Globe LIVE wows theatre lovers with four musical productions this year

Globe LIVE takes on four top-notch theatricals this year. Filipinos will see major productions starting with Disney's Newsies premiering on July 7, 2017, followed by West Side Story on August 10, 2017, then the classic Sound of Music on September 27, 2017. Globe LIVE will be capping off the year with Menken & Ahrens' A Christmas Carol in December. 

Globe customers can get access to all these exciting productions with the best deals and exclusive discounts!

For more information, go to http://go.globe.com.ph. For ticket purchases, visit https://www.ticketworld.com.ph. 

" PINOCCHIO, THE LIVE MARIONETTE MUSICAL " Is All Set To Open

Carlo Collodi’s popuplar story about a puppet named PINOCCHIO will come to life on stage by premiere kid actors of the country under Kids Acts Philippines. The first in the country doing musicals for kids and by the kids, is the company’s 14th Musical Theatre Season offering for school, parents, children and the entire family.

Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “PINOCCHIO” with script, lyrics and direction by LUIGI NACARIO, and music by EUGENE BELBIS. The group won an award from ALIW Awards through Hansel and Gretel as Best Production for Children wherein all featured actors of the musical were kids. Belbis and Nacario’s collaboration of creating children’s musicals can be considered works of the masters, that may lead them to be christened as Fathers of Philippine Children’s Theatre.

Pinocchio is a of a puppet boy who dreamed to become a real boy. The story begun, one fine day, that a piece of wood found itself in the shop of an old carpenter named Master Cherry to make the leg of a table. As he was about to give the first blow of his hatchet, he heard a wee, little voice coming from the wood. His face had changed and fright had turned him to death. To appease his terror, he gave the piece of wood to his friend Geppetto who took it to make himself a marionette, a puppet that will dance, fence and turn somersaults. He called it Pinocchio, the first pranks of the marionette, the name that will make his fortune. The adventure of Pinocchio started right after he was fashioned by his father Geppetto. He went out of his way to explore the world of wonders and never returned

Ateneo Blue Reportory Presents "Real-Life Fairy Tales" A Musical Scene-Cycle From Sept 20-Oct. 1

Ateneo Blue Repertory presents “Real Life Fairytales”, a blueREP original play, for it’s 25th Season Premiere. Real-Life Fairytales is a series of six unique vignettes about how fantastical real life can be, or alternately, how fantasy isn’t so different from real life. Contemporary issues such as mental health, body image, and drug use are examined through the lens of the magical and unusual.

This musical scene-cycle is written and musically directed by a homegrown blueREP talent, Ejay Yatco; who is a composer, musical director and pianist. In 2013, he represented the Philippines in the World Championship of the Performing Arts where he made it to the top 3 and took home a gold and three silver medals. He was also nominated twice for Best Musical Direction and once for Best Music at the BroadwayWorld.com Awards. Lastly, he composed and arranged music for well-known companies such as City of Dreams, PNB, Resort's World, Bonanza Foods, Pepsodent, Pepsi, SM, Arlington and IBPAP.

"THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES" Is All Se To Open On July 29

Another classic work of Hans Christian Andersen will be premiered through its famous story of “THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES” by Kids Acts Philippines, the premier children’s theatre in the country. This is the company’s 14th Musical Theatre Season offering for schools, parents, children and the entire family.

Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES” with script, lyrics and direction by LUIGI NACARIO, who won his first writing crown from BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards through Hansel and Gretel Musical and music by EUGENE BELBIS, who recently won his Best Musical Director Trophy of last year’s ALIW Awards through Beauty and the Beast Musical. These two collaborators of creating children’s musicals were named by critics as the Philippines’ “Jim Eiler and Jean Bargy”, the renowned creators of children’s musicals of the world.

“SUICIDE INCORPORATED” --- A Play To Help Raise Awareness All Set To Open On July 15

How can a theater company help raise mental health awareness by staging a play that tackles the theme of depression, suicidal tendencies and suicide itself?

Catch Twin Bill Theater’s eye-opening production aimed to shed light and raise awareness on mental health issues to its audiences in “SUICIDE INCORPORATED”--- a 2010 tragicomedy by brilliant Off- Broadway playwright Andrew Hinderaker.

