Tuesday, November 11, 2008

'Hairspray' : new musical theater stars

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
'Hairspray' : new musical theater stars
By Chari Arespacochaga
Philippine Daily Inquirer
(Source: Inquirer.net)

MANILA, Philippines - We all saw how the most recent “Hairspray” movie found its adorable Tracy in the person of the very adorable Nikki Blonsky. She was said to have screamed with delight in her barista uniform when she found out she was to play the lead role in the movie. Needless to say, a star was born.

When “Hairspray” debuted on Broadway in 2002, in the cast with the powerhouses were young and upcoming performers Laura Bell Bundy as Amber, Kerri Butler as Penny and Matthew Morrison as Link.

The show went on to win numerous Tony awards, and the young performers went on to become Broadway stars in their own right.

Bundy created the role of Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.” Butler donned an Australian accent and some leg warmers—much to to the audience’s delight—in “Xanadu.”

Morrison has become one of Broadway’s favorite romantic leads with acclaimed back-to-back turns in “Light in the Piazza” and last year’s Tony-winning revival of “South Pacific.”

Young pack

As Atlantis Productions’ highly anticipated “Hairspray” draws closer and closer to its Manila premiere, one can’t help but wonder at the future some theater newcomers will face after they begin their professional careers with this show.

Until then, they will be busy dancing and singing to the delightful music of “Hairspray.”

Leading the young pack are Madel Ching and Tim Espinosa playing Tracy Turnblad and Link Larkin, respectively.

Madel was a discovery from Ateneo Blue Repertory, where she played the hip-hopping nerd in “High School Musical.” When she auditioned for the role, it was clear that, with her ebullience and cheer and constant state of joy, she was perfect for Tracy.

Tim was one of the members of Star Magic Batch 15 at ABS-CBN, after coming home to the Philippines from the US. Before this, he was training as a dancer and actor with various community groups in California.

Giving strong support to Madel and Tim are the rest of the Baltimore kids: Criena House, Mark Tayag, Christine Allado, Lee Villoria, Erika Cedilla, Michael Odoemene and Karla Reyes.

Largely products of summer workshops and school theater and music organizations, they are brought together by their love for Broadway and affinity for the show. After all, how many shows are there for young performers to be able to perform in and play their own ages?

Madel recalls: “I’ve known ‘Hairspray’ since I was in high school. I fell in love with it, mostly because I identified with Tracy and everything that she stood for. She was a girl who, like me, just wanted to dance, sing and perform for people. So when I heard Atlantis was going to do it in Manila, I knew I couldn’t let the chance pass.”

Challenges

Now that they are all past the audition jitters and are in the thick of rehearsals for the show, the challenges and expectations have grown.

Lee, who plays Little Inez, shares: “Rehearsing for ‘Hairspray’ is wonderful! It’s an honor for me to be working with some of the hardcore theater people of our country.”

The theater stalwarts he’s referring to include Michael de Mesa, Leo Rialp, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Noel Rayos, Enchang Kaimo and Dulce.

Mark says: “Tito Leo once told me, ‘You have to give three times what you’re giving now so your story can reach the very back of the theater.’ And I try to always bear that in mind.”

They also recall the day when Dulce belted her way in and out of her songs and they were just stunned into silence (an unusual occurrence in a room of hyper kids).

Says Tim: “I am learning so much from all of them and not just about performing but more about the values that give performers longevity—perseverance, hard work, discipline and time management.”

Excitement

All rehearsals, of course, must end with a show. And, at this prospect, their excitement is palpable.

Christine says: “All of the elements of musical theater are hyped up and exaggerated to the highest level in ‘Hairspray.’ The singing is intense, the dancing is extreme, the acting is exaggerated (in a good way), the sets are fabulous, the costumes are adorable, and the story is just perfect, really. We promise, at the end of everything, you’ll find yourself giddy and at the edge of your seat because of the euphoria that ‘Hairspray’ brings!”

