There's something brewing down South of Manila--in the realm of theater entertainment, that is.
The local theater scene has always been identified with venues in big cities like Makati, Pasay and Quezon City. This means that southern Metro Manila residents need to exert a lot of effort-- navigating through and contending with the traffic on South Luzon Expressway--just to watch a live performance. Thank heavens, an alternative is now within reach, its name being one that hits the bull's eye: Theater Down South.
"Theater Down South is a theater company dedicated to providing quality productions for residents of Parañaque, Alabang, Las Piñas, as well as such areas further down as Cavite and Laguna," said veteran stage actor and TDS artistic director Michael Williams. "Aside from focusing on family entertainment, the company has a strong educational component, too, which we promote through our children's shows and curriculum-based productions."
Now on its third year, TDS conducts Summer Theater Workshops, apart from holding special holiday shows and events. Well-received productions of the theater company in the past were A Midsummer Night's Dream, Treasure Island and Rapunzel.
For its 2010 season, TDS brings to the stage two new musicals: The Princess and the Red Carp and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Williams will direct both productions.
A CINDERELLA STORY. The Princess and the Red Carp is a TDS original children's musical production, created by Joonee Garcia (music, lyrics and book) and Williams (book).
The musical is based on the oldest known recorded Chinese version of the Cinderella story, penned by Tuan Ch'eng-shih in mid-ninth century A.D. The heroine, Yeh Hsien, triumphs over adversity with the help of her friend, a magical ten-foot long Red Carp, who provides her with clothes, jewelry, and most importantly a pair of tiny golden slippers.
This play was originally conceived as part of The Podium's Chinese New Year celebrations but has been expanded into a full-length musical.
Princess was literally tailor-made for our company," shared Williams. "Because our writer was so familiar with each cast member (herself included), she was able to create characters that play to each actor's strengths, and to reflect a little of their personalities."
The collaborative show was born out of the company's philosophy of encouraging its members to explore as many aspects of theater--writing, directing, stage management, graphic design and marketing--as they can so as to give them a wider understanding of their work.
Likewise, the decision to mount an all-original production was one made with their audience in mind. "TDS is on a mission to encourage the theatergoing habit, especially in the suburban communities," explained Williams. "Smaller, family-friendly shows such as this one are a great way to introduce new audiences to the experience."
Forming the cast are Kahna Cortez-Velasco as Yeh Hsien, Chino Veguillas as the Red Carp, Celine Fabie as Step Mother, Joonee Garcia and Marie Delgado as Step Sisters, Mikey Llorin as Prime Minister, and Zig Haggamann as the Young Emperor.
Performance dates: August 22, 29; September 5, 12, 19, 26, 2010
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Insular Life Theater, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
A GREAT COMEDY. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a Tony Award-winning musical and a great comedy by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart (book).
Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus (251-183 BC), specifically Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Mostellaria, Forum tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The title is derived from the line that vaudeville comedians often use to begin a story: "A funny thing happened on the way to the theater."
Forum had itsoriginal Broadway run in 1962 and has since enjoyed two successful revivals, in 1972 and 1996. TDS's presentation of Forum coincides with Sondheim's 80th birthday, which is being celebrated with a year of concerts and revivals worldwide.
Included in the play's local cast are Jacob Gayanelo, Chino Veguillas, Kris Katalbas, Bea Quitiquit and Kathy Landain.
Performance dates: October 2, 3, 8, 9, 24, 30, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Insular Life Theater, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
For ticket inquiries and other information, call Theater Down South at 505-6380 / 0916-6436976 or call TicketWorld at 891-9999.