Philippines Theatre + Broadway News

Photo Coverage: DISNEY'S TARZAN by Viva Atlantis Theatricals

(6/19/2013) - Viva Atlantis Theatrical's staging of 'Disney's Tarzan' stars multi-awarded singer Rachelle Ann Go (Jane Porter) and Broadway actor Dan Domenech (Tarzan).

MISS SAIGON Revival to Open in London in 2014; Directed by Laurence Connor

(6/18/2013) - BroadwayWorld.com confirmed exclusively back in December 2012 that a highly anticipated revival of the mega-musical 'Miss Saigon' was in the works by producer Cameron Mackintosh with auditions taking place for the lead role of 'Kim' (a part created by Lea Salonga). Today, Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post that the show will open in 2014, likely in Mackintosh's Prince Edward Theatre (currently home to 'Jersey Boys'). Riedel also confirms our previous reports that directing the revival will be Laurence Connor, who also co-directed the revival of 'Les Miserables' that is now touring and which will hit Broadway in 2014.

STAGE TUBE: Watch Lea Salonga in the Judge's Chair for THE VOICE PHILIPPINES

(6/17/2013) - The Philippine television version of hit reality show 'The Voice' from Talpa Media Group, features Broadway veteran Lea Salonga in the judges panel along with Apl. de. ap of Black Eyed Peas, Bamboo Maalac, and Sarah Geronimo. Below, check out a clip of Salonga in action!

BroadwayWorld Special Coverage: SUMMER STAGES - Our Picks for Summer's Best Around the World!

(6/14/2013) - As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Picks for the Philippines Third Quarter

(6/14/2013) - There are only two seasons in the Philippines: the dry season and the wet season. Technically, it is the wet season in the country from June to August; nevertheless, the local theater scene remains bustling with activities during these "bring your umbrella" months. Below are our top-five picks for the Philippine Theater scene's third quarter:

Velvet Channel Airs Tony Awards in PH, 6/10 (And Who Else Is Excited?)

(6/8/2013) - Besides Velvet Channel, do you know who else is excited for the Tony Awards? Scroll down!

Tony Awards to Be Broadcast Internationally in Japan, Australia & More!

(6/5/2013) - Tony Award Productions in association with CABLEready, a leading independent distributor of television programming for media outlets worldwide, will distribute the American Theatre Wing's 67th Annual Tony Awards telecast to theatre fans in four continents and over 45 countries around the globe.

DISNEY'S TARZAN: Shaping Up To Be A Fabulous Treat

(6/3/2013) - What will happen if you have a Broadway actor, a fierce diva, and a host of veteran and young talented thespians in 'Disney's Tarzan,' a stage musical? What you get is a jungle full of music and excitement that will keep your emotions swinging in every direction. From June 14 to 29, Disney's most-loved ape man, Tarzan, hollers his way to Meralco Theater, made possible by Viva Atlantis Theatricals Inc.

Photo Exclusive: Boggess, Salonga, Karimloo, Shirota Rehearse for 4 STARS Concert

(6/1/2013) - '4 Stars: One of Broadway Musicals Concert' headliners Sierra Boggess ('Love Never Dies,' 'Les Miserables'), Lea Salonga ('Miss Saigon,' 'Les Miserables'), Ramin Karimloo ('Love Never Dies,' 'Les Miserables'), and Yu Shirota ('Prince of Tennis,' 'Sailor Moon') posed for a pre-concert rehearsal snapshot for Fletcher Callanta, BroadwayWorld.com guest photographer, at Turtle Bay Music School on East 52nd Street earlier this week.

BWW TV: Domenech, Go Invite Theatergoers to Watch TARZAN, 6/14-29

(6/1/2013) - Broadway star Dan Domenech ('Rock of Ages,' 'Glee') and pop star Rachelle Ann Go ('Disney's The Little Mermaid,' 'Party Pilipinas') will play the roles of Tarzan and Jane, respectively, in Viva Atlantis Theatrical's production of Phil Collins and David Henry Hwang's Broadway musical 'Disney's Tarzan' at Meralco Theater on Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 29.

Meet CINDERELLA's Main Cast

(5/31/2013) - Christian Bautista is set to play the role of Prince Charming opposite Karylle Tatlonghari's Cinderella in Resorts World Manila's production of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's classic musical 'Cinderella,' tentatively opening on Sunday, October 6 at Newport Performing Arts Theater.

DIRTY DANCING Producers Cancel Performances in Manila

(5/29/2013) - Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Hi-Definition Radio Inc., and Concertus Manila, the team that brought to Manila hit Broadway musicals 'The Phantom of the Opera,' 'Mamma Mia!,' and 'Cats,' have decided to cancel the limited run of 22 performances of 'Dirty Dancing,' one of the fastest selling shows in London's West End, which was supposed to begin on Thursday, July 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

BWW TV: Anthony Downing Accepts BWW Award

(5/28/2013) - South African actor Anthony Downing, who currently plays Viscount Raoul de Chagny in the international touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera' (POTO), received his BroadwayWorld.com (Philippines) Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical May 18 at Parkview Restaurant, The Imperial Queen's Park Hotel in Bangkok, where POTO is now playing.

BWW Interviews: Ma-Anne Dionisio of CATS

(5/28/2013) - BroadwayWorld Toronto Contributor Alan Aronshtam sat down for an interview with Ma-Anne Dionisio, who plays Grizabella in the new Canadian Production of CATS.

Anthony Downing Accepts BWW Award in Bangkok

(5/27/2013) - South African actor Anthony Downing, who currently plays Viscount Raoul de Chagny in the international touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera' (POTO), received his BroadwayWorld.com (Philippines) Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical May 18 at Parkview Restaurant, The Imperial Queen's Park Hotel in Bangkok, where POTO is now playing.

The Virgin Labfest is Looking for Writing Fellows

(5/26/2013) - The Cultural Center of the Philippines, which spearheads the Virgin Labfest, an annual festival of unpublished and unstaged original Filipino plays, is opening its doors for the ninth Virgin Labfest Writing Fellows Program.

Philippine Stagers Foundation Accepts Five BWW Awards

(5/18/2013) - Philippine Stagers Foundation, the theater company that successfully mounted two original productions-'Joe: A Filipino Rock'sical' and the Palanca Award-winning straight play 'Ang Bangkay'-last year was given its five 2012 BroadayWorld.com Philippines Awards on Thursday night, May 16, at Tanghalang Pasigueo.

THE GREAT GATSBY Soundtrack Released; Film Opens in PH Today

(5/17/2013) - MCA Music Inc./Universal Music Group has just released the movie soundtrack of Tony nominee and acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's book-to-screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's great American novel 'The Great Gatsby.'

Photo Flash: Tarzan Meets Jane

(5/15/2013) - Viva Atlantis Theatricals Inc., whose recent maiden production was Terrence McNally and David Yazbek's Broadway musical 'The Full Monty,' officially presented to the media earlier today Broadway star Dan Domenech ('Rock of Ages,' 'Glee') and pop star Rachelle Ann Go ('Disney's The Little Mermaid,' 'Party Pilipinas'), who will play the roles of Tarzan and Jane, respectively, in the Asian premiere of Phil Collins and David Henry Hwang's Broadway musical 'Disney's Tarzan.' The post-summer production opens at Meralco Theater on Friday, June 14.

Meet Cebu's Cre8tive Thespians Club

(5/13/2013) - Daisy Baad, veteran playwright and director once told Sonny Ouano Alquizola, Cre8tive Thespians Club Inc.'s (CTC) founder and artistic director, that CTC is one of those theater groups with very humble members that strongly reflects its leader's humility. Despite being acknowledged as one of Cebu's finest theater groups, CTC keeps it feet firmly rooted on the ground.

THE GREAT GATSBY Soundtrack Released; Film Opens in PH May 17

(5/10/2013) - MCA Music Inc./Universal Music Group has just released the movie soundtrack of Tony nominee and acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's book-to-screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's great American novel 'The Great Gatsby.'

Voting Opens for the 2013 BroadwayWorld Awards! Vote Now for the Best of the 2012-13 Theatre Season...

(5/2/2013) - The Tony Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 11th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

BWW Interviews: Mark Bautista Talks THE FULL MONTY

(5/2/2013) - Viva Artists Agency contract star Mark Bautista's character, Jerry Lukowski, in Viva Atlantis Theatrical's production of Terrence McNally and David Yazbek's Broadway musical 'The Full Monty,' which is a stage adaptation of the 1997 film of the same name, is a challenging role for Bautista.

Photos: BWW Visits THE FULL MONTY; Show Runs Till 5/5

(4/30/2013) - BroadwayWorld.com caught the second Friday night, April 26, performance of Terrence McNally and David Yazbek's hit Broadway musical 'The Full Monty,' locally produced by Viva Atlantis Theatricals, an offshoot of prolific theater company Atlantis Productions.

At TAG's Workshop, Actors Pump Up Their Voices

(4/29/2013) - An actor uses two important tools: the body and the voice. Oftentimes in acting workshops, the facilitator focuses more on physical activities than vocal exercises. However at Theater Actors Guild's (TAG) Actor's Voice Workshop, a different approach to developing the actor is brought about.

BWW Interviews: Getting Real with Fred Lo, Caisa Borromeo and Kyla Rivera

(4/26/2013) - Fred Lo, Caisa Borromeo, and Kyla Rivera, cast of 'Sa Wakas,' an original Pinoy romantic rock musical, share their real-life thoughts about their play's central theme: love and romance.

STAGE TUBE: Cebu Theater Groups Unite Against Cancer

(4/26/2013) - Cebu City, the 'Queen City of the South,' has seven theater groups, collectively known as the United Artists of Cebu; and they are staging a benefit concert 'Of Butterflies and Daisies' for Cebu Cancer Fight Inc. and playwright/director Daisy Baad, also a cancer patient, at Cebu Cultural Center, Lahug, Cebu City (across UP-Cebu) on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

Photo Coverage: SA WAKAS, A New Rock Musical

(4/24/2013) - The musical's plot may be simple: a typical love triangle seen in the movies. But what makes 'Sa Wakas' totally different is the style of how the story is told: it starts from where it's supposed to end. Instead of a linear storytelling, the play tells its story backwards. Every scene makes you ask yourself, 'How did that happen?'

