PAMELA - RENT, Sound of Music, The Choice
• Jorvina, FJ - Rivalry
• Mendoza, AMIEL – Cabaret, Aspects of Love, Into the Woods, M Butterfly, Venetian Macau
• Ofrasio, JUN – Miss Saigon, Madame Butterfly (opera), Camelot, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo 
• Padilla, ANGELA – Aspects of Love, Into the Woods, Rivalry, The Graduate, 
• Pangilinan, JAY - Sweeney Todd, Seussical, Peter Pan, High School Musical, Rivalry
• Rayos, NOEL – HK Disneyland, Venetian Macau, Avenue Q, Hairspray, They’re Playing Our Song
• Santuyo, TRACY - Annie, Oliver, Little Mermaid, N.O.A.H.
• Tayag, MARK – Hairspray, RENT, The Wedding Singer, Rivalry
• Teodoro, KAKKI – Aida, High School Musical, Peter Pan, HK Disneyland, Orosman & Zafira, Batibot
• Veguillas, CHINO – Rivalry, Peter Pan, Camp Rock, Wizard of Oz, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Little Mermaid

Today is Mother’s Day. Whether they admit it or not, mommies feel truly happy and special when they receive something from their children especially if it is a product of their own hands. This “Bluebird of Happiness” pencil topper may do the trick and also give you a chance to win tickets to Trumpets’ big musical comeback.

In this original Filipino musical based on a Belgian play, two kids embark on a magical adventure in search of the mythical bluebird which is said to give people true happiness. This special Mother’s Day craft will express your gratitude for the one-of-a-kind joy that only mothers can give. Here is how to make it:

You will need the following:

• Blue construction paper or pre-cut cartolina
• Scissors and Glue
• Blue glitter
• Old pencil
• Blue ribbon or yarn

Here’s how:

STEP 1

Like Bluebird’s official facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets) and download the Bluebird of Happiness pencil topper pattern (http://bit.ly/ZA1NJH). Print the pattern on the blue construction paper or pre-cut cartolina.

STEP 2

Cut the desired bluebird/s along the lines making sure they are still connected on the beaks. Kids may need to ask a grown-up for help.

STEP 3

Apply an even coat of glue all over the cut bluebird pattern (except inside the circle) and sprinkle blue glitter. Remove excess glitter and let it dry.

STEP 4

Fold and glue the backsides together leaving about 1-2 cm space on the bottom where the pencil top will be inserted.

STEP 5

Apply glue on the pencil top and slide it into thebluebird space. As a finishing touch, tie a blue ribbon or yarn around the pencil. 

It’s never too late! Hand your mom your special creation coupled with a big warm hug. Take a photo of you and your mom holding the pencil topper and post your photos proudly on your own Facebook timeline tagging the official page of Bluebird (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets). Trumpets will select three (3) photos that will win two (2) tickets each to “The Bluebird of Happiness” which runs from September 20 to October 20 at the Meralco Theater. Winners will be announced on Bluebird’s official Facebook page on May 31. For inquiries, contact Mica at (+632) 901-4364 (+63998) 325-8659.

UPSTAGE 2013— DULAANG UP’S SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP IS BACK!

Dulaang UP, the official performing group of the University of the Philippines, holds—UPSTAGE 2013—its Annual Summer Theatre Workshop from April 17- May 17, 2013.

The workshop aims to provide young people an opportunity to explore and experience the processes involved in theatre production. Workshop sessions include classes in Basic Acting, Voice, Stage Movement, Mask Making, Property Making, Puppetry, Production Design, Costume Design, and an overview on the Art of Theatre. A culminating recital caps off the workshop on May 17, 2013.

Classes are facilitated by graduates of Theatre Arts from UP and practitioners of theatre in and out of the university. Versatile theatre performer Banaue Miclat Janssen teaches Voice for Theatre; director and choreographer Dexter M. Santos handles Movement; technical director and set designer Ohm David handles Mask Making; acclaimed theatre actor Leo Rialp takes charge of Acting; award-winning production designer Gino Gonzales teaches Production Design; and Teatrong Mulat senior puppeteer Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete tackles Puppetry. 

DUP has produced some of the biggest names in theatre like Shamaine Centenera Buencamino, Irma Adlawan, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Eugene Domingo, Candy Pangilinan, Stella Cañete, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Banaue Miclat Janssen, Neil Ryan Sese and many others.

