Photo Flash: First Look at PIAF by Atlantis Productions, 3/8-23

Manila, Philippines, March 7, 2013 -- Atlantis Productions kicks off its new theater season with British playwright Pam Gem's reworked version of her original late '70s play "Piaf," which is a bio-drama with music based on the life and career of Edith Piaf, one of France's most popular performers during World War II.

Pinky Amador, "Miss Saigon" original London cast alum and one of the best actresses in the Philippines, stars as the legendary chanteuse, which apparently the same role Tony winner Frances Ruffelle ("Les Miserables," "Starlight Express") is currently playing for a U.K. tour.

Atlantis's artistic director Bobby Garcia ("Next to Normal," Disney's "The Little Mermaid"), who is celebrating his 20 years in business next year, is back at the helm of this particular version of "Piaf," which was launched at Donmar Warehouse in London's West End five years ago.

Photo above (photo credit: Garcia) shows the production's preset on the stage, which features set design by Hong Kong-based designer Faust Peneyra ("Hamlet," "Shock Value") and lighting design by Martin Esteva ("The Sound of Music," "Sweet Charity").

Actors Giselle Tongi-Walters, who is making her musical theater debut, Ima Castro, Jamie Wilson, Reuben Uy, Altair Alonso, Hans Eckstein, Mako Alonso, Nel Gomez, and Sandino Martin join Amador on stage.

"Piaf" puts together more than 25 of the singer's most enduring songs such as "La Vie En Rose," "Hymn to Love," and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien."

The play runs from tomorrow, March 8 until Saturday, March 23 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Buy tickets online via Ticketworld.com.

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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