With a set design that includes a structure shaped like a
jukebox and stairs typical of high school buildings, one would know what type
of show Grease is, even without a performer onstage. Yes, Grease in Manila is a
musical about high school students in the 1950s, an exploration of their
experiences with love, friendship, adolescence, and other social issues. All
these youthful encounters are presented thru great songs, beautifully
choreographed dance numbers, and colorful 50's costumes.
Grease in Manila promises one great ride of reminiscing our
youth and school days. The young and new faces on stage mirror the enthusiasm
and exuberance which we all once felt during our teenage years.
Directed by Robbie Guevara with assistant director Lorenz
Martinez, the musical highlights each and every character like GMA Kapuso's
Frencheska Farr as Sandy Dumbrowski and Gian Magdangal as Danny Zuko. Both
performers showed powerful vocals and flawless dance moves. Magdangal, who
practically spent his growing up years on stage as a singer and actor, gives a
stellar and lively performance as Danny. Singer-actress Farr,on the other hand,
displayed not only her acting and singing prowess but also managed to impress
the audience with her beauty and glowing smile.
Newcomer Rafa Siguion-Reyna, who played Kenickie, also
showed his best vocals and suave moves on stage like there's no tomorrow
especially when he sang "Grease Lightning". Rafa is the son of
filmmaker Carlo Siguion-Reyna and actress-scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza, and also
the grandson of one of the country's most respected celebrities, Armida
Siguion-Reyna.
Although the scenes featuring the lead actors are highly
enjoyable, I also found the scenes where The T-Birds meets or performs with the
Pink Ladies wickedly amusing. I always had a smile on my face every time they
performed and there never was a dull moment with them on stage.
The T-Birds were played by Reb Atadero (Roger), Mark Tayag
(Sonny), and Vince Lim (Doody) the Pink Ladies were played by Peachy Atilano (Frenchie), Jennifer
Blair-Bianco/Iya Villania (Betty), and Sarah Facuri (Jan). Peachy Atilano as
Frenchy was simply astounding. I saw myself in her character, and for a moment
there, I remember my dearest high school
friends. Owww..also count the butt exposures hmmm..hehe..
You have to watch out also for the Teen Angel, who will be
portrayed by a different singer-actor of our country each time. Last Saturday
it was "My Husband's Lover" Tom Rodriguez who played the part and he
was so impressive on stage that the audience couldn't contain their excitement.
More promising and hunk singer-actors will appear as Teen Angel in the coming
shows.
Don't miss this chance to see this multi-awarded musical
which became a stepping stone for stars like John Travolta, Richard Gere and
Patrick Swayze,who all played Danny; as
well as Olivia Newton-John (Sandy), Rosie O'Donnell, and Brooke Shields
as Betty. Grease is one of Broadway's longest running shows, and you will never
wonder why, after you've seen it.
Grab your tickets now so you can be assured of your coveted
seats. AND, prepare yourself for an enjoyable evening of rock 'en roll, dance,
love, and laughter. Then, don't forget to get up and strut your stuff when the
whole cast sings "We Go Together".
9 Works Theatrical
production assures you that every Grease performance night at Carlos P. Romulo
Theater in RCBC Makati, which will run all weekends from November 9 to
December 1, 2013, will not be a waste of
your time nor money.
For tickets and other inquiries, you may call 586-7105 or
0917-55460 or email info@9workstheatrical.com. Follow 9 Works Theatrical in
Facebook/9WorksTheatrical, Twitter/9WTonline and Instagram/9WTonline and join
the discussion with the hashtag #GREASEManila.
