NineWorks' Christmas Carol Delivers Hope and Happiness

Nineworks Theatrical with the help of Globe Live  brought back Christmas Carol for a second run of  spreading holiday cheer. The re-imagined Carol had no semblance of a replay of the 2016 spectacular. With the intention of keeping everything fresh, everything except for the script was rehashed and the output is a more delicate presentation of "home". The staging was pretty much a well loved Christmas tree.  It was a luminous collection of ornaments that reflect our loved ones. It's that beautiful tradition  that ignites the Christmas spirit like no other. 

Nowadays, hate and hopelessness has become a norm. Hope is no longer accessible to all.  We've produced thousands of Scrooges through the years making this production's story relevant and even necessary.  The famous Christmas tale about a person bruised by life finding  hope with the help of three ghosts truly is art imitating life. What a wonderful thing it was to see   art used to create a paradigm shift.  Certainly there was more than one Scrooge who found hope and happiness the night I watched. This was production was a quick fix of fun and  it is a story (and a staging) that reminds you that the miracle is indeed within us all. 

Cast 

Miguel Faustman who took on the titular role of Ebeneezer Scrooge has done this show over a hundred times. Despite this, there is a freshness in his performance. This time around there was more delicacy. The story requires a lot of dramatics but Faustman delivers a quieter bitterness that resonates. At a certain point he quite frankly shocked me with a lively tap routine. Kudos to Director Robbie Guevara and choreographer Yek Barlongay for pushing an already awesome artist beyond his comfort zone. 

Chameleon Noel Rayos delivered an unbelievable performance in multiple character sketches. He skipped in and out of different roles with so much vigor and enthusiasm. As Marley (Scrooge's best friend who returns from the dead), Rayos was dark and earthy delivering his lines with harrowing emotion. In contrast he was comical as Mr. Fezziwig. His vibrant personality certainly came out in his spirited dancing. As if that wasn't enough to convince the audience of his versatility,he came out and performed cycling tricks on stage in the final scenes of the show. Truly he was valuable member of this cast.

Laurence Mossman and Mitzi Lao  individually  were pitch perfect with the quality and tone of their voices perfectly matching the emotional content of Menken's classic songs. But together the partnership seemed  friendly at best. 

Throwback Thursday

The production can boast of colorful production sequences featuring high powered  technical dancing.  I was truly  delighted to see the actors  pull off triple threat exhibitions. Numbers like Mr. Fezziwig's Christmas ball  and Abundance and Charity were athletic  highlights that added to the show's  entertainment value. There's actually more dancing in this show. It was a commendable effort from choreographers PJ Rebullida and Yek  Borlongay. It must be said however  that the bigger than life staging of the previous run was far superior than this one. For instance the staging of The Ghost of Future was like a scene from "Thriller" rather than a sophisticated interpretation of  painful regret. It was a bit caricature-ish  rather than organically spooky. I also could no longer recognize any  real fluid movement.  Some of the  sequences  looked quite cramped with an injury waiting to happen.   It is difficult not to compare because the previous staging  spelled out grandiosity and purposeful movement. Nonetheless someone with fresh eyes will  surely not complain at all. It was still a dynamic display of actors' skills. 

The rectangular stage was  adorned with a multi layered   surrealist old London set by Ed Lacson. It acted as the magic box that kept on revealing spurts of magic from unexpected places. The windows that depicted homes also  opened dramatically revealing ghoulish creature.   The angularity of the design allowed the stage to adapt to each of drastic scene changes.  While I thought it was a wonderful set, I did miss the intimacy of the old multilevel set experience. The immersive quality that the  2016 run generously provided was somewhat diminished. 

Intelligence and Empathy

Robbie Guevara directed this show with a relentless pursuit of finding new layers to the material. His approach shows a huge amount of intelligence and empathy.  I appreciated the highlighted presence of the three ghosts as a triad in the  first act and the finale because it made Scrooge's experience realistic. Don't we all feature real faces of people we've encountered in our dreams?  

It  must have taken a lot of heart to see that the children roles of story are the key to unlocking the story's hope. This time the children were presented ever so tenderly. What people saw was not simply their cuteness level but the clear picture of  untainted hearts. While their voices were velvety soft their message was   potent. Scrooge was changed by them.  To see a child change an adult with their kindness warms the heart. At the very end,  everyone sings the words " Let the stars in the sky, remind us of man's compassion. Let us love till we die  and God bless us everyone".  The  power of that message is amplified  with the children singing  it to the audience like a mantra. It was a reminder to see life lovingly through a child's eyes. Kindness and compassion are far more important than any other concern.  

