Les Miserables

Same as the movie and concert, one word to describe it - perfection!

I am glad that the performances were inspired by an amalgam of the film and concert.

No doubt I cried while munching my maltesers. LOL.

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".

Beauty And The Beast (Musical)

Two Broadway musical productions came in Manila last year (until this year), first was Chicago and then this, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

I think this entry will be more Beauty and the Beast as a general work of art rather than focusing on the musical play.  The fairy tale was written by French novelist Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756.

There were several adaptations made but I think the most famous for me would be the CBS Television drama series (cue song: The First Time I Loved Forever) and of course, Disney's animated film.

The film served as a catalyst to Disney's renaissance.  The other films were Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Beauty and the Beast became more special for me because of the story behind the screen.  Just like Mary Poppins, this film had a real sad story.  The life of Howard Ashman, a gay-man died of AIDS complications.  

An excerpt from his Wikipedia

On March 10, 1991, the Disney animators had their first screening for Beauty and the Beast and it was an enormous success. Afterward, they visited Howard in the hospital. He was 80 pounds, lost all of his sight, and could barely speak. His mother showed the animators that he was wearing a Beauty and the Beastsweatshirt. The animators told him that the film was incredibly well received by the press and described to him in detail how it had gone. He nodded appreciatively to the news. As everyone said their goodbyes, producer Don Hahn leaned over to Howard and said, "Beauty and the Beast is going to be a great success. Who'd have thought it?", to which Ashman replied with "I would have." Four days later, on March 14, Ashman died following complications from AIDS at the age of 40 in New York City.  Beauty and the Beast is dedicated to him: "To our friend Howard, who gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul, we will be forever grateful. Howard Ashman 1950–1991."

The film was the first of its kind to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Then, came the stage musical...

For the Philippine leg, I have nothing but praise to the entire production team.  While it's not as glitzy and glamorous as "Wicked", this one has more soul and better dance numbers plus I know the songs except for the 2 new ones which are also good.  The lack of attendance was beneficial on our end, we were moved to closer seats.

Just like its music, Beauty and the Beast will always be a loved tale that is as old as time.