DUP enjoys a reputation for producing highly acclaimed productions of well-known masterworks of classical theatre as well as original works by Filipino playwrights. It has brought to the Philippine Stage critically-acclaimed productions such as Isang Panaginip na Fili, Orosman at Zafira, Noli Me Tangere: The Opera, Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang, Fake, Collection, among many others. World classics mounted by DUP include Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly and Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull and a host more. 

Tuition fee is P 6,500 (discounts are available for early bird registrants) inclusive of workshop materials and the culminating recital. For inquiries, please contact the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840 and look for Ysmael Mendoza. 

Experience theatre where it matters! Enroll now!

Tickets for the worldwide smash-hit musical, DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE, which comes to the CCP Main Theater on 4th July for 22 shows only, go on public sale on Monday April 1, the producers announced today.

The show has been seen by millions across the globe, and greeted with nightly standing ovations and praise from critics.  DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE now comes to Manila for the first time.

Presented in Manila by Visa, DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer and co-producer of the phenomenally successful 1987 movie. The production features all the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic movie with exciting extra scenes added in. 

The tantalising dance sequences and brand new choreography come alive on stage, set to all the hits from the unforgettable movie soundtrack, including ‘Do You Love Me?’, ‘Hungry Eyes’ and the Academy Award Winning ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, plus many additional songs, making the show a truly extraordinary live experience.

Featuring a cast of 35 who sing a score of 55 songs played by a live orchestra; 73 scene changes, which are lit by 200 moving lights; and 21 costume changes for Baby alone, Producer James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, says, “DIRTY DANCING is a true spectacular you will not want to miss! We are very excited to be bringing this hugely popular musical to Filipino audiences.  The iconic coming-of-age film has been turned into a musical sensation which matches the film’s status.  With ground-breaking sets, fabulous 60s costumes and the breath-taking dancing for which the show is renowned, Manila audiences are in for the time of their lives.”

It’s the Summer of 1963, and 17 year old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday at a resort called Kellerman’s with her older sister and parents, ‘Baby’ shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles upon the staff quarters where an all-night dance party is in full swing.  She discovers an underworld of young men and women who spend all their free time dancing.  She is mesmerised by the dance moves and the pounding rhythms and ‘Baby’ can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. ‘Baby’s’ life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady, both on-stage and off, with breath-taking consequences.

THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATER SENSATION

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE broke records in the UK and Germany for having the highest advance ticket sales in history. Before it even opened in London, the show had sold-out for the first six months of its run. It went on to become the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre, London. To date, over one million audience members have seen the show in the UK, totalling box office sales in excess of £25 million.

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE has been enjoyed across the world in Toronto, Canada; Utrecht, Holland; and a North American Tour including Chicago, Boston and LA. Current productions worldwide include the first ever national tour of the UK and Ireland, where it has broken box office records in several UK cities so far, including Glasgow and Aberdeen with an advance of over £22million; and most recently Stockholm, Sweden, which opened on 14th February 2012.

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE in Manila is produced by Pieter Toerien, Hazel Feldman, Karl Sydow, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and Joye Entertainment, Hi-Definition Radio, Inc. and Concertus in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions. The show is presented by VISA, the ultimate entertainment and lifestyle payment card, with Diamond Hotel as the official hotel, OOCL as the official ocean carrier, and the following Media Partners: 2nd Avenue, ETC, Jack TV, Blink Cinema, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, Radio High 105.9, Crossover 105.1, 99.5 Play FM, ABS-CBN, Ayala Malls and Ayala Cinemas.

Book now for the time of your life! Call 891-9999 and watch out for exclusive promos on www.ticketworld.com.ph. Ticket prices for weekdays are P6,240, P5,200, P4,680,P3,640, P2,080, and P1,560. For weekends, P6,760, 5,720, P4,680,P3,640, P2,080, and P1,560.

For more information and updates, check out www.dirtydancingasia.com and like www.facebook.com/ConcertusManila on Facebook.

“There are many more Happinesses on Earth than people think; but the generality of men do not dicover them…” —- Maurice Maeterlinck

If you were to be asked, how would you define HAPPINESS? Being the theatre junkies that we are, we bet you’re gonna burst out the final song in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, ha. But, have you found that happiness that you’ve been searching for? Does that make you truly happy?

In line with Trumpets’ big musical comeback via ‘The Bluebird of Happiness’ - a highly anticipated musical adaptation of a timeless tale, this post shall remind us of the sometimes forgotten truth that the happiness we seek is just within reach all along.

What is Trumpets?

Trumpets is the first Asian professional Gospel theater company. Now on its 23rd year, it continues to touch hearts and lives through spectacular all-Filipino original productions and stunning adaptations of timeless tales.

Trumpets has an impressive record of blockbuster musical productions. This new musical has everything audiences love in a family show: delightful story, colorful characters, beautiful music, fantastic production design, brilliant staging, hearty laughs, touching moments and a valuable lesson. It will feature some of the best Filipino performers powered by the best artistic and production team in the industry.

What is ‘The Bluebird’?

The Bluebird is a magical adventure of two children on their quest for true happiness. It is an all-Filipino musical adaptation with Book & Lyrics by Jaime del Mundo and Music by Rony Fortich based on the play “The Blue Bird” by Belgian playwright, Maurice Maeterlinck. The Bluebird will serve as a reminder to everyone the sometimes forgotten truth that the happiness we seek is just within reach all along.

Teaming up with Honorata Manila, a theatre blog dedicated to honoring the colorful life on stage, here are some of your favorite Trumpeteers (people who have appeared in Trumpets productions in the past) and below are their answers to the following questions: 

1. What is your definition of Happiness?
2. Have you found the Happiness you’ve been searching for?
3. What makes you truly happy?

1. Kakki Teodoro

• Ultimately, I’ve always believed that Happiness is a choice. If you want to be happy, you will be. If with everything that you have in your life you still end up unhappy, then it’s of your own making. Choose Happiness!
• IF you choose to be happy in anything & everything, you find it easily. Once I find it, I move on to many other things that bring happiness. There’s always a next level, a new chapter to the Happiness Journey. It’s a constant, rewarding search. So to answer your question, Yes!
• For one, achieving dreams/goals with ease makes me happy. Ease is important because I feel if you work TOO hard for something, joy becomes forced & in a sense, the peace is lost. Another thing that makes me truly happy is loving & being loved by that one special person. Seeing & making my friends happy. Making an audience laugh! FREEDOM to choose & do what I want. Playing with children & getting a hug from a child—that’s priceless. Getting gratitude, respect & praise from colleagues. Most importantly, being able to take care of my mom & making her proud. If I become the daughter she deserves & if I become half the mother that she is, then that would also be my ultimate, lifelong happiness.

2. Noel Rayos

• Happiness is freedom. Freedom to experience life and all experiences, and interpret those experiences as we choose to. We can only be as free as we allow ourselves to. Throughout life, we all have an idea of the human being we see ourselves to be, the best notion of who we are. For as long as we are in line with that, whether we think we’re already there, or well on our way, then we’re happy!
• As of now, I am free to experience. I am free to keep searching. Yes, we are happy :0
• I am truly happy when I fulfill my best idea of who I am. The times that I don’t quite do that, I’m not. Then I pick myself up and try to get back on the horse.

3. JM Rodriguez

• Happiness is having awesome friends, a job you enjoy and a family that supports and loves you
• I did ! Years ago
• A lot of things. Singing, a strawberry shake , Bacolod chicken, theater and having a good laugh makes me happy

4. Francis Matheu

• Contentment of the heart. When your contented then you wish for nothing more. You’re full, fulfilled. 
• Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
• It varies. Family. Theater- when I act, direct, teach (when I impart knowledge and they get it), watch. Travel- here or abroad. Friends.

5. Enrique Canoy

• Definition of Happiness — That deep sense of fulfillment (for lack of a better word) you feel when you get your heart’s wish in a very personal way, coupled with the equally deep gratitude of discovering and realizing it.
• Have I found my happiness? — I feel that this year, more than ever, I’m closer to finding it. Left my corporate job in 2009 to pursue theater fulltime and thought that was the pinnacle of my personal happiness. Funnily enough, my experiences in lecturing and conducting workshops/classes in the past few years has gotten me to realize that my real fulfillment comes from TEACHING. As for affairs of the heart, well… there’s currently a special person in my life. Just taking things slow and discovering Happiness together, one day at a time.
• What makes me truly happy? — Enjoying the simple things of life like time with family, friends and close loved ones; Quiet time for myself doing what I love (i.e. reading, singing, eating); and having the joy and privilege to do what I love for a living and to love what I do coz it’s what makes me truly feel alive. 

