Tuesday, March 8, 2011
It's one of the proudest moments in my career
Original Article can be found HERE
MANILA, Philippines - I first heard of Next To Normal when I was casting Cinderella in New York on a blisteringly cold February day in 2008. It was playing Off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theatre which was right beside Telsey + Co, our casting office, on W 43rd Street. After a long casting day, I went to check it out. Although it was not yet in its final finished state, the show and the music lingered in my mind for weeks after. In 2009, it opened on Broadway with numerous dramatic and musical changes. I caught it during its first few months on Broadway and was blown away by the music, the story and its power. I knew then, that at some point in my career, I wanted to take on directing Next To Normal.
Luckily, soon after that, we were able to arrange for the rights to stage it in Manila, thanks to the wonderful guys at Music Theatre International, who have entrusted us with the most current musicals through the years. The Manila Production marks the first internationally licensed English language production of Next To Normal. The Australian production opens right after us. I knew, though, that staging Next To Normal did have numerous challenges. The first challenge would be to find a cast ready to take on the demands of Next To Normal.
Finding Next To Normal’s cast was both daunting and extremely easy. I already had a cast in mind to tackle the extremely demanding material. The question really was whether they would be up to the challenge and the reality of living with the emotional complexity of the show for months as we rehearsed and ran the show.
Who else but Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo could take on Diana, really? Menchu is one of Philippine Musical Theater’s great stars. She brings to each and every role a passion, a focus, and a truth that is unparalleled in musical theater in the country. She also possesses a fantastic voice that can scale the heights in either a thrilling belt or a sweet soprano.
It has been a joy working her to create a Diana unique to this production. This is Menchu’s fifth show with me, and each and every time it is a joy. Over the years, she has become a dear and trusted friend. I am also thrilled that Menchu has expanded her career to include directing and taking on the associate artistic director position at Repertory Philippines.
Repertory Philippines paved the road for those of us who work in English language musical theater in the country. Zeneida Amador and Baby Barredo are the pioneers who laid down the railroad tracks for us to take our journey on. All of us who have followed in their footsteps, have merely built the trains.
Now, as the torch is passed on to a new generation, it is in the best of hands with Menchu there. I can’t wait for audiences to see Menchu’s emotionally raw and soul searching performance as Diana in Next To Normal. It is a performance that captures the highs and lows of Diana’s turbulent mind, and Menchu alternates between electrifying and devastating.
It is the work of a musical theater actress at her prime.
I am also thrilled that we produced Menchu’s first CD, which will be released on the opening night of Next To Normal. Released by Sony Music, the CD titled Light will feature seven songs from Menchu’s musical theater past and present. It will also feature two songs from Next To Normal along with the entire original Manila cast. The CD will be available at the theater throughout the run of Next To Normal. I believe the album is a first in the country, an album by a musical theater star singing strictly musical theater songs.Thank you Sony Music for believing in this project.
I first met Jett Pangan when he auditioned for Rent in 1999. Although we wanted him for the show, schedules didn’t allow it to happen. But lucky for me, the Gods would smile upon me a few years later when I was doing another Jonathan Larson musical tick, tick… boom!
This time, Jett was available to do the show. And he was a revelation as Jon. Jett is a natural on stage. Not only does he possess one of the finest male voices of our singers in Manila, but he is also a sensitive and truthful actor. Next To Normal marks Jett’s ninth show with Atlantis.
He has performed with us almost every year. He has become family to us. And we are blessed to have him in our lives and in our shows. After yesterday’s run through, I can safely say that audiences are going to be extremely surprised by Jett’s versatility. He is a rock star of course, but he is also a brilliant actor.
Felix Rivera, Bea Garcia and Jake Macapagal represent the finest of musical theater talent in our shores. Jake has performed in many shows with us in the past and has also shared his musical gifts with audiences in Germany, where he performed in Miss Saigon for many years.
He most recently did an excellent job as Count Malcolm in A Little Night Music, both in Manila and Singapore. He is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. And it shows on stage when he performs. Jake is a generous performer, never ever stealing the spotlight from his co-actors.
