Manila, Philippines, April 23, 2012 – Leo Valdez, Cameron Mackintosh's "favorite Engineer" in "Miss Saigon," joins Monique Wilson, "Miss Saigon" alumna-turned-women's rights activist, in Resorts World Manila's (RWM) third major stage production, Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved Broadway musical "The King and I," which premieres on September 15 at RWM's Newport Performing Arts Theatre on Newport Boulevard, Pasay City. RWM previously presented an original musical titled "Kaos," and is currently running Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music," starring London-based musical theater actress Joanna Ampil, and Philippine theater ingénue Cris Villonco.
Valdez, who plays the King of Siam in "The King and I," made his international theater debut portraying the role of the Engineer in the London production of "Miss Saigon" in 1995, which led to touring production assignments, essaying the same part, in Sydney in 1996; in Manila, Hong Kong, and Singapore in 2000 to 2001; in the United Kingdom in 2001 to 2005 (with breaks from time to time); and in Melbourne in 2007. He also recently starred in a Broadway-themed concert titled "Broadway Showstoppers," featuring guest artists, Joanna Ampil, Ima Castro, Primo, and Opera Belles, held at RWM's Newport Performing Arts Theatre.
Wilson, who plays the English governess, Anna Leonowens, in "The King and I," portrayed bar girls Kim and Mimi in the original London production of "Miss Saigon" in the late '80s. With her passion burning for provocative, transformative theater, she has established her very own theater company, called New Voice Company, which staged works featuring strong women characters such as David Mamet's "Oleanna," Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," and Rachel Corrie's "My Name is Rachel Corrie." Currently teaching MA/MFA acting courses for international students at East 15 Acting School of the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, Wilson recently visited Manila, and organized V-Day 2012, a global movement that raises money for community organizations fighting violence against women, at Music Museum. She first announced her upcoming project with RWM during the press conference for V-Day 2012.
"The King and I," which is based on the novel titled "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon, and opened on Broadway in 1951, tells the story of a British governess, Anna Leonowens, who is hired by the King of Siam to take care of his many children. The relationship between the two is marred by conflicting ideologies, which prevent them from acknowledging and expressing their love for each other. The musical is known for its unforgettable score that includes "Getting to Know You," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "We Kiss in the Shadow," and "Shall We Dance."
Directed by Freddie Santos, the staging of "The King and I" is aligned to RWM's commitment to further develop the Philippine theater industry, and showcase world-class Filipino talent.
Upcoming performances of "The King and I" are made possible via a licensing agreement with Broadway Asia Company.
For tickets and more information, call RWM's tourist hotline at tel. no. (632) 836-6333 or visit www.rwmanila.com.
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 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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