6. Daniel Darwin

• Happiness is the cheap and ephemeral kid-brother of Joy. It comes from without, is rooted in circumstances, influences, materials, people. It is anything that comes from the world that makes us forget - even for a little bit - that we’re all going to die [alone].
• Of course not. If it could found that easily, we wouldn’t spend our lives searching for it.
• Honestly? Theatre that asks questions. Hard questions. Real questions. Nothing makes me feel more alive, and nothing makes me more happy than feeling alive.

7. Ruth Alferez

• Happiness is QT! Quality Time with my Family and Friends. Alone Time is also my Happiness. (Mababaw lang pala kaligayahan ko….pero madalas mahirap pa ring makuha.hahaha. As I grow older, nag-iiba yung definition ng happiness.)

8. Chinie Concepcion

• Happiness is doing what God created and called me to do. 
• Yes, though I am still on my journey. 
• Being with my husband and loved ones, doing good work, helping others, loving God.

There you have it guys! Here’s to hoping that this Easter Sunday, we shall reflect on what the Savior has done for us and in return, be joyful and that the true happiness is within our reach.

Be on watch for more buzz from your SDC buddies and Honorata Manila. Isn’t this fun? Theatre blogs teaming up with each other to provide more accurate and timely deets about the industry. Now that’s love for theatre!

***For sponsorship or show buying opportunities for “The Bluebird”, please contact the Trumpets office at 901-4364 or visit the official Facebook Page.

READ FURTHER:

• Theaterdom excited about Trumpets’ return with ‘The Bluebird’

Offstage with Ms. Yanah Laurel 

The most seasoned among Atlantis Productions’ recently announced set of talented new artists, Ms. Yanah Laurel, last seen in Atlantis’ staging of Nine, will be answering your questions through The Stage Door Canteen’s Offstage feature! 

Send your questions through our ask box or email us at thestagedoorcateen@gmail.com! Send as many questions as you want! Don’t forget to include your name, so we can properly acknowledge you. Deadline of submission is on March 25, Monday @ 12NN. Ask away! 

About Offstage:
Are there questions you have always wanted to ask your favorite theater stars? Now is the chance to get your questions answered! In this SDC feature, we interview your (our!) favorite theater stars, both here in the Philippines & on Broadway, and ask them YOUR questions! 

TICKET GIVEAWAY!

The Stage Door Canteen is giving away TWENTY (20) tickets to Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee’s HIMALA, A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSICAL on Saturday, March 23 (3pm) at PETA Theater Center.

All you have to do is answer the question: Why would you want to watch HIMALA?

Very simple, right? But you have to prove it to the SDC team that you really, really, REALLY want to see the show. 

Head over our FB page. There, you can either comment your answer or send us a personal message. Twenty (20) winners shall be announced on Friday, March 22 (10pm).

This contest is also open to our Twitter followers (@SDCanteen). So better share this to your friends! 

We couldn’t have done it with the help of Aimee Reyes of Touchworkx Group, Inc. and of course, publicist Toots Tolentino for the tickets.

See you all at the theater!

—-

Wanna know more about HIMALA?

La Salle Dance Company-Contemporary invites you to catch them at the National University of Singapore, UUC Theatre, March 27 and 28!

NUS DANCE ENSEMBLE presents to you: EVOCATION 2013 - ‘VOICES’. Yet another platform for choreographers to push their boundaries and explore unprecedented themes and dance forms. 

The theme this year is “Voices”. As ironically as it sounds, our dancers aim to let our voices be heard through our dance and interpretive movements. 

We have invited renowned dance companies: La Salle Dance Company and St. Benilde Romancon Dance Company, from the Manila Philippines, to join us in our show! Through dance, the 3 dance companies wish to communicate our beliefs and culture through the “Voices” of the dance items.

Details:
University Cultural Centre (UCC), NUS 
27th and 28th of March, Wed and Thursday, 8pm. 

Mark those dates down in your calendar!

Admission is free but limited tickets are available at the door one hour before show on a first-come-first-served basis. The audience capacity for UCC Theatre is 400. 

This event is sponsored by: ExxonMobil - ‘ExxonMobil Campus Concerts’.

Here’s the link to our event page! It’s a public event so feel free to invite all the dance-lovers you know!
https://www.facebook.com/events/446011425467039/

Brought to you by the DE Publicity Comm 13’

One of the most celebrated Filipino films that has ever graced the Philippine Cinema has been transformed into the most heart-warming musicals ever written, HIMALA (Panibagong Pagtingin sa Mukha ni Elsa) now celebrates its 10th anniversary celebration,and is now reinvented into a musical concert - Himala, A Celebration of the Musical.