Felix, I can say, has grown up a lot in the three years he has been working with us. In those three years he took on lead and featured roles in Avenue Q, Spelling Bee, Legally Blonde and A Little Night Music. And with every show, he has improved his skills.
He is one of the most naturally gifted performers I have worked with, and the dedication he has to his craft becomes more evident with every role he takes on. He is destined to take on many of the finest roles in musical theater. Bea has worked with us in Hairspray, Spring Awakening, Xanadu and A Little Night Music. And, no doubt, this is only the beginning of many great things for her. She brings passion and focus that is sometimes lost amongst her generation of actors. Never one to settle for good enough, Bea continues to improve her skills and I think it shows in Next To Normal. I suspect many people will find her Natalie to be a revelation of sorts.
Markki makes his stage debut in Next To Normal, and I couldn’t be happier that musical theater has found a new rising star. Casting Henry was perhaps the most difficult challenge we had. We went through many performers before I called Mariole Alberto at Star Magic and asked her if there was anyone she wanted to send our way as we were stuck without a Henry. She sent Markki to audition for us, and immediately after he sang and read his scenes I knew we found our Henry. Markki brings an honest and sincerity to the role that is so refreshing to see.
Equipped with a wonderful singing voice, Markki is also an extremely instinctive actor. This is just the first of many musical theater roles for Markki, whom I suspect will become one of the great leading men in Philippine Musical Theater.
Theater is a collaborative medium, and I wouldn’t have been able to stage the show without the amazing creative team that surrounds me. They consist of but are not limited to choreographer Chari Arespacochaga, set designer Lex Marcos, lighting designer Shoko Matsumoto, costume designer Twinkle Zamora, musical director Ceejay Javier, vocal coach ManMan Angsico, stage manager Bernice Aspillaga Cañete and production manager extraordinaire Liza Camus. Blessed is an understatement to describe how I feel about the people I am surrounded by.
This has been one of the most rewarding rehearsal processes I have had in my career. The material is unparalleled in musical theater and the rehearsal room is filled each day with so much love and care for the show and for each other. I genuinely love each and every person in the room (which is actually quite rare for me!). And rehearsals have been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone in the room (just ask ManMan). Tears one second, laughter the next followed by headaches and migraines by the end of the day. But the rehearsal room is always, always filled with respect and love. I normally am very good about cutting the umbilical cord when a show has opened and I move on to the next one, but I suspect I will have a harder time of it with Next To Normal.
Next To Normal would never have come to Manila without the generous support of The Philippine Star, Business World, Portfolio, Studio 23, Lifestyle Network, Yoshinoya, Yellowcab Pizza, Superbowl, Burger King, Baang Coffee, Club Astoria Plaza, Loop Creative Dining, Corner Tree Café, Banana Leaf, MBC Radio, Crossover 105.1, Mellow 94.7, Hit Productions, Digipost, Media Magnet, Prime Recall Advertising and Services, MAC Cosmetics, Mandaue Foam, RCBC Plaza and the City of Makati and our loyal show and ticket buyers. Please write down their names and support their businesses, as they are the ones who keep theater alive.
For those unfamiliar with Next To Normal, it is “an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and of each other.”
It is the winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The crux of Next To Normal can be summed up in a lyric one of the characters sings in the finale, The price of love is loss. But still we pay. We love anyway.
Isn’t that the truth? I do hope you will join us when we open our doors on March 11. Next To Normal is one of the proudest moments I have had in my career, and I can’t wait to share this acclaimed and groundbreaking musical with all of you.
Catch Atlantis Productions' NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011 / 2PM / Saturday / RCBC
Contact:
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
The not-so-invisible girl
The not-so-invisible girl
(The Philippine Star)
Original Article can be found HERE
There comes a time in every actor’s life when the perfect show, the perfect material, and the perfect role come together at the perfect moment and everything humdrum can quite possibly turn golden. The world halts for a split-second. The actor is overcome with unfathomable emotion, an out-of-body experience if you will, and a star is possibly born that is, until the euphoria fleets as fast as it had initially crystallized and there is that stark realization, “Holy sh*t! I’ve gotta get to work!”