                   

At the end of the day, he produced a show that delivers a snowfall of love. Like the uniqueness that every snowflake owns, Christmas Carol 2.0 was special in its own beautiful way. It is a gift of a heartwarming experience. Take a chance. Find hope and happiness in a different place.  Create new traditions and enjoy this gift from Globe Live and Nineworks Theatrical.

 Its last remaining shows from Dec 21-22, 26-27 at 8pm and Dec 17 and 25 at 7pm.

 For tickets to A CHRISTMAS CAROL, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999! Happy Holidays!🎄

#GlobeLive9WTACC #TheMiracleWithin

Join the Newsies Strike

The involvement of Globe Telecom in the creative process of Nineworks Theatrical has definitely made a tremendous impact in the theatre industry. It is a shining example of partnerships gone right. In recent years the partnership has expanded Nineworks' capabilities and provided artistic liberties that many theatrical groups could only dream of. Nineworks has always had a cult following but Globe with its wide reach has introduced them to new thirsty audiences. Achievement unlocked. With consolidated resources, financial compromises are minimized leaving a better chance of artistic triumph on stage. This was the case when they showcased "The Christmas Carol" last year which captured the hearts of many. Globe has not been getting the short end of the stick either because Globe's name soared with every happy social media savvy audience member. This formula seemingly has been win win for both parties, indeed a fantastic deal.

This time however, Globe and Nineworks have outdone themselves. They have suavely transitioned from doing business handshakes to venturing into an artistic collaboration. Both parties seem to have made a strong point about focusing on the Filipino artist. The Filipinos have always been full of talent but go to any European country and you will find more than a handful triple threats. Just this year I made my theater rounds in London and out came the triple pirouetting, straddle jumping pitch perfect gorgeous performers. Truthfully, there are not enough singer actors who can dance at a professional caliber here in Manila. A lot have the moves but not many can do the tricks. Despite this fact, they chose to bring to Manila Disney's "Newsies", a musical that is famous precisely because of the triple threat mighty hard technical requirements. Instead of shying away from risk, they chose to strike. Initiating an artistic revolution they gave both veterans and newbies in the cast a taste of intense skill upgrading. They believed the Pinoys could do it with the right training. The truth of the matter is whether the critics crush them or not, the cast will go home with all the gifts they have gained from "Training Ground". They already have a win on their side. The question is, did they deliver a win for Nineworks and Globe?

Newsies is largely based on the Newsboy strike of 1899 in New York city. Led by alpha-male New Yorker Jack Kelly, the Newsies raise their voices and launch a strike to counter the Pulitzer broadsheets empire. Truthfully, it wasn't much of a battle for Gian Magdangal who played Jack Kelly. After a hiatus from local theater, Magdangal  came back strong, refreshed and revitalized. With just the right New Yorker swagger he won the audience within minutes. His silvery voice intact and his charms on full capacity, we quickly believed he was the hero that would save the Newsies.



It seemed however that the Newsies didn't need much saving. The ensemble was a force to be reckoned with. No doubt with a lot of mentoring from veteran director Robbie Guevarra, the cast composed of mostly newbies were transformed into fearless Newsies. I was happy to see that most of them really took the training to heart. It showed in their confidence level. My heart jumped a bit as the ensemble took on a grand tap number that was too cute for words. I appreciate the vitality of the dancing. Bravo to PJ Rebullida for whipping them into shape. As for the acting, each guy held on consistently to their individual characters with vigor. In particular, musical theater newbies Ian Ocampo (ballet dancer) and Alex McDermott (TV Host and actor) quite literally swept me off my feet. These newbies were at ease and displayed that they were indeed worthy of being called triple threats. They savored their lines as if it were a privilege (It is!) and demanded to be seen and heard. Their dancing was expansive and their execution (from accent to singing) meticulously on point. For both men, it was a perfectly calibrated performance.  Newsies today, leading men tomorrow. 

Luis Marcelo who played Crutchie a disabled Newsie is perhaps my favorite of the bunch . I like his straightforward animated approach to being the ultimate underdog side kick. But what was memorable to me was his ability to make moments out of silence. When he was being dragged out by the cops he made sure he made his dignity felt with his steely yet almost glassy eyes. He slayed his solo (Letter from a Refuge) belting out emotional notes that seemed to stay with me long after the scene finished.