Rating:

Production Details:

• Production Company: Touchworkx Group, Inc. & PETA Theater Center
• Direction: Soxie Topacio
• Playwright and Lyricist: Ricky Lee
• Composer, Lyricist and Musical Director: Vincent de Jesus
• Production Design: Gino Gonzales
• Choreography: Carlon Matobato and Jay Cruz
• Piano Arrangement and Asst. Musical Director: Jed Balsamo
• Cast: May Bayot-de Castro, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Cynthia Culig-Guico, OJ Mariano, Mia Bolaños, Kalila Aguilos, Myke Salomon, Lionel Guico, Melvin Lee and Dulce. Together with Angeli Bayani, Bong Cabrera, Joann Co, Mayen Estañero, Neomi Gonzales, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Onyl Torres, Kenjie Villacorte and John Kenneth Cuare. Featuring Viva Voce and UST Singers Alumni.

Plot: In the remote village of Barrio Cupang, a young girl named Elsa claims that the Virgin Mary has spoken to her during a solar eclipse. She reveals her vision and starts healing people. Soon, Elsa becomes a national figure. Hundreds of pilgrims and curiosity seekers invade her village and forces townsfolk to examine their own beliefs. 

HIMALA is a story of faith, of truth and delusion, and of man’s endless quest to find something, and someone, to believe in.

• Best Characters: Elsa, Nimia and Chayong
• Best Scene: The ‘Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso’ number would probably the most iconic scene ever written, both in the movie and stage version of Himala.

• Best Actor: Dulce is marvelous in playing Aling Saling, mother of Elsa. She hits those critical notes perfectly and really draws the audience into her when she’s on stage. She’s not dubbed the ‘Asia’s Diva’ for nothing. Also, fresh from KATY!, Isay Alvarez-Seña is outstanding as she usually is. She plays Nimia, one of Elsa’s best friends who lost track on her faith. She definitely gives everything she’s got to offer in her performance as the strong-willed Nimia, especially in the ‘Ako Ang Tunay Na Birhen’ number. It’s like seeing her Gigi performance again!

• Notable Performances: Maybe May Bayot wasn’t in her A-game during the performance so the others stood out instead of her Elsa. But, as to what we’ve heard, the succeeding shows during the opening week, May was phenomenal! Now that’s the 2004 Aliw Award Best Actress in a Musical Role giving her tour de force portrayal of Elsa. Note: Don’t forget to pull out your Kleenex when Elsa sings Magpakita Kang Muli!

• OJ Mariano (Orly) is currently going places and we’ll be definitely seeing him more often than not. OJ is the real deal when it comes to casting lead actors for a musical. He plays Orly, the young filmmaker who captures the miraculous Elsa through his camera’s lens. And we would want to see more Cynthia Culig-Guico’s (Chayong) heartfelt performances in the Philippine theater scene.

• Direction: The show is intended to be in concert style. Yes, we know you guys are thinking more like Les Miz 25th-ish kind. We’re sorry to disappoint you guys but no - because you’re seeing more than just a concert! Soxie Topacios’ vision on this anniversary concert is like seeing the actual show itself! We’re guessing that this would not be called a concert if it weren’t for the uber-talented singers of Viva Voce and UST Singers Alumni singing along with the whole company.

• Set/Lights: The production design is very minimal but it really works. The lithe chiffon, a thin tree branch and few tumbleweeds, along with the intimate lighting gave the production a more eerie, sincere vibe, rather than being extravagant and being concert-ish.

• Music, Lyrics and Book: Vincent de Jesus is a genius! His music sends out very genuine melodies, along with Ricky Lee’s lyrics and his own. The music is overwhelming to the ears and the lyrics punches you right at the heart! On the other hand, Ricky Lee’s brilliant book conveys a different Himala. No, we’re not watching the critically-acclaimed movie set on a stage all over again. We’re seeing a different perspective folks - yes, some of the most memorable scenes from the flick are still there but the musical now raises the questions: What happens when people are faced with the miracle that they’ve long been searching for? How do they react? What do they believe in? 

• Why You Should Watch It: This musical event may not happen again - ever. Everyone should definitely catch HIMALA, A Celebration of the Musical. Be moved by the music, be inspired by the book and be amazed by the performances. This is more than just a concert, we tell you.