Such is the experience of theater actress Bea Garcia who will be getting her break this March in Atlantis’ forthcoming production of Next to Normal. A Pulitzer award-winning rock musical about a suburban mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and a dysfunctional family that’s left to pick up the pieces, Bea is working tremendously hard to do justice to the role of anxious and overachieving 16-year-old Natalie. STAR spends some quality time with the 25-year-old actress who will be sharing the stage with the likes of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and The Dawn’s Jett Pangan as she talks about the role of Natalie, being the on-stage girlfriend of Markki Stroem, and doing theater since as far as she can remember.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Tell us a little something about yourself.
BEA GARCIA: I’m 25 years old, and my first love has always been musical theater. I took my first acting workshop when I was six, and eventually ventured into professional theater when I was seven.
You were first seen as Little Cosette in Rep’s Les Miserables. How have you grown as an artist since then?
Les Miz was more than 17 years ago, and back then, I really was doing it simply because I enjoyed it. I did not fully grasp the discipline it entails and did not have the passion I have for theater then as I do now.
Describe your character Natalie.
Natalie is the daughter of Diana (a suburban mom who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, played by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo). She is basically the character who craves her mother’s love and attention but is let down many times. We see how this affects her life, and everything around her.
How different or similar are you to your character?
Well, I, too, am the only child. Luckily, my parents have been amazing and have been the two most supportive people in my life. Unlike Natalie, I think I have and will always have the love she felt she lacked from her family.
How did you prepare for the role?
I did a lot of research before we started the rehearsal process. I try to look at everything (Natalie) goes through, and internalize the kind of pain and difficulty she feels every single day, and how it manifests in her life and her relationships.
How is Bobby Garcia as a director?
Direk Bobby is great. He not only encourages us to be the best we can be but he helps us along the way. He also asks us questions that make us evaluate the choices that we make, and he is very clear with his vision for the show. I am very lucky to be working with him.
Who inspires you as an artist?
My greatest sources of inspiration are my parents. When I was a child, my mom and dad always told me that the only way I will truly be happy in life is if I love what I do I remember this advice and follow it to this day.
What’s it like being scene partners with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan?
I cannot put into words how inspiring Tita Mench and Jett are! They are both very generous actors. Even when we are just talking outside rehearsal time, I learn a lot from them. Tita Menchu has always been one of the most supportive people in my life, and I always come to her for advice; she really is like a mom to me.
How’s it sharing the stage with Markki Stroem who plays Natalie’s boyfriend Henry in the show?
It has been really great working with Markki! He’s new but he has so much passion for theater and he is so open to learning. You would think that he’d be different because of the fame he’s gotten over the years, but he’s totally humble.
What musicals would you like to see done here in Manila?
Wicked! Thoroughly Modern Millie! Rock of Ages!
Finally, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A happy mom and wife, but still very much involved in the theater scene. I dream to also be able to put up a school that will train young actors and bring theater to the less privileged.
Such is the experience of theater actress Bea Garcia who will be getting her break this March in Atlantis’ forthcoming production of Next to Normal. A Pulitzer award-winning rock musical about a suburban mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and a dysfunctional family that’s left to pick up the pieces, Bea is working tremendously hard to do justice to the role of anxious and overachieving 16-year-old Natalie. STAR spends some quality time with the 25-year-old actress who will be sharing the stage with the likes of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and The Dawn’s Jett Pangan as she talks about the role of Natalie, being the on-stage girlfriend of Markki Stroem, and doing theater since as far as she can remember.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Tell us a little something about yourself.
BEA GARCIA: I’m 25 years old, and my first love has always been musical theater. I took my first acting workshop when I was six, and eventually ventured into professional theater when I was seven.
You were first seen as Little Cosette in Rep’s Les Miserables. How have you grown as an artist since then?
Les Miz was more than 17 years ago, and back then, I really was doing it simply because I enjoyed it. I did not fully grasp the discipline it entails and did not have the passion I have for theater then as I do now.
Describe your character Natalie.
Natalie is the daughter of Diana (a suburban mom who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, played by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo). She is basically the character who craves her mother’s love and attention but is let down many times. We see how this affects her life, and everything around her.
How different or similar are you to your character?
Well, I, too, am the only child. Luckily, my parents have been amazing and have been the two most supportive people in my life. Unