After the huge success of Songs for a New World and Rent, 9 Works Theatrical will stage The Wedding Singer the Musical Comedy at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas on October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, November 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2010. The musical performance is based from the 1998 New Line Cinema movie that features Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore with the same title. The movie made the song “Grow Old with You” popular as the movie crosses from the big screen to stage of Broadway in 2006. The Philippine presentation was directed by Robbie Guevarra and starred by Iya Villania, Gian Madrigal, Nikki Valdez and Pinky Marquez.
I was one of those fortune to see the special preview of The Wedding Singer before it’s actual play date in the Meralco Theater, and it is wonderful to see how from the movie that we all love and fell in love with actually transformed to a stage performance. I saw Gian who played Roger in Rent before and now doing the role of Robbie Hart, the wedding singer and it is refreshing to see him in a role which is less serious but more focus on putting more effort on a wacky-love-struck later hearth broken character not to mention the milieu of the story. Iya who was playing Julia Sulivan (where Shiela Valderrama will be the alternate) really surprises me with her performance, I seldom saw her in doing those kind acting and it is musical where I often saw her doing hosting stint and for those who are her followers they will really appreciate and love more Iya in her talent in acting and singing.
The stage play gives more life to the characters like Holly, Linda, George and Rossie which it gives more impact to the story. Nikki did a great job doing Holly and along with Myrene Santos who is doing Linda who both did daring performance, from shower to acrobatic moves in bed while singing. For Pinky Marquez who replaces Enhang Kaimo for the role of Rossie, Robbie’s grand mother, it was amazing that she came in just three weeks before the presentation and she did a wonderful portrayal and I can’t help to say that I admire her co’z the “poem part” and the humor of her character along with George (Johann dela Fuente) was one of the scenes in the play which I am truly anticipating, of course the impersonators part will always be the laugh-trip part and congrats to the actor who did the Imelda Marcos impersonation.
There are just minor problems during the performance which I hope that 9 Works can do adjustments, the audio of the sounds overpower the voices of the performers and some of the lapel mics of the talents where not properly cued where some lines can barely hear from the seats. Over-all the performance was great and looking forward for more of the projects of 9 Works.
THE WEDDING SINGER is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019. It’s play date is on October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, November 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2010, where Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. For tickets and inquiries, you may call 586.7105, 557.5860, 0917.554.5560, or visit www.9workstheatrical.com.
The long wait is over as the 9 Works Theatrical finally reveals the names of the cast members of the most anticipated comedy musical of the year – The Wedding Singer! The musical comedy is based from the 1998 New Line Cinema with the same title starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, written by Tim Herlihy and directed by Frank Coraci. The Wedding Singer the Musical Play will be presented at the Meralco Theater from October 23 to November 17.
In the official Facebook Page of 9 Works Theatrical they revealed the names of Iya Villania who will be doing the role of Julia Sulivan, Gian Madrigial as Robbie Hart and Nikki Valdez as Holly. All three artists are known with the talents in acting and singing especially Iya who did Footloose and Gian in Rent the Musical.
Other performers includes Analin Bantug (Holly Alternate), Johann dela Fuente (George), Lorenz Martinez (Sammy), Enchang Kaimo (Rossie), Jeremy Aguado (Glen Guglia), Myrene Santos(Linda), Shiela Valderrama (Julia Alternate), Chinie Nepomuceno, Arnold trinidad, James Stacey, Shelyn Tayanes, Mian Dimacali, Mark Tayag, Myrene Santos, Jonjon Martin, Bym Buhain, Sylveth Ong-Iko, Harold Cruz, Ikey Canoy, Peachy Atilano, Francis Matheu, Sab Jose, Miguel Vasquez, Jenny Villegas and Nikki Guevara.
The Wedding Singer is about Robbie Hart a wedding singer from Ridgefield, Connecticut who was engaged Linda his longtime girlfriend and Julia Sullivan a waitress where Hart usually performs and the best friend of Linda. Linda broke up with Robbie and the male singer was so devastated that leads to his intemperate and drunk in all his gigs. And Julia comes to the rescue trying to give Robbie the chance to go back with his life.
The production team of the local presentation of the musical comedy is headed by the Director Robbie Guevara, Musical Director Rodel Colmenar conducting the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Choreographer Francis Matheu, Vocal Coach Onyl Torres, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Designer Chuck Ledesma and Costume Stylist Rosanna Aranaz. The Production Team is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Production Manager Sunshine Domine, Technical Director Paul Domine, PR and Publicity Consultant Toots Tolentino. PR Director Christopher de Venecia, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, Stage Manager Lambert de Jesus, and Company Manager Anna Santamaria. THE WEDDING SINGER is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019, Tel.: (212) 541-4684. For tickets and inquiries, you may call 586.7105, 557.5860, 0917.554.5560, or visit www.9workstheatrical.com.
I am Flow Galindez, blogger and a proud advocate of UN World Food Programme Against Child Hunger and Protection. WFP's Bloggers Against Hunger Philippine Connector and MDG advocate. Also advocates for climate change and HIV/ AIDS awareness, education, child and women's rights. I also blog about entertainment, events, lifestyle, news, tech and gadgets, movies and theaters and foodie stuff--- Opinions expressed here are my own.