• Ticket Prices/Details: HIMALA is on its closing weekend! Remaining shows are on March 22 (8pm), March 23 (3pm and 8pm) and March 24 (8pm); to be held at the PETA Theater.For more information about the musical, contact PETA at (02) 725-6244 or (0917) 576-5400, or TicketWorld at 891-9999. 

Read Further:

• ‘Faith within our Heart’ - a HIMALA feature from SDC Contributor Abby Giganan 
• On The Menu: Himala, A Celebration of the Musical
• More photos here.

Here’s what our newest SDC contributor Abby Giganan has to say when she joined us to watch the 10th anniversary celebration of the heart-warming musical, Himala.

The truth behind faith always lies within our heart. It was a great privilege for me to experience the exquisite tale of Elsa in a musical form of art.  For its 10th Anniversary celebration, Touchworx Group Inc. and Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) staged one of the most brilliant Filipino musicals, Himala, written by Ricky Lee and directed by Vincent de Jesus. The musical is in a concert form that features most of the original casts such as Mae Bayot-De Castro as Elsa,  Isay Alvarez-Seña as Nimia, Cynthia Culig-Guico as Chayong, Dulce as Nanay Saling and Melvin Lee as the priest.

Maybe most of us are familiar with the film because of Nora Aunor’s famous line “Walang himala!! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao, nasa puso nating lahat! Tayo ang gumagawa ng mga himala! Tayo ang gumagawa ng mga sumpa at ng mga diyos…”  But not all of us entirely know the superb story that gained ample recognition and awards around the world. Himala is a tale about Elsa, who proclaimed that she saw the apparition of the Virgin Mary, that changed her life and brought madness in the ignorant and conservative community of Barrio Cupang. 

When I entered the theater, I was struck by the uncanny ambiance of the set.  The long strips of cloth that swathed all over the stage and the figure of the Virgin Mary at the upper left corner made the scenery more mysterious. The play started with a breath taking opening that gave me goosebumps. The blending of astonishing voices of the actors creep me out. The cast will make you feel as if you live in Cupang. All of them were incredibly good looking on stage, from their movements, facial expressions, singing voice and delivery of lines, it’s all convincing. 

The artistic side of the play was embodied through verbal and non-verbal implication. The simple costumes of the actors mean a lot to me. The people of Cupang were barefoot while the main casts like Elsa and Chayong wore slippers. Nimia wore red top and maong mini skirt that signifies what kind of job she has. The difference of what Nimia and Elsa imply with ‘God’ gave the irony of life between the two of them. Orly, the filmmaker, sets the mood of the play, he somehow became the narrator. The townspeople became the moving backdraft that gave life to every song in the musical. All of the elements you’ll see on stage have a great significance in the story.

After watching the play, there were questions that stayed inside my head. No matter what those were, we must not forget that our faith lies in our heart and false beliefs must not be entertained. Moreover, I was amazed by the performance of the actors and the singers. You’ll feel the emotional and sentimental touched of the musical. This is absolutely an excellent show that will not only astound the audiences but also inspired us to know what the true meaning of faith is. Himala is totally a must-watch show and don’t dare miss this one of a kind experience. 

Looks like Abby had a great time, right? She even told us that she would love to join us once again in watching shows. She would love to meet all of you theatre-loving fans out there! That would be nice, ain’t it?

Vincent de Jesus & Ricky Lee’s HIMALA has 4 remaining shows left! “Himala – A Celebration of the Musical” will feature songs from the musical “Himala, Ang Bagong Pagtingin sa Mukha ni Elsa” and will be staged at the PETA Center on March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. For more information about the musical, contact PETA at (02) 725-6244 or (0917) 576-5400, or TicketWorld at 891-9999. 

Read Further:

• Rated SDC: Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee’s HIMALA
• More photos in our FB page.

Here are the winners of our latest Playbill giveaway!!!

Congratulations, guys! Please email (thestagedoorcanteen@gmail.com), or send us a message through tumblr, twitter, or facebook containing your complete name, mailing address, and your preferred playbill (Evita, The Lion King, or Billy Elliot). This will be first come first served so you guys gotta be quick ;) Thanks for joining! 

Huge thanks also to everyone else who joined! Fret not, there will be many more giveaways soon! Thanks for the continuous support to SDC, guys! Very much appreciated :) 

Peace and theater love!