Imagine a world where a company that edits suicide notes exists. Now imagine being part of that company. SUICIDE INCORPORATED centers around a company that makes money by drafting suicide notes. The business is Hallmark gone Wall Street, turning a profit by bullishly pushing its clients to perform the unspeakable. The CEO speaks, in an advertiser’s tongue, about cornering the market by targeting those suicide victims least likely to leave notes: Men. It turns out all these men are emotional mice when it comes to discussing matters of the self.

Al Gatmaitan Herald Newer and Bolder Steps To Welcome His 20th Year Career

Every artist have dreams to pursue, but it is how one conquers those dreams that make a difference. Over the last couple of months, noted award-winning actor and classical / crossover artist AL GATMAITAN was quietly working on a dream project to further hone his craft in music and theater.

To further widen his horizons, Al Gatmaitan embarked on a major decision --- a bold move that he has taken very seriously in the forthcoming production of Linda Faigao-Hall’s “THE FEMALE HEART” under the direction of Banaue Miclat-Janssen for the UP Playwrights’ Theater

PhilStage Brings "Mundong Entablado" To One Night Stand On September 1

Seven of the country’s finest theater artists are set to join forces on September 1 for PHILSTAGE’s fundraiser. Entitled “Mundong Entablado”, the show is part of the One Night Stand monthly cabaret at 12 Monkeys Music Hall, and features songs from eleven contemporary Filipino musicals.

Theater veterans Bituin Escalante, Cris Villonco, Sweet Plantado, Nonie Buencamino, and OJ Mariano take the stage with rising stars Kim Molina and Sandino Martin in this unique celebration of Manila’s vibrant performing arts scene. Under the direction of Topper Fabregas and musical direction of Ejay Yatco, the program consists of songs from Rock Supremo, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Bituing Walang Ningning, Lorenzo, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Maxie the Musical, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Sa Wakas, Rizal X, Isang Panaginip na Fili, and Rak of Aegis, all re-arranged for this cabaret.

Seek Enlightenment With Siddharta The Musical

Fo Guang Shan Philippines in cooperation with the Buddha’s Light International Association will restage Siddhartha: The Musical at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 17, at 2 pm and 8 pm. Directed by Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson and with musical direction by Jude Gitamondoc, Siddhartha: The Musical tells the story of Siddhartha, the prince who renounced his royal status to seek enlightenment. He would eventually become the Buddha, the awakened one. His teachings are still kept alive today by millions of people all over the world.

The musical is based on the book The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order. Most of the songs used in the musical are also based on the writings of the Venerable Master.

To date, Siddhartha: The Musical has been staged a total of 55 times. It has been shown in Cebu, Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Taiwan and the United States.

Radioactive Sago Project Steps Into Eraserheads' Shoes In "MANHID" This February

“MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” brings together not only talented actors, singers, and dancers, but critically acclaimed musicians too! Audiences will be treated to live music in each show, care of the Radioactive Sago Project. The sought-after group is taking over where the Eraserheads left off in 1991, as the production’s live band.

The Radioactive Sago Project’s perennially surprising stylistic excursions have earned them a cult following, from critics to art fans, even to discerning rock audiences. The band is fronted by four-time Palanca Award-winning writer Lourd De Veyra, along with alumni from the UP College of Music, two-time Gawad Urian awardee for Best Music, Francis De Veyra on bass, Jay Gapasin on drums, Junji Lerma on guitars, Pards Tupas on trombone, Arwin Nava on percussions, and Wowie Ansano on trumpet. Eventually, the band added Roxy Modesto (tenor and baritone saxophone) and B-boy Garcia (turntables) to beef-up the lineup.

ART IS A BANG: Tanghalang Ateneo's 36th Season Presents GODOT5 Five Ruminations On Samuel Beckett's 'En Attendant Godot'

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University, will end its 36th Season: Navigating Identities this February with "GODOT5: Five Ruminations on Samuel Beckett's 'En Attendant Godot'". The production, an exploration of the tragedy of waiting and of hope, will use both the English translation of the play by Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Samuel Beckett and a new Filipino translation by Palanca winner Guelan Varela-Luarca.

