Friday, November 28, 2008

Hairspray Manila Preview on Nov. 12, 2008 in Star Theater

Last November 12, 2008, I was grateful to have watched the preview of the Tony award-winning musical play, "Hairspray" thru Ms. Lorna Lopez who raffled off tickets. Hairspray (Atlantis Production, Manila) is directed by Bobby Garcia. The play was shown in Star Theater at CCP Complex, Manila.


I am flabbergasted at the set design of Hairspray, beaming with neon pink & blue colors. In the middle, you'd see the purple polka dots superimposed on the vertical stripes in the background. The play of lights is very creative creating a dramatic effect of shadows as the characters acted out their scenes. The lighting design is likewise impressive! There is this scene where the pink lights (outline of polka dots) diminished then it is being brought back.

The mobiles, the moving props and the costumes are superb and wonderfully made. The whole performance (acting, choreography & singing) was visually stimulating while you enjoy listening to the beautifully rendered songs. All the pastel colors used blend well - for the costumes, on the set, on the props, etc. - for your eyes' pleasure and delight!

I was only able to capture the set design using my Canon Ixus 70 camera after the play because we were instructed not to take pictures during the show. Taking pictures was strictly prohibited as we (the Philippines) don't hold the rights of the said play.

The actors played their part well and sang the songs excellently. Michael de Mesa, who portrayed the character as Edna, delivered his lines well as a female character. Although, I noticed that when he sang the songs, his voice appeared as manly. I understand that it is not easy to portray that role as he needed to sustain that female temperament.  

Dulce, as the Motormouth Maybelle, was powerful especially when she sang the song, "I Know Where I've Been." Noel Rayos has excellent voice projection doing his role as Corny Collins. Everyone did an amazing job in this production. Congratulations! If given the chance, i would want to watch this again.

The show runs till December 7, 2008. For tickets and schedules, please call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. 

For the complete list of Hairspray cast:

Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad
Michael de Mesa as Edna (played by John Travolta)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle (played by Michelle Pfeiffer)
Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle (played by Queen Latifah)
Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin (played by Zac Efron)
Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs (played by Elijah Kelley)
Leo Rialp as Wilbur (played by Christopher Walken)
Noel Rayos as Corny Collins (played by James Marsden)
Christine Allado as Amber (played by Brittany Snow)
Monica Reynoso as Penny (played by Amanda Bynes)

Gabe Mercado portrays as the Male Authority Figure, while Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure.

Ensemble: Jordan Aguilar, Emy Alcid, Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, Erika Cedilla, Red Concepcion, Gerlin Francisco, Bea Garcia, Crienna House, Yanah Laurel, Cheeno Macaraig, Michael Odoemene, Anthony Ong, Myrene Santos, Mark Tayag, and Lee Villoria.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hairspray is nearing the end of its run. Catch the CLOSING NIGHT show, guaranteed ten times the energy and fun! Closing night is on DEC.7, Sunday, 8PM at the Star Theater. Call/text 09063414559 for tickets. Thanks! See you at the theater!

Anonymous said...

Re your comment about Michael de Mesa's voice, even in the original Broadway musical, the voice is really "suppose" to be that of a man's. The role of Edna Turndlad was played by Harvey Fierstein. So if you're familiar with Mr. Fierstein's voice (the Original Broadway Musical), it can't get any manlier and huskier than that. ;)

I think Michael did a fantastic job. Can't imagine anyone else in Manila playing that role.

Arvin Ello said...

@HAIRSPRAY HOTTIE: Thanks for your comment. Sorry if I just left my reply now. hehe... Just browsing at my old posts and this came back. I agree with you.

Post a Comment

Thanks for dropping by! Hope you can follow me:

Youtube: http://youtube.com/Pintura14
FB Pages: http://facebook.com/vintersections | http://facebook.com/i.imagine.green

Twitter/IG/Tiktok/Pinterest: @ronivalle