Jef Flores played Davy the brains behind the strike. While I did like his performance I would have to commend him for something else. His Newsie transformation is perhaps the biggest success of  "Training Ground".  I would never have imagined that Flores would be able to do tricks like a dive roll, a saut de basque (ballet jump), pirouettes and a tap routine. I did not see that coming at all especially because I knew before hand that he was going to be taking on the role of a timid passive Newsie. Kudos to Flores for allowing the challenge to change him. Confidence and commitment is key and he had both in his pockets the whole time. 

On the technical side of things, there were a few forgivable imperfections. There were mic issues when I watched. The rain didn't help. I loved the structural set made by Ed Lacson. The movable sets punctuated the gritty New York Streets and framed some of the scenes strategically. I appreciated the projections because the innovation complimented the story telling. However, it is also because of this that some scenes were a tad too dark often casting a shadow on the faces of the actors when they are up on the sets. Thankfully the actors have enough light in them to make themselves noticed.

Overall the simple narrative of the story was beautifully packaged with impressive production value with the heart of fired up Filipino artists at the center of it all. This time it's not only a win for Nineworks and Globe. Newsies is a win for the Filipino triple threats. Director Robbie Guevara brings forward what he initially promised, a paradigm shift that I hope will continue to bring inspiration and transformation to the people who encounter it. Let's all join the strike and believe in change. We all could use an upgrade right?! Strike!

For tickets, go to go.globe.com.ph/newsies, glbe.co/01ticketsnewsies, 

or contact Ticketworld at 891-99-99

#CreateHeadlines #GlobeLive9WTNewsies #SeizeTheDay

Disney's Newsies, the Triple Threat Challenge

On all weekends of July, the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater will be the home for one of Disney’s biggest theatrical hits, the 2012 Tony Award winning musical including Best Music, Newsies. Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions, this high-energy musical is an adaptation of the 1992 cult hit motion picture (starring Christian Bale) and is inspired by the true events of the “Newsboy Strike of 1899” in New York. With lyrics by Jack Feldman, music by Tony and Oscar winning composer Alan Menken, and book by Harvey Fierstein 

The word "triple threat" has been doing its rounds recently ever since word came out that Globe Live in cooperation with Nineworks Theatrical was going to bring Disney's Newsies to Manila. Make no mistake the triple threat requirement  is what musical theater is all about. An actor must be able to sing, dance and act exceptionally well. It is not a new concept that actors are only now pondering about. It is a basic requirement of every single musical theater production. Some of the Philippines' best have capitalized in this having been exposed to several art genres.  However "Newsies" requires  a higher level of technical expertise in some aspects. Take for instance its  dance element, the original Broadway production was mounted on dance celebrities including So You Think You Can Dance stars Alex Wong (Season 7), Jess LeProtto (Season 8) Evan Kasprzak (Season 5) and Thayne Jasperson (Season 4). Google them and you will drool over their  beautiful performances showcasing technique (in their respective specializations). You can just imagine the inspiration they brought to the creative process. Now, Newsies is known for the hybrid choreography of tap, ballet and even hiphop.  The original choreography of the Broadway musical is nowhere near easy, it is highly energetic and definitely technical. Any other restaging after that must comply with the standard that has been set.  It won a Tony award by the way. The expectations that this musical brings is therefore gigantic. It is Disney after all. It is Alan Menken's music after all. 

Well, Nineworks so far seems to have everything covered. After a nationwide search they have casted some of the best triple threats in country.   This includes award winning actors, professional ballet dancers and newbies who will shake you to the core. Knowing full well that wasn't enough, they launched  "Training Ground" which is an intensive meant to train them into the best singers, dancers actors they can be. This is not your regular musical theatre workshop where you are taught to sing, dance and act. The Training Ground is a skill specific enhancement program.   Six hours a day, five days a week they train in preparation for the mounting of the show. So far the performers have been exposed to gymnastics, tap, hiphop,ballet and contemporary dance. Investing in art is always a good idea. Taking skill seriously usually means success. I can't wait to see if the Manila cast delivers and conquers the triple threat challenge. I'm betting on this one. See you all at the theatre ?!!