A brief synopsis: Vladimir and Estragon meet near a tree along a road. They converse, bicker, argue, laugh, and agree on several topics of conversation; all of which are merely distractions to help them wait for the arrival of Godot. While waiting, two other men arrive, Pozzo and Lucky. They join Vladimir and Estragon for a while but eventually leave. After they do so, a boy arrives and tells Vladimir and Estragon that Godot won't be arriving today but will surely do so tomorrow. After the boy leaves, Vladimir and Estragon decide to also leave. But they remain where they are, waiting.

PETA closes its 47th season with Cherry Orchard remake, Arbol de Fuego

Capping  the  Philippine  Educational  Theater  Association’s  47th season is Arbol de Fuego, Rody Vera and Loy Arcenas’ reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s classic Cherry Orchard. After three successful Rak of Aegis runs, and original Filipino production, FnL, PETA simmers down from the fitful comedy-musical first half of the season with a grounding of a world classic this February 2015.

Arbol  de  Fuego is  a  tragicomedy  about middle-aged  matriarch  Enriquetta  Jardeleza-Sofronio, played by  veteran actress  Cherie  Gil,  who comes  home after  having  squandered  the  family fortune on a long stay in Madrid. Buried in debt, she and younger brother Adjie (essayed by Jake Macapagal) is  advised  to  sell  the  estate  to  avoid  bankruptcy,  but  refuses, insisting  on  keeping their ancestral house and the flourishing rows of fire trees that frame the estate. The Jardelezas instead, throw party after lavish party, reminiscing their opulent past in an effort to forget their depleting wealth. 

Christian Bautista, Karylle host PhilStage Gawad Buhay

Singers-TV personalities-Musical Theater stars Christian Bautista and Karylle reunite to host the 2014 Philstage Gawad Buhay for the Performing Arts Awards Night this June 6, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Christian Bautista and Karylle headlined musicals West Side Story, Rama Hari, and Cinderella. They were also the stars of international TV musical The Kitchen Musical, which aired over 20 countries around the world.

Christian and Karylle also starred in numerous shows here and abroad, and were perennial partners in ASAP before. They also did a few TV specials together.

ART IS A BANG: "Wait Until Dark" Gave Me Mixed Emotions

January starts with a Thriller with Repertory Philippines with the staging of "Wait Until Dark" at OnStage Greenbelt. As unlike the usual musicals and comedies on stage, this one starts the year with an eerie and thrilling production of the stage play by Frederick Knott which dates back to 1966.

This thriller has been staged countless times and has even made into a motion picture starring  Alan Arkin and the late Audrey Hepburn and Richard Crena. And for 2014, Repertory starts their 77th season with this dark yet engaging production.

ART IS A BANG: "MULAN" Pre-Christmas Shows Set on December 14 and 19

As a pre-X’mas offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ MULAN ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

The special shows are set on December 14 (Saturday) at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center at 10am & 2pm, Efficiency St., Subic Bay Gateway Park.

And for those living in Metro Manila, there will be a show on December 19 at 3:00 PM, ST. CECILIA’S HALL, St. Scholastica’s College, Manila City

ART IS A BANG: "Mulan" Set To Open November 20

Many would love to have a production that will both entertain kids and at the same time teach them life lessons. With movies more inclined to the grown ups, a theater production under Kids Acts gives a special treat with "Mulan".

The story of Mulan, a popular Chinese heroine, comes from an old Chinese folktale entitled “The Ballad of Mulan”. Originally a poem – Hua Mulan’s story has been adapted into a number of different versions over the years.

As a pre-X’mas offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ MULAN ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

ART IS A BANG: Rak of Aegis

Their songs have been the favorite of the masses as a favorite videoke choice as well as singing contest piece. As of of the iconic bands of the Philippines, it would be fitting that their song would also be interpreted in a different stage, theater. This 2014, the music of Aegis will be

A rock comedy musical using the songs of Aegis will tackle Filipino resilience, or how the country faces and resolves compromising situations, whether this be a natural disaster or a broken heart. Set in a subdivision that has been flooded for two months, “Rak of Aegis” will revolve around the love interests of the main characters, whose names are derived from those of Aegis band members as a tribute to the Filipino novelty rock group that made waves 90’s.