Director Spills the Beans About CINDERELLA

(4/24/2013) - 'Its set design will have things that roll out, turn, fold open, and more' - Michael Williams, director

BWW Reviews: SA WAKAS, The Story of Us

(4/22/2013) - 'Sa Wakas' has garnered mostly rave reviews since the new Filipino musical opened at PETA-PHINMA Theater two weeks ago. After finally catching the show last weekend, we were glad to see that it isn't all hype. 'Sa Wakas' is the type of show you will tell your friends about because you want to share something special with them. It is the type of show you would want people to see because they may have walked the same path once similar to one of the characters. Seeing it onstage also calls to mind gut wrenching conversations you may have had over a few rounds of beer.

BWW Reviews: SA WAKAS, A New Rock Musical

(4/18/2013) - One of the hardest things when writing a review is doing our best not to be influenced by others' opinions, especially when we know something is amiss. While there is no question about how skilllfully Off-Broadway director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan is able to fuse different theatrical elements to bring the spirit of alternative rock band Sugarfree's songs on stage, the lack of organic storytelling in Act One makes Sa Wakas: A New Rock Musical confusing to us.

Lea Salonga, Apl.de.ap and More Start THE VOICE PH Blind Auditions, 4/15

(4/14/2013) - Formally introduced to the public via a press conference held at Philippine TV network ABS-CBN on Friday, "The Voice of the Philippines" coaches Lea Salonga, Apl. de. ap of Black Eyed Peas, Bamboo Maalac, and Sarah Geronimo -- all four have carved out solid music careers and have huge fan bases in the Philippines -- will get to turn their own swivel chairs when the Philippine franchise of the hit reality singing competition "The Voice" starts taping its first set of blind auditions at a sound stage in Bulacan tomorrow, April 15.

Photo Flash: THE GRADUATE Production Photos; Show Runs Until 4/28

(4/11/2013) - Pinky Marquez (Mrs. Robinson), Reb Atadero (Benjamin Braddock), and Cara Barredo (Elaine Robinson) star in Repertory Philippines' 76th season third offering, 'The Graduate,' a film-to-stage adaptation by Terry Johnson, playing at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 until Sunday, April 28.

Photo Flash: Erik Santos Accepts BWW Award

(4/10/2013) - Erik Santos, ABS CBN talent and star of the Asian premiere of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," has received his Best Crossover Artist (Mainstream to Theater) Award at the 2012 BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards via the live musical variety show "ASAP 18."

BWW Reviews: THE GRADUATE by Repertory Philippines

(4/9/2013) - During Act One of 'The Graduate,' Benjamin Braddock exclaims brattishly that his father and everyone his father knows are grotesque. We think there couldn't be a more appropriate description to what follows in the next hour of the play.

Photo Coverage: Rachelle Ann Go Receives BWW Award

(4/8/2013) - GMA talent Rachelle Ann Go was given the 2012 BroadwayWorld (BWW) Philippines Best Actress in a Musical Award for her performance as 'Ariel' in Atlantis Productions' Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' during the live musical variety show 'Party Pilipinas' held Sunday, April 7 at Studio Seven, GMA Annex Building in Quezon City.

STAGE TUBE: BWW Award Winner Rachelle Ann Go Sings 'Part of Your World' in PARTY PILIPINAS

(4/7/2013) - Rachelle Ann Go, 2012 BroadwayWorld Philippines Best Actress (Musical), relived her professional stage debut as 'Ariel' in the Asian Premiere of Disney's The Little Mermaid by Atlantis Productions on GMA Network's musical variety show 'Party Pilipinas' on April 7, 2013. Watch her performance below!

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of THE GRADUATE, Opening Tonight

(4/5/2013) - Kathleen Turner (Mrs. Robinson), Jason Biggs (Benjamin Braddock), and Alicia Silverstone (Elaine) would have found their Filipino counterparts Pinky Marquez, Reb Atadero, and Cara Barredo respectively by the time the hit West End and Broadway play 'The Graduate,' based on the novel and film of the same name, opens at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 tonight, April 5. Scroll down for photos of the cast!

Photo Flash: DIRTY DANCING Releases Production Photos

(4/4/2013) - One of the fastest selling shows in London West End, 'Dirty Dancing,' makes its Manila premiere on Thursday, July 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of THE GRADUATE; Play Opens 4/5

(4/2/2013) - Kathleen Turner (Mrs. Robinson), Jason Biggs (Benjamin Braddock), and Alicia Silverstone (Elaine) would have found their Filipino counterparts Pinky Marquez, Reb Atadero, and Cara Barredo respectively by the time the hit West End and Broadway play The Graduate, based on the novel and film of the same name, opens at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 on Friday, April 5.