Acclaimed director Mike Nichols, while teaching an acting class, once said: “The actor’s job is to say his lines for the first time. Each time.”

And if the fine rapture of that first time is what counts, then these young ones are all a good reason to come and watch “Hairspray.”

“Hairspray” runs Nov. 14-Dec. 7 at the Star Theater, CCP Complex. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 8927078, 8401187 or Ticketworld at 8919999.


Tickets for the closing night show (Dec. 7, 8pm) are now available! Call/ text 0906-3414559 or email snazztastic.schizzle@gmail.com. For more details, click *here*.

Comfort food discovery: Jack 'nn Jill Pic-A Snack Mix

Thanks to the best friend, I have discovered a bag of BBQ goodness that has been the newest addition to my ever-growing list of comfort food.


Huge junk food addict that I am, I am quite pleased that URC came up with this three-in-one snack mix. It's BBQ-flavored Nova, Tostillas, and Piattos all in one bag.


It's the perfect snack for an afternoon of mindless TV viewing. Now if only Frito-Lay would make a Ruffles-Lays-Doritos mix. That'd be heaven.


Update (11-16-08)

On a gas station stopover on my way to Tagaytay, I discovered the long lost twin of my BBQ Overload.



I knew there had to be a cheese version. :)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas



I saw this cap online and I knew I had to see this film. Yes, I'm a sucker for the sweet and poignant and utterly heartbreaking. Judging from the photo alone, I know that's exactly what this film would be.

Based on the novel by John Boyne, the story is set during World War II and seen through the eyes of Bruno, "
the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences." Some reviews boast of a "brutal final punch of a twist" that has me totally intrigued. The trailer, in my opinion, is hauntingly beautiful.



The movie opens this weekend in limited release in the US. I doubt it'll get shown here, so that means I'll have to do some hunting in Makati Cinema Square. Oh, and I want to read the book, too.

More about the movie in the official website: http://www.boyinthestripedpajamas.com/

Hairspray Manila Show Buyers' Directory

Taking my cue from Anton Diaz of OurAwesomePlanet.com and Lorna Lopez of TheBachelorGirl.com, I am posting the contact details of all the show buyers for your reference.



HAIRSPRAY MANILA SHOW BUYER’S DIRECTORY

Date/Time | Show Buyer, Contact Number, and Email

Opening Night
Nov. 14, 2008 Friday 8:pm | Timothy Liong +639178735405

Nov. 15, 2008 Saturday 2:00pm | Allan Marasigan +63917-4382299

Nov. 15, 2008 Saturday 8:00pm | Fritzie Villacorta +63917-8337489 email: fsioson@yahoo.com apvillacorta@globetel.com.ph

Nov. 16, 2008 Sunday 3:00pm | Michelle Chan +63917-5393369 email: masychan@gmail.com

Nov. 16, 2008 Sunday 8:00pm | Rosanne Unson +63917-8300312 email: rkrodriguez@gmail.com

Nov. 21, 2008 Fri 8:00pm | Atlantis Productions at +632 892-7078, 840-118 c/o Ticketworld +632 891-9999

Nov. 22, 2008 Sat 2:00pm | Camille Bautista +63917-8908905, Anton +63917-5683627

Nov. 22, 2008 Sat 8:00pm | Shirley Alinea +63917-8903564

Nov. 23, 2008 Sun 3:00pm | Jill Pena +63919-3608974 email: jill_mari@yahoo.com

Nov. 23, 2008 Sun 8:00pm | Timothy Liong +63917-8735405

Nov. 28, 2008 Fri 8:00pm | Andrea Go +63917-8867968 email: andreanicoleuygo@gmail.com

Nov. 29, 2008 Sat 2:00pm | Theody Demaisip +63920-9326067 email: tdemaisip@fastmail.fm

Nov. 29, 2008 Sat 8:00pm | Joelle Ona +63920-9010863 email: jhorca@gmail.com; Anton +63917-5683627

