Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical

Una sa lahat, let me just say that I am happy that local producers are investing money on musical plays na de calidad.

For the record the 3 main actors did an exceptional take on their specific roles but I guess these characters are larger than life especially the role of Lavinia Arguelles which led me to find it so-so. I guess there are things that you need not revisit.

I love that they have considered songs that are not part of the original film like "Init Sa Magdamag" which I consider one of Sharon's finest work (duet with Nonoy Zuniga). I find that Newport was too big for this and I was distracted seeing the transitions.

The first half medyo nakaka-antok actually iyong kasama ko nakatulog. Luckily, second half was more entertaining lalo na iyong "trio".

Into The Woods (2014)

I should commend Disney for venturing a dark and for mature audiences musical consisting of fairy tale characters, based on a broadway musical of the same name by Stephen Sondheim.

The film is complex having intertwined conflicts which kudos should be given to Rob Marshall for pulling it off.  The ensemble cast did an amazing job but I have to say that Streep and Blunt were such stellar.

However, it's not Les Mis nor Chicago but it settles just fine, right where it should be - chanting an entertaining chorus.

As taken from the movie - "You're so nice. You're not good; you're not bad; you're just nice."

Rak Of Aegis

I took pride on this Filipino production even the "name" was inspired by Rock of Ages and gave me a Kinky Boots vibe.

Love Aegis' music and I think how the compositions were used in a scene was spot on.  Voices were superb and the comic antics were always on right timing.

Now I understand why it went for a rerun.  A must see.

Kudos to all!!

Wicked

Finally - Wicked the musical!

My very first time to watch a performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  It was ok but the place needs a serious renovation.  Sayang naman kung papabayaan just like Metropolitan Theater.

Ex-colleagues and friends Ria and Jen were there also.  A and myself arrived on time, thank goodness, no traffic and there's a parking space.

Saw some celebrities.

We have the perfect seats (IMO).  Fabulous set!

The performace started in time and then there's Galinda.

I was all smiles throughout the show (3 hours including break) with some tears.

It was lovely but I won't be able to compare it with the other musicals we have watched, all were unique and beautiful in their own rights.

Some of the best moments,

• I realized that you cannot understand the whole story by just listening to the soundtrack.
• I listen to the soundtrack and appreciate it more.
• The Defying Gravity moment was OZ-ome and OZ-tanding!
• The casts were great!!!
• The "aaahhhh" moments when you start to connect the scenes to Wizard of Oz.
• I swear, I felt I am listening to Kristen and Idina because of the vocals are exactly the same.
• "For Good" will now have a special place in my heart.

Wicked OST and Sequel

Darn it!  They have added additional Wicked shows so it has been extended until March xx of this year.

The spectacular - spectacular expectation will no longer be that spectacular but the excitement continues -

Ta-da!

Yes!  Sing-a-long starts now.  I have not fallen in love yet on the OST and it will take time, maybe after I have seen the show where you can be nostalgic of the dialogues and musical scenes.

And have you noticed the other material at the back of the OST - yep the Wizard of Oz (1939) film which can be considered as the sequel to Wicked.  Will need to (re) watch it with full concentration.  In my childhood days, I have seen it in PTV4 but it was all blurry although I know the story.

This is a must for being part of "Friends of Dorothy".

A Wicked Preparation

It's time to defy gravity!

At last, I was able to convince A to watch Wicked here in Manila.

Am so excited and need to buy the album and start memorizing the songs.

I did not watch this Tony Award winning musical in Broadway but I hope Manila's overall performance and production is par to say the least.

We are scheduled to watch the last performance so we expect it to be more spectacular.