From February 9 to 18, Ballet Philippines will be staging a shortened version of Don Quixote at CCP's Main Theater. This version is very short and palatable, divided into 3 acts with two intermissions such that even newcomers will enjoy.
The show boasts a solid cast, from the ensemble to the leads. Both male and female leads, Joseph Gatti and Candice Adea performed very well both during solos and pas des deux. Honestly, during the performance I watched, the former shined a bit brighter than the latter due to the seeming effortlessness of the male. Then again, it's hard to be a girl on pointe shoes!
The set was unexpectedly lavish, windmills available. Costumes were par for the course. All in all, a visual treat. Music was done by the Manila Symphony Orchestra - enjoy the interludes between acts.
I do not know how other performers will fare, but I do recommend watching the Gatti and Adea performance.
Showing posts with label the arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the arts. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Thursday, November 16, 2017
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.
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.
Saturday, September 30, 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.
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.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Tosca 2015
Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to watch Puccini's Tosca at CCP. This was the first time I was able to watch a staged opera in real life, and it was amazing: While the stage wasn't as lush as expected (as seen on television) both the music and the singers were something to hear, especially the titular Tosca.
My only complaint was that I wish the 3rd act was a bit longer.
Unfortunately, Tosca is no longer running. The last time it was seen before this was during the Marcos era. Still, it gives me hope that more of the like will be shown in the future.
My only complaint was that I wish the 3rd act was a bit longer.
Unfortunately, Tosca is no longer running. The last time it was seen before this was during the Marcos era. Still, it gives me hope that more of the like will be shown in the future.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Romeo and Juliet 2015
Tonight was Ballet Manila's first Romeo and Juliet for October 2015. At first I wasn't quite sure about it as the dancers, especially the danseurs, were very badly synced: some too fast, others too slow.
Fortunately, as the show progressed, I found all leads to be strong with some interesting choreography going on. My only qualm by that point was the balcony scene: while well done, I felt that the levels between Romeo and Juliet could have been played with more. But that's just me.
Special mention to how expressive Juliet's face was.
All in all, I enjoyed the performance. The only true sour point was seeing bits of the audience leave early. It was a good performance and to leave like that is disrespectful.
Ballet Manila will be performing Romeo and Juliet until this Sunday.
A
Fortunately, as the show progressed, I found all leads to be strong with some interesting choreography going on. My only qualm by that point was the balcony scene: while well done, I felt that the levels between Romeo and Juliet could have been played with more. But that's just me.
Special mention to how expressive Juliet's face was.
All in all, I enjoyed the performance. The only true sour point was seeing bits of the audience leave early. It was a good performance and to leave like that is disrespectful.
Ballet Manila will be performing Romeo and Juliet until this Sunday.
A
Thursday, August 27, 2015
August Round-up
August 2015 was a great month for me because I was able to watch a lot more shows than I usually do in a month. Of course, that leaves me with too few funds for daily needs such as food and skincare, but I wouldn't change a thing!
Therefore, in lieu of an empties post (and with an empty wallet), I've decided to rank the shows I've watched instead.
Listed by overall enjoyment:
1. Hamlet (play) - simple but great acting.
2. La Cage Aux Folles (musical) - the power of a single star outshining everyone.
3. Singing in the Rain (musical) - not bad, needs polishing.
4. La Cenerentola (concert reading, opera) - great music, dismal direction.
I surprised myself, writing that list: I'd have a very different list if I were looking at how "good" I found each performance compared with others of its ilk. However, this has shown that a great experience in the theater, no matter what type of performance, doesn't just depend on the work of those on stage. Part of this burden rests with management and with the audience itself.
Therefore, in lieu of an empties post (and with an empty wallet), I've decided to rank the shows I've watched instead.
Listed by overall enjoyment:
1. Hamlet (play) - simple but great acting.
2. La Cage Aux Folles (musical) - the power of a single star outshining everyone.
3. Singing in the Rain (musical) - not bad, needs polishing.
4. La Cenerentola (concert reading, opera) - great music, dismal direction.
I surprised myself, writing that list: I'd have a very different list if I were looking at how "good" I found each performance compared with others of its ilk. However, this has shown that a great experience in the theater, no matter what type of performance, doesn't just depend on the work of those on stage. Part of this burden rests with management and with the audience itself.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Hamlet, August 2015
Yesterday, Sunday (August 24, 2015) CCP's Little Theater, better known as Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, was host to Hamlet. This was the work of Terruno Espressivo and Shakespeare's Globe.
For a little background, the goal of this tour is to hit all 205 nations in 2 years, marking the 450th year of Shakespeare's birth and the 400th year of his death. Thus, unfortunately, the Philippines only had 2 shows marked on the same day at CCP.
What do I think? This play was very much worth it, even for those who aren't big fans of his work (in general).
For a little background, the goal of this tour is to hit all 205 nations in 2 years, marking the 450th year of Shakespeare's birth and the 400th year of his death. Thus, unfortunately, the Philippines only had 2 shows marked on the same day at CCP.
What do I think? This play was very much worth it, even for those who aren't big fans of his work (in general).
Friday, August 21, 2015
Singin' In The Rain, August 2015
Last night, I watched the first performance of Singin' in the Rain at Solaire. As usual, especially at opening night, the show started later than expected. Thankfully, not as long as I expected it to be. It also had the smoothness of a first show: meaning none at all. There were certain glitches in the sound system, and the show had to stall for 20 mins in the second act due to technical difficulties. There was also a misguided rainshower during intermission.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
La Cenerentola August 2015
Yesterday, I watched La Cenerentola at Meralco Theater. La Cenerentola is a Rossini comic opera of Cinderella , and this was the concert reading thereof. Despite the stellar cast of Arthur Espiritu, Karin Mushegain, Beong In Park, Noel Azcona, Ronnie Abarquez, Myramae Menezes, Tanya Corquera with conductor Ang, it was the worst theater experience of my life. And it was not even because of the sound system, though I could not hear the males properly at the lower ranges when they didn't project their voices.
It was because of how this concert was treated.
It was because of how this concert was treated.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
La Cage Aux Folles, August 2015
When La Cage Aux Folles came out early this year, it barely came on my radar. I was aware of it, yes, but I had no intention of watching it. I'm not very interested in drag queens, aside from the occasional episode of RuPaul. Luckily, I was able to see what I was missing out on.
La Cage Aux Folles, done by 9 Works Theatrical, is as what one of their lines say: gaudy and grand. In a good way.
La Cage Aux Folles, done by 9 Works Theatrical, is as what one of their lines say: gaudy and grand. In a good way.
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