Nov. 30, 2008 Sun 3;00pm | Jill Pena +63919-3608974 email: jill_mari@yahoo.com

Nov. 30, 2008 Sun 8;00pm | Janna Chua +63928-5024066 Roan Isberto 0918-9133793

Dec. 5, 2008 Friday 8:00pm | Ticketworld +632 891-9999

Dec. 6, 2008 Sat 2:00pm | Lorna Lopez +63 9179256505 +63922-3875729 email: thebachelorgirl@gmail.com

December 6, 2008 Sat 8:00pm | Ticketworld +632 891-9999

December 7, 2008 Sun 3:00pm | Theody Demaisip +63920-9326067 email: tdemaisip@fastmail.fm

Closing Night
Dec. 7, 2008 Sun 8:00 pm | Mae Castro +63906-3414559 email: snazztastic.schizzle@gmail.com


See you at the theater!

Hairspray all set to open

(Source: Atlantisproductionsinc.com)

Atlantis Productions’ highly anticipated production of the Tony Award winning musical HAIRSPRAY is all set to open on November 14 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex.

Heading the cast is newcomer Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad. An Ateneo student, Madel was one out of over 300 people who auditioned for a part in the musical.

Joining her are Michael de Mesa as Edna, Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle, Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Monica Reynoso as Penny, Noel Rayos as Corny Collins, Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure, Gabe Mercado as the Male Authority Figure and also making their professional theatre debut, Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle. Joining them in the ensemble are Jordan Aguilar, Emy Alcid, Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Cad, Erika Cedilla, Red Concepcion, Gerlin Francisco, Bea Garcia, Crienna House, Yanah Laurel, Cheeno Macaraig, Michael Odoemene, Anthony Ong, Mark Tayag, and Lee Villoria.

HAIRSPRAY is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecille Martinez, Musical Direction by Archie Castillo, Production Design by Gino Gonzales, Lighting Design by Shoko Matsumoto and Specialty wigs by The Broadway Wig Co.

Based on the original John Waters film, HAIRSPRAY is the winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and was also made into a hit movie musical starring John Travolta.

Hairspray runs from November 14 to December 7, 2008 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex. For tickets call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

———-

Tickets for the closing night show (Dec. 7, 8pm) are now available!
Call/ text 0906-3414559 or email snazztastic.schizzle@gmail.com.
Or visit this link: HAIRSPRAY Manila Closing Night tickets

If only life were like Hairspray

If only life were like Hairspray
by Bobby Garcia
(Source: philstar.com)

It was during a very cold winter in 2002 that I caught Hairspray on Broadway for the first time. And I instantly fell in love with it. Never in my life had I seen a show that exploded with that much joy, happiness and energy. To say that the show brought down the roof of the Neil Simon Theatre would be an understatement. It went on to win eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

When Broadway Asia asked me if I was interested in the rights for Hairspray for Manila, I immediately jumped at the chance - although I had numerous questions in my head.

Where would I find a young plus-size girl who could sing and dance like there's no tomorrow to play Tracy? Where would I find a distinguished actor with enough musical theater chops and the courage to shave off all body hair and put on a dress to play Edna, the role made famous on stage by Harvey Fierstein and in the recent movie musical by John Travolta? And was there a new generation of singers and dancers ready to take on the demands of one of the most difficult musicals to perform (two and a half hours of wall to wall dancing, for starters)?