Saturday evening! :D

Engaging yourself into theater workshops this summer is really a good idea! Every theater company out there offers as much knowledge as the others do too, there’s no doubt about that. Wherever workshop you attend to, we’re sure that they will give you the best experience they can offer. 

That didn’t answer your question no? :P

Maybe you can take into consideration the venue of the workshop? Or the amount? And to make your decision-making more difficult, here’s the list of the workshops happening this summer. :)

Hey guys! We know that after seeing all the brilliant shows the whole year round, you pretty much want to be on that stage, sharing the limelight with other young actors (or fanboys/fangirls) and experience the magic of theatre yourselves. Right?

So we’ve compiled all the workshops scheduled this summer. Every company offers program as good as the others. Take a leap of faith and enroll now!

9 Works Theatrical’s STAGE CAMP

Unleash your star potential and have some insanely good fun with Stage Camp, Summer Theater Workshops by 9 Works Theatrical. For inquiries, call 586-7105 or 0917-5545560. Starts April 8.

CCP Summer Dance Workshop

A yearly tradition among young dance students, professionals, teachers and choreographers, the CCP Summer Dance Workshop offers classes in Baby Ballet, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Improvisation and Dance Composition. Lectures on topics such as Pedagogy, Stagecraft and Dance History are also offered. Over 50 Metro Manila and Provincial scholarships are available through auditions beginning mid-March 2013. This six-week dance intensive culminates with performances at the CCP Main Theater (May 4 & 5, 2013). More information here.

Center Stage Musical Theater Workshop

Conducted by the country’s foremost theater actors, CENTER STAGE is an opportunity to bring out the performer in you! Build your confidence, strengthen your social skills, and discover your talent, all while having FUN and making new friends! More information here.

Gantimpala Theater Foundation

What do directors Joel Lamangan, Jose Javier Reyes, Soxie Topacio, playwrights Bonifacio Ilagan, Ed Maranan, Jose Victor Torres and Jose Dennis Teodosio, comedians Lou Veloso. Arnell Ignacio and Manny Castañeda and comediennes Beverly Salviejo and Ms. Tessie Tomas, dramatic and character actors and actresses Ricky Davao, Tommy Abuel, Pen Medina, Ronnie Lazaro, Joonie Gamboa, Spanky Manikan, Richard Quan, Migui Moreno, Jao Mapa, Mia Gutierrez, Alma Concepcion, China Cojuangco, Kakai Bautista and Ms. Ama Quiambao, and even the controversial Bb Gandanghari have in common?  

All of them, now considered as some of the entertainment and theater industries’ most respected personalities, are sons and daughters, of Gantimpala Theater, the dramatic arts company once headed by the late theater icon Tony S. Espejo.   

So, how does one become a member of the family? The first step – join their summer workshop! More information here.

Kids Acts Philippines’ TheCampArt SUMMER 2013 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

TheCampArt is a Musical Theatre Workshop which incorporates and integrates the children’s singing, dancing and acting abilities through intensive training and appropriate application on performing arts. This is one of the best molding grounds to hone talents, to boost confidence, to explore creativity and to develop a relevant notion of observation to different characters and personalities. This guarantees the worth of interaction among children in a very fun and unique way of acting exercises and theater games. Workshop Duration: April 3 to May 26, 2013. More information here.

2013 PETA Summer Program: Your Stories Take Centerstage

We have courses for children, teens, and adults! Children’s Theater 1 (ages 6 to 8), Children’s Theater 2 (ages 9 to 12), Teen Theater (ages 13 to 16), Theater Arts (ages 17 and up), Basic Acting (ages 17 and up), and Creative Musical Theater (ages 17 and up).

Send us your mobile number and e-mail address to receive the complete details. You may also reach us through 725-6244, 0916-3090707, or petatheater@gmail.com.

Philippine Opera Company’s Music & Movement Summer Workshop 2013

Looking for something to do this Summer? Hone your musical talents. Join POC’s Summer Workshops. For inquiries call Philippine Opera Company at 822-9609 or 0917-5272880.

Repertory Philippines

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES 2013 SUMMER WORKSHOP NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT!!! Every year, REP conducts summer workshops with classes in ADULT BEGINNERS ACTING and the REPERTORY SUMMER CAMP. For enrollment details, call the REP office at 571-6926 or 571-4941. BRING OUT THE ACTOR IN YOU!!! ENROLL NOW!!! More information here.

Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s Theater-in-a-Backpack

It’s almost summer. Heat wave. Tara na! Join our Directing Laboratory and Actor’s Garage (Acting Workshop) at the Pugad Lawin! Early bird rate extended ‘til March 20! PM Sipat Lawin on FB now! 09175008SLE (753). Visit sipatlawinworkshops.wordpress.com . With wonderful guest facilitators, lab environment and passionate support community! Naks! Let’s go!

Spotlight Artists Centre

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Summer Theater Adventure 2013

TANGHALANG PILIPINO (TP), the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), is proud to present the 2013 Summer Theater 

Adventure, a month-long program of various theatrical activities in different age levels designed to unleash the creative potentials of aspiring theater artists. TP’s acting workshops have been highly-acclaimed by parents, students and educational institutions for the intensive training and excellent experience it imparts on the participants.

The 2013 Summer Theater Adventure is composed of classes for children, teens and adults facilitated by some of the country’s most outstanding thespians and practitioners in the field. Special lectures are also given by TP’s outstanding alumni. Each workshop culminates in a recital held at the CCP – Tanghalang Huseng Batute, where students get the chance to be seen by talent scouts. 

Theater Down South

We’ve got exciting news! The 2013 TDS Summer Workshops, which we have dubbed Act Too, are opening next month, and in addition to having the usual Basic Musical Theater class, we’re opening up a couple of new classes this year:Intermediate Theater and a Theater Class for Adults! We’re also opening a new class in a new venue in Alabang Hills. More information here.

Trumpets Playshop

“Today, 

I stop 

waiting in the wings.” 

Let your kids’ creativity and imagination take center stage this summer! Enroll in Trumpets PLAYSHOP’s Children’s Theater, Children’s Musical Theater and Streetdance classes!

Trumpets PLAYSHOP. Celebrating 20 years of setting the stage for emerging talent.

Call us at 631-7252, 636-2842 or (0917) 586-4177 or visit www.trumpetsplayshop.com.

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Yes, there are indeed a lot of theater companies out there that offers very good programs for their summer workshops. Where to enroll, you may ask? Well, it’s up to you to decide. :) Follow your heart, reach for your dreams and who knows, you just might be the next big thing.

We’ve got exciting news! The 2013 TDS Summer Workshops, which we have dubbed Act Too, are opening next month, and in addition to having the usual Basic Musical Theater class, we’re opening up a couple of new classes this year:Intermediate Theater and a Theater Class for Adults! We’re also opening a new class in a new venue in Alabang Hills.

Basic Musical Theater is still going to be offered in our usual venues, De La Salle Zobel School in Ayala Alabang and Academy One Music and Dance Center in BF Parañaque. Academy One is opening a new branch in Alabang Hills, so we’re opening up a class there too. That gives us a total of 3 Basic Musical Theater classes this summer. The class is designed for children 8 years old and above who have little to no theatrical experience.

Intermediate Theater will be offered in De La Salle Zobel and is by selection process only. This class is designed for students that the workshop faculty deem to be equipped for the course’s more advanced syllabus.

The Theater Class for Adults will be offered only in Academy One’s BF Parañaque branch. Participants need to be at least 18 years old to enroll in this course.

All classes will be held under the supervision of Theater Down South President and Artistic Director Michael Williams and will include a culminating performance at the end of the workshop. Class schedules are as follows:

BASIC MUSICAL THEATER

April 8th-May 18th

M-W-F 1:30-4:30pm – De La Salle Zobel School

T-Th 8:30-11:30am, Sat 1-4pm – Academy One BF

T-Th-Sat 10am-1pm – Academy One Alabang Hills

INTERMEDIATE THEATER

April 8th-May 18th

M-W-F 1:30-4:30pm – De La Salle Zobel School

THEATER CLASS for ADULTS

April 2nd-May 18th

T-Th 7-10pm – Academy One BF

De La Salle Zobel School is located on University Avenue in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa, the BF branch of Academy One Music and Dance Center is at 293 Aguirre Avenue in BF Parañaque, and Academy One Alabang Hills is on the 2nd floor of the Don Gesu Building, located at 116 Don Jesus Blvd in Alabang Hills, Cupang, Muntinlupa.

For more information, please call us on 0916 643 6976 or 826 5182. You can also send us an email at info@theaterdownsouth.com. An online registration form will be made available on our website soon.