Catch it on March 7, 2014, Friday, 8pm at the PETA Theater. For ticket reservations, contact the ff:

Marlon - 09065750057

Stan - 09158112407

Zita - 09273571986

Real - 09175277325

ART IS A BANG: Der Kaufmann - Ang Negosyante ng Venecia REVIEW

From Shakespeare's timeless classic comedy "The Merchant of Venice", Tanghalang Pilipino gives a whole new light and perspective to it with DER KAUFMANN (Ang Negosyante ng Venecia). With translation by Rolando Tinio from the original play by William Shakespeare, and directed by Rodolfo Vera and Tuxqs Rutaquio. 

As a Filipino adaptation of one of the famous stage plays, Der Kaufmann comes to life onstage with a very cryptic yet critical approach to the story which has been told and lived in many stages around the globe. Taking into the limelight of the theme is the Antisemitism movement and homosexuality aligned with the plot opens it into a whole new view of the celebrated piece as more of dark and devious bringing the audience into the period of the Second World War during the mass execution of Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals performed by the Nazis.

ART IS A BANG: Trumpets returns with the magical musical The Bluebird of Happiness

What happens when two kids embark on a magical adventure to find happiness?

The Bluebird of Happiness follows the unforgettable adventure of poor kids Mytyl and Tyltyl search of a mythical creature called the bluebird of happiness. They are accompanied by their dog, their cat, and a candle in human form named "Light" who help them on their journey. Together, they explore wondrous and mysterious lands and meet interesting and enchanted characters in their quest for true happiness.

They visit "The Land of Memory" where they encounter their long dead grandparents, "The Palace of Night" where nightmares and horrors creep from dark corners, "The Forest" filled with trees who have a grudge against humans, "The Land of Luxury" that holds all kinds of riches and bounty, and "The Land of the Future" where sadness is unknown and “The Graveyard” where they must face their worst fears. Despite of all the places they visit they end up where they started and find that the "Bluebird of Happiness" is right in their own home. 

ART IS A BANG: Repertory Philippines Announces Cast Of "The Producers," Set To Open On November 15

In celebration of its 46th year, Repertory Philippines proudly closes its 76th theater season with THE PRODUCERS.

Adapted from the 1968 Mel Brooks film of the same name, The Producers was written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with songs arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman. As in the film, the story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. The humor of the show draws on ridiculous accents, homosexual stereotypes, and Nazis, along with many show business in-jokes.

The original Broadway production, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, opened at the St. James Theatre on April 19, 2001 and ran for 2,502 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. It spawned a successful London production running for just over two years, US national tours, many productions worldwide, and a 2005 film version.

Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the cast of THE PRODUCERS features CARLO OROSA and ROBIE ZIALCITA (alternating as Max Bialystock), TOPPER FABREGAS (as Leo Bloom), and GISELLE TONGI (as Ulla).

ART IS A BANG: Ibalong D'Wonder Twins of Boac Lead Philstage Gawad Buhay’s 2013 1st/2nd Quarter Citations

PHILSTAGE proudly announces the first and second quarter citations of the 2013 Gawad Buhay !, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts.

TANGHALANG PILIPINO’s “Ibalong,” a dance-musical reimagining of the Bicolano epic, topped the list with 15 citations in the performance and technical categories.

“Ibalong” was adapted for the stage by Rody Vera, with the neo-ethnic rock music provided by Carol Bello and direction and set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio. It garnered citations in the following categories: Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction (Tuxqs Rutaquio), Adaptation or Translation (Rody Vera), Musical Direction (Carol Bello), Musical Composition (Carol Bello), Choreography (Alden Lugnasin), Costume Design (Leeroy New), Lighting Design (Katsch Catoy), Sound Design (TJ Ramos), Set Design (Tuxqs Rutaquio), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Delphine Buencamino and Jenine Desiderio), and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Cheeno Macaraig and Jonathan Tadioan).