We began auditions for the show last April and I was amazed to see over 300 people come in to try out for a part in the show. After several vocal and dance callbacks, we arrived at our cast. Making her professional theater debut is Ateneo student Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad, one of musical theater's most demanding roles (she's on stage for almost all the scenes). It was clear from the moment she walked into the audition room that she was Tracy. Also making their professional stage debut are Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle. I called on my dear friends Michael de Mesa and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo to take on the roles of Edna Turnblad and Velma Von Tussle. Michael excitedly (and courageously) immediately said yes. And Menchu eagerly accepted to sink her teeth into the villainess role. In their hands, I knew I had leads I could totally rely on. I convinced the terrifically talented Nyoy Volante to return to the stage as Seaweed J. Stubbs after a five-year absence - he last performed as James Thunder Early in DreamGirls. And I only dreamed that Dulce (whom I believe is one of the greatest singers in the world) would agree to play Motormouth Maybelle. It was one of the happiest mornings when I woke up to a text message from her saying she would do it. Joining them are some of the finest performers this country has including Noel Rayos, who returns to us from Hong Kong Disneyland, as Corny Collins; Monica Reynoso as Penny Pingleton; Leo Rialp as Wilbur Turnblad; Gabe Mercado as the Male Authority Figure; Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure along with a crazy-talented ensemble of youthful singers and dancers.




Seeing the veterans of stage, TV, concerts and recording work hand in hand with the many young performers making their professional theater debut has been quite inspiring. There is a brand new generation of theater artists now, slowly mastering the craft and discipline that theater requires. Seeing them strive for perfection and never settling for mediocrity reaffirm something I have believed in from the very beginning - theater will never die. It is not a dinosaur, as many people like to call it. Theater is not doomed for extinction. It will continue to flourish, and soon in the hands of a new generation.

I have also been extremely fortunate to have a stellar creative team collaborating with me in the show. Cecille Martinez, who performed in the Broadway Asia Tour of The King & I and was the assistant choreographer on Cinderella, has created some of the most dynamic dances I have seen on a musical theater stage. Gino Gonzales has designed a colorful parade of costumes and sets that evoke a stylized circle and stripes version of the era. Shoko Matsumoto textures the stage with her clever lighting design, and vocal coach ManMan Angsico brings his ear for detail and precision to a demanding vocal score.

I am also thrilled to welcome back music director Archie Castillo, who is now based in the US. Archie and I worked together in the concert scene years ago and it is great to have him back in Manila. He will be conducting one of our country's most distinguished orchestras, FILharmoniKA. Thanks to Gerard and DJ Salonga, Hairspray will have world-class musicians playing the original Tony Award nominated Orchestrations. Gerard and DJ truly understand the needs (and limitations) of the Philippine theatrical scene and I am grateful for their support.

As we approach our 10th anniversary next year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have supported us throughout our close to 10-year journey. The Philippine STAR has been right by our side and supported our vision from the very beginning. It is a partnership I am proud and honored to be a part of. They are great benefactors of arts and culture in the Philippines, and for that I am extremely grateful. Pasay City and Makati City, where we do a lot of our musicals, have been very supportive of plays and musicals and have always welcomed our productions. FILharmoniKA, Crossover 105.1, MBC, Portfolio, MAC Cosmetics, TIGI Bed Head, HIT Productions, David and Goliath, Bench, Sennheiser, Video Gear, Gloria Jeans, Burger King, Chowking, Krispy Kreme, Superbowl, Yoshinoya, Senco Link, GSIS, Brooklyn Pizza, Capricciosa, Azul Restaurant, and Congo Grille have all been instrumental in their support in bringing Hairspray to Manila for the first time. To all of them, and to our loyal block buyers, I say a humble thank you.

One of the challenges most theater companies face here is the affordability (and availability) of venues. We are extremely fortunate to be performing for the first time at the Star Theatre in the CCP Complex, Pasay City. Usually the home of Ballet Manila, they have graciously welcomed us to their home for a month.

In recent months the worldwide economy has taken a tumble. Things look bleak. But I know they will get better. I learned that from Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray's 16-year-old heroine who is determined not to let circumstance dictate her future. She sets out to get the boy, become a star and integrate a TV Show. She reminds us, time and again, that we can all achieve our dreams regardless of size or color. And she does it all with a big smile on her face.

Hairspray is two and a half hours of musical comedy heaven! Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O'Donnello and Thomas Meehan have created what will always be, to me, the most fun I have ever had sitting down. We hope you will join us at Hairspray as we bring you back in time to the '60s and celebrate the future artists of Philippine theater.