CHECK OUT THE CAST OF NEWSIES 

Gian Magdangal as Jack Kelly and Danielle Chopin as Katherine Plumber

      Davy: Jef Flores
Les: Daniel Drilon
Les: Tory Cortez
Crutchie: Luis Marcelo
Joseph Pulitzer :Greg
Medda Larkin: Pinky Marquez
Raymund Concepcion
Ariel  Reonal
Franz Imperial
Alex Diaz
Anton Posadas
Ian Ocampo,
Erick Arenas
Stephen Viñas
Ronelson Yadao
Jim Ferrer
Jourdan Bartolome
Mark Anthony Grantos
Chesko Rodriguez
 Jon Abella
Kendrick Ibasco
Vyen Villanueva
Jan Mayo
MC dela Cruz
Clark dela Riva
Joni Galeste
Melissa Bell

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THEATERFANSMANILA: A Place Called Home, A Christmas Carol

MIGUEL FAUSTMAN AS SCROOGE 

REPOSTING MY ARTICLE THAT CAME OUT IN THEATER FANS MANILA. CHECK LINK BELOW 

 http://theaterfansmanila.com/review-christmas-carol-place-called-home/

Nineworks Theatrical’s “A Christmas Carol” running in the Globe Iconic Store caught me by surprise as I witnessed a familiar classic speak to me in a different way. Obviously Alan Menken’s emotionally driven music was one of the reasons why this version is compelling. But the staging of this production is what makes the music, the lyrics, the libretto so joyful. Much like a well-crafted Noche Buena, everything was well plated with overflowing love.

On a technical aspect, there is much to devour. Conquering the obvious obstacles created by an outdoor theatre, I was easily transported by Mio’s Infante’s glorious sets to old London. It looked grand to say the least even if the usual lush red seats were replaced by simple chairs. Lights and technical styling elevated the set to an even higher level as it evolved, constantly providing just the right touch of magic. Scene changes and actors coming in and out were always with an element of surprise as the set provided flexibility.

The choreography of PJ Rebullida and Yek Barlongay from start to finish were dynamic and really brought to life pivotal moments. Adding texture to scenes were simple movements such as angular mannequin like actions ending in multilevel tableaus that provided the silence to highlight conversations. The ensemble with jerking shoulders listening in to conversations made me anxious as a spectator increasing my involvement to the scenes. The different genres used in the choreography also contributed in giving each scene a very distinct elemental character. The two major production numbers ‘Abundance and Charity’ and ‘Feizziwig Christmas Ball’ were exciting and quite frankly very technical. It demonstrated that the talent pool were all delightful triple threats.

That being said, the actors juggling multiple exposures were wonderful. Al Gatmaitan as the young Ebenezer Scrooge was just the right mix of endearing and frustrating. Noteworthy was Ela Lisondra playing the ghost of the future. Her acting chops were a good match to her good dance technique. Rocco Buser, possibly the youngest in the cast, was just the most adorable kid I have ever seen. With a voice clear as day, he sung those high notes with confidence. Playing Tiny Tim, he brought us to tears with his utmost sincerity. Veteran Miguel Faustmann who has played Mr. Scrooge several times gave us a refreshing performance. Seasoned professional that he was, he sustained his energy well and delivered in every scene he was in. I can’t imagine anyone else being cast for this role.

AL GATMAITAN AS THE YOUNG SCROOGE

Ela Lisondra as the Ghost of Christmas Future

Ela Lisondra as the Ghost of Christmas Future

I’ve mentioned a multitude of sugary compliments about this show and so it seems that I have covered almost everything. But allow me to indulge in expressing my appreciation for one last thing. I think the best reason to watch this musical apart from high grade talent, is the fact that Charles Dickens’ Christmas message comes alive. Alan Menken’s song goes, “There’s a place called home. I can almost see, with a red front door and a roaring fire and a Christmas tree. Yes a place called home full of love and family. And I’m there at the door, watching you come home to me.” This show brought me home. More importantly, it brought me Christmas. Robbie Guevara has directed this musical so well that it will speak with a universal language of music and rekindle in people’s hearts a warm spot called love. It will mean something for the young and old. It will make you appreciate everything you already have. It will make you want to share it with everyone you meet. The message is beautiful. It is what Christmas is all about, appreciation of blessings and finding the heart to love others for the fulfillment of a deeper purpose.

They say it is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air so if you want to dive into the holidays with a smile on your face I highly suggest you give theatre a try.