DisneyÂ's CAMP ROCK Opens Today

By Jude Cartalaba

Manila, Philippines, November 14, 2102 - Repertory Philippines' newest musical production, Disney's "Camp Rock," starring two of today's most promising talents, Markki Stroem and Morissette Amon, opens today, November 16 at Onstage Greenbelt One, Ayala Malls, Makati City.

Stroem breathes life into the role of Shane Gray, the cocky and arrogant lead singer of teenage band "Connect 3"; Amon plays Mitchie Torres, the girlfriend of Shane from the last summer camp.

This stage adaptation of "Camp Rock" is based on the  hit Disney Channel original movie written by Dan Berendsen, Karen Gist, and Regina Hicks; inspired by the characters created by Karen Gist, Regina Hicks, Julie Brown, and Paul Brown.

"We had a total of 380 youngster-aspirants during the auditions," revealed Audie Gemora, the show's director, at a press conference.

"From 380, we had to trim them down to 200, then to 100, and finally to 50."

"We have considered those who can make their voices come across the theater, and those who can impress us with their dancing and acting potentials," Gemora added.

Repertory Philippines, in its 45^th year, remains committed to training and producing new talents; and to its vision and mission to bringing "history," "heritage," and "hipness" in its productions. 

Playing alongside Stroem and Amon are Nacho Tambunting as Nathaniel "Nate" Gray, Shane's shy brother-drummer; and Jef Flores as Jason Gray, the comical, easy-going guitarist of "Connect 3." Cheska Ortega plays Tess Tyler, the "Camp Rock" diva and daughter of rock star T. J. Tyler. 

Other cast members include Justine Pena as Dana Turner, the sweet and young keyboardist, daughter of "Camp Rock" owner, and Nate's love interest; Nel Gomez as Luke Williams; Cara Barredo as Caitlyn Geller, Mitchie's best friend; Mica Fajardo as Ella Pador, a longtime fashionista camper; and David Shawn Delgado as Margaret "Peggy" Dupree, a loyal "Camp Rocker" and former "Camp Rock" final jam winner. 

Also in the cast list are Kiara Dario (Rosie Day), Justin Valiente (Barron James), Hans Braga (Sander Loya), Karyl Factora (Georgina Farlow), Eric Mercado (Andy Hosten), Rem Zamora (Axel Turner), Hans Eckstein (Brown Cesario), Jin Dimson, Jazmine Zabala, Alex Reyes, Chaye Magg, Shalee Vicencio, Eddie Thompson, Jim Ferrer, Sam Aquino, Steve Hotchkiss, Kelly Nicolas, Fran Jose, Antonio Lane, Daniel Delgado, Erika Pangan, Aly Wijangco, and Arianna Norton.

Disney "Camp Rock's" artistic and creative team is led by Baby Barredo  (artistic director), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (associate artistic director), Gemora (director), Topper Fabregas (assistant director), Felix Rivera (musical director), Paulo Infante (choreographer), John Batalla (lighting designer), Lex Marcos (set designer), and Raven Ong (costume designer).

The show runs until Sunday, December 16.

For tickets, call (632) 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available via Ticketworld at (632) 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos by Jory Rivera and JR Sala

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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