Nov 26 2008
What I can say about Hairspray, Manila
From L-R: Nyoy Volante, Tim Espinosa, Monica Reynoso,
Madel Ching, Dulce, & Menchu Lauchengco
source: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/11/hairspraymanila.html
I have lost the habit of writing my thoughts on a play or movie immediately after seeing it. I hope it is not too late to share my thoughts though to those of you who plan to see this musical.
I recently watched Hairspray in Star Theatre last Nov. 21, 2008, front row seats. I am a little disappointed that the venue of the play - a colorful musical and a tony award winner has to be in Star Theatre. It was a friday, so I left QC 2 hours before the show started at 8pm. On the way I fetched my friend Tin at Starbucks at 6750, Makati. But still, we were around 20-25 minutes LATE. I arrived towards the end of Scene 3 of Act 1. I have never been late for a play except for Death and the Maiden due to inevitable circumstances. But for leaving my QC home 2 hours before the show?!? - I purposely left early to be there on time but I was still late. Partly because we still had to look for Star theatre which is hidden behind Aliw Theatre. The theatre doesn’t have a big signage other than not being very well-known. One thing that I learned from that experience, I must always always bring a map especially if the show where you are going has a definite time to start.
I also made a huge mistake buying front row center tickets. Actually, it was unfair that they priced the front seats P1200++ which is the most expensive because from where we are seated our view is partly blocked by some huge rectangular black objects placed on top of the stage (which is either for the lights or speakers). We weren’t able to see the entire bed where Penny Pingleton (Tracy’s bestfriend) was being tied up. Our view resembled a movie screen with a huge black rectangular shadow at the bottom.
I hope people from Atlantis could take a look into this. Infact I deserve a reimbursement of my money or atleast return a fraction thereof for what happened.
The view above the rectangular shadow however was far from disappointment. Actors are good. Spectacular I must say. Madel Ching is perfect for the role of Tracy Turnblad. I commend everything about her especially the acting. She is a replica of the Tracy Turnblad of the movie and broadway which surprised me for a new discovery like her and made her professional theatrical debut in this musical.
Menchu Lauchengco gave the best performance of the night - Pang-international level (acting with right timing, good singing). Nyoy Volante was good, especially with the moves. He portrayed Seaweed Stubbs, a black who dances. I thought he won’t pull it off because I have watched him live in his shows and never saw him do a moonwalk which he repeatedly did for this role.
I also noticed unfamiliar faces on stage whose performances I like. Monica Reynoso as Tracy’s bestfriend Precy was funny and gave good acting. I like her a lot.
The Dynamites (From L-R: Erika Cedilla,
Mayen Bustamante & Emerita Alcid)
source: http://meldanyan.multiply.com/photos/album/87#1
Another girl who I also like is Emerita Alcid, one of the Dynamites in orange dress. She has the prettiest face and her singing voice in a chorus always stood above others. I already noticed her in West Side Story and I find her better-suited in a major role than merely a part of the ensemble or dancers. Infact I find her more fit as the villainess bitchy Amber Von Tussle, than the actor who portrayed it who should have been prettier and bitchier.
Michael De Mesa
source: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/11/hairspraymanila.html
Moreover, Michael de Mesa is far from John Travolta’s performance as Mrs. Turnblad. I heard it is the most difficult role he had taken so far because of the dancing and the physical challenge to act as if he has the real huge weight. However when I watched him, the dancing and physical weight weren’t a problem but the feminine acting and good singing that he lacked. Parang mas babae pa si Chris Millado sa kanya when the former essayed the role of Rocky in Rocky Horror Show. Parang mas mag-eenjoy ako siguro kong ibang actor portrayed Mrs. Turnblad. What I want to drive at is that Micheal de Mesa is overrated as a stage actor. There are a lot of other actors who could do better in the roles he has performed on stage.
Ofcourse, I won’t miss mentioning Malen Bustamante-Cadd as one of the Dynamites and my former theatre workshop teacher who was sexy and pretty as a Dynamite dancer. Keep it up Mayen!
So that’s about it. This is what I can say about Hairspray, Manila.
I hope you enjoy and get good seats if you do watch it.
**********
Showdates:
Star Theater - Nov. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & Dec. 5, 6, 7, 2008
Ticket Prices:
Php 1236.00
Php 1030.00
Php 824.00
Php 618.00
Call Ticketworld: (+63 2) 891-9999
Email:tickets@ticketworld.com.ph
Fax: (+63 2) 891-5634
Hotlines: GLOBE +63-916-340-3919
SMART +63-0921-564-2108
Call Atlantis Productions: 892-7078/ 840-1187
You may also buy directly from these people:
Nov. 28, 2008 Fri 8:00pm | Andrea Go +63917-8867968 email: andreanicoleuygo@gmail.com
Nov. 29, 2008 Sat 2:00pm | Theody Demaisip +63920-9326067 email: tdemaisip@fastmail.fm
Nov. 29, 2008 Sat 8:00pm | Joelle Ona +63920-9010863 email: jhorca@gmail.com; Anton +63917-5683627
Nov. 30, 2008 Sun 3;00pm | Jill Pena +63919-3608974 email: jill_mari@yahoo.com
Nov. 30, 2008 Sun 8;00pm | Janna Chua +63928-5024066 Roan Isberto 0918-9133793
Dec. 5, 2008 Friday 8:00pm | Ticketworld +632 891-9999
Bachelor Girl Shake & Shimmy Show
Dec. 6, 2008 Sat 2:00pm | Lorna Lopez +632 913-157 +63922-3875729 email: thebachelorgirl@gmail.com
December 6, 2008 Sat 8:00pm | Ticketworld +632 891-9999
December 7, 2008 Sun 3:00pm | Teody Demaisip +63920-9326067 email: tdemaisip@fastmail.fm
Closing Night
Dec. 7, 2008 Sun 8:00 pm | Mae Castro +63906-3414559