Hairspray runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex, For details, call 892-7078, 840-1187 or 891-9999.


Tickets for the closing night show (Dec. 7, 8pm) are now available! Call/ text 0906-3414559 or email snazztastic.schizzle@gmail.com. For more details, click *here*.

Want Tickets? Check this out.

[Note: This only applies to shows and events hosted by us! Please check show information before contacting us. Thank you!]


Ordering and Reservation

Interested parties may reserve their tickets by contacting Mae.
- call/text (Globe) 0906-3414559
- email snazztastic.schizzle[at]gmail[dot]com

Kindly send a message with the following information:
- Name, contact number mobile and/or landline, and email address.
- Number of tickets needed, preferred section, preferred seat numbers.
- Preferred payment method.

You can also reserve tickets by filling out our online reservation form.

We will then send you a confirmation message via text or email within 24 hours.


Payment and Delivery

* Meet-ups
Meet-ups may be arranged in the Alabang, Las Pinas, and Makati areas.
Free delivery within Ayala Alabang Village.
Cash payments only.

* BPI Bank Deposit
Payment may be made through a deposit to our BPI savings account.
-You may choose to pick up tickets at the front of house 1 hour before the show. Validated deposit slip must be presented when claiming tickets.
-If you want to get the tickets asap, you can just add php70 shipping fee and we'll send the tickets to you via LBC overnight delivery.

* For questions or other concerns, kindly contact the show buyer. (Contact details above.)


Terms and Conditions

- We will hold reserved tickets for a maximum of three (3) working days upon confirmation of ticket reservation. If full payment is not received within the holding period, the reservation will be canceled and the seats will be made available to other buyers.

- You will only be assured of tickets and seats once we confirm availability of your reserved seats via text or e-mail and payment has been made on or before payment due date.

- Ticket prices do not include shipping costs. Should the buyer choose to have their tickets delivered by courier (see payment and delivery options), s/he agrees to shoulder shipping and handling costs.

- All tickets sold are non-refundable.

- Atlantis Productions, Inc. and the management of the show venue reserve the right to refuse admission, without refund or compensation, to any person due to tardiness or unbecoming behavior.

- In case of any untoward incident or unforeseen circumstances that may lead to postponement or cancellation of the show, the show buyer will abide by the policies of the producer (Atlantis Productions).

Hairspray Manila - Welcome To The 60s!

Atlantis Productions, the same company that brought you Rent, Beauty and the Beast, and Avenue Q, now brings the BIG FAT Broadway Musical Hit live in Manila!


Hairspray is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It is the Winner of 8 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL.

In Hairspray it's 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!

The musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and Scott Wittman. Their songs take Tracy from the soundstage of a 60's-style dance show to the streets of Baltimore to a downtown rhythm and blues record shop.

Hairspray has also become one of the most successful and popular movie musicals starring John Travolta, Zach Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer.


The Manila cast:
  • Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad
  • Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin
  • Noel Rayos as Corny Collins
  • Michael de Mesa as Edna Turnblad
  • Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle
  • Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle
  • Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs
  • Leo Rialp as Wilbur Turnblad

Hairspray runs at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex from November 14 – December 7, 2008.


Ticket prices:
  • P1,200 (Row A - Row I)
  • P1,000 (Row J - Row S)
  • P800 (Row T - Row X)
  • P600 ( Row Y - Row Z)

Closing night tickets now available!
December 7, 2008
8:00 pm


For details, visit this link: Hairspray Closing night tickets
To view the seat plan: Hairspray Closing Night Seat Plan

You may also call/text Mae Castro at (Globe) 0906-3414559 or email snazztastic.schizzle[at]gmail[dot]com.

Snazztastic Schizzle signing in (again)!

Had to do a bit of blog spring cleaning. Lost some stuff, but that's not such a bad thing. Sometimes it's nice to have a fresh start. :)