Matilda 2017

Matilda, a show by children, for children.

There is no denying that the children casted in Matilda are very good. While not very impressive as actors, both song and dance numbers were done quite well by all counts. Esang de Torres, who performs as the titular lead, is a treat to the ears though a bit wooden (I can't really see her being Naughty).

As for the adults, well, they're a hoot. And while Jamie Wilson is no Bertie Carvel, he entertains both eyes and ears very well. The only exception is Chris Villonco's Ms. Honey, who takes Pathetic a bit too seriously.

To be honest, I'm not sold on Matilda, the musical as I found the movie to be more true to the book. However, I can see that this musical is a good way to introduce theater to both children and adults as there is enough "adult" content in a child appropriate setting. I can also appreciate the revolutionary spirit that will eventually lead them to Les Miserables (lol).

Honestly, I really didn't want to watch this as it was in Meralco Theater, but surprise! This musical started within 15 minutes of the desired time. Yay! Thank you, Atlantis for promptness.

I'd recommend this for all children, and for the parents that will come with them. Die hard book fans may be split, but I'd recommend watching to find out where you lie.

Matilda will run at Meralco Theater until December 10, 2017.

Sound of Music 2017

Years ago, in 2011, I watched the Sound of Music at Resords World Manila. Six years later, I watched it again in a different location with a different location, cast and direction. And sorry to say (because the former had mostly local talent) that I prefer the current version.

Why? This production was on a much grander scale. The set is better and the cast is larger. While sound quality was poorer in this production, on the whole, this show was a lot more palatable than the previous one. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not very fond of this musical. Sorry R&M. I'm not fond of West Side Story either. I know. That should tell you enough about me.

I am fond of some of the songs but the magic for me is already enshrined in the movie with Julie Andrews. In the same way, I cannot help but compare all Valjeans with the guy who screams two-four-shicks-oh-one. Because, tell me, how can you beat the actual gradual zoom in from the hills to the face of Julie Andrews?

Also, I have always found the second act, both in movie and musical, dragging. As such, movement and transition work are very important in keeping my attention. Most renditions of it (including that horrible TV one) are a lot more static. Which is why I found myself pleasantly surprised by the end of the first act (being a lot faster than I expected) as well as the second (I was not bored out of my mind). I found myself engaged in this musical for the first time.

I cannot seem to recall how the older version sounded years ago -since I don't seem to have posted about it. But that is on me. I will say that while their voices were decent, this Captain and Maria had very little chemistry. Humor makes up for it a little, but not enough to be believable. I'm not a very objective judge though because Julia Andrews and Christopher Plummer....

Anyway, all-in-all, it's a decent rendition of the Sound of Music, better than its predecessor. It's major drawback is also not a problem with the show itself but in logistics. The show started 15 minutes late and a lot of people were still very, very late (even appearing halfway through the first act) and the ushers allowed these people entry into their seats EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A NUMBER. Not cool.

FYI, if you are late to a show, you should either be seated at the sides or barred from entry until a song has ended. Anything else is rude. And while Hannibal would probably never see the Sound of Music, he would not approve.

If you really want to see this musical, go ahead and book (at seats close to the stage so you won't see the people moving around). But honestly, I still prefer the movie version.

The Sound of Music runs at Solaire until October 15, 2017.

Mabining Mandirigma

Life has been so busy lately that I've had time to see it only now, but I strongly recommend Mabining Mandirigma, a steampunk musical.

The libretto is by Nicanor Tiongson and it is Directed by Chris Millado. The lead, Liesl Batucan, is well worth watching just by herself. She is guaranteed to move. But this is more.

Though it entitles itself as a steampunk musical, it feels like part opera and part vaudeville, with bits and pieces occasionally clashing. I do not agree with some of the views portrayed, but the juxtaposition of different characters in the play and the different styles of performance was done adequately.

In style, this reminds me of Miss Saigon, in spirit, Hamilton, but its soul is Filipino. I would recommend any Filipino who loves musicals, and in fact, any Filipino to watch this.

Mabining Mandirigma will run at CCP until December 18 at the Little Theater.

Something to See: Jersey Boys

I was only able to see it this week, so the run has already ended. However, it's a very good production and a must see for those over 40.

Highlights: Nyoy Volante's vocals. 60's type dancing. Nostalgia (for those who know the Four Seasons).

This is the first version I've seen of Jersey Boys and it was excellently done: smooth and solid. I was also impressed that it started less than 30 minutes after the alleged time. I almost missed it since I didn't want to watch anything at Meralco again. Fortunately, C convinced me and I'm glad I got to see this.

I'm almost 100% sure that there's gonna be a second run. It really is that good. Don't miss it when it comes back.

Something to See: Les Miserables

Do I even need to talk about this? Les Mis is awesome.


WATCH IT.


Les Miserables will be at Solaire until May 1.

Something to See: 50 Shades!

I've finally found something to like about 50 Shades of Grey.

It's 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.

As someone who has just wiki'd the story, I'd expected to be a bit lost, but virgin viewers will still have a blast!

Beauty and the Beast, Manila

I love Disney musicals - bar one - and Beauty and the Beast is one of the earliest ones I came into contact with. I was, therefore, quite excited to watch it here in Manila. Luckily, the show I got wasn't cancelled by the Papal visit, so I was successful in watching it this weekend. Yay!

This may have been due to the Papal visit, but the performance I went to started significantly late - around 20 minutes. Now this may not be a big deal in some venues, but for a CCP production, I was a bit disappointed. Since Beauty and the Beast is a relatively short production, and I was able to eat beforehand, it's not too bad, but it definitely set my mood down.

Now, for those who do plan to watch - I won't spoil it for you. I definitely enjoyed watching it. It's sufficiently different and equally diverting for those familiar with only the film. The Beast is better characterized in the musical - although I do have issues with how Prince Adam's whiny self translated to hypernasality while singing. The more adult themes are also more obvious. However, I was definitely disappointed at the library set (my favorite moment) and the backdrop for "Be Our Guest," (the crowd pleaser), and other little things at the first and last scenes. I also found the orchestra too small for the musical, which was obvious at the overture. It's definitely much simpler than its Broadway counterpart, which is understandable, but not enough for me to justify its price at price Zones 1 and 2 (on Ticketworld).

On the whole, I wouldn't say that I'd recommend it but it's not bad at all. I felt more joy with the audio recordings (some parts were shorter, and they did cut Maison des Lunes), but I enjoyed watching it nonetheless. If you're looking for some Disney entertainment for the family and for yourself (and you can afford it), then you might want this.

Beauty and the Beast at CCP will be performing until Feb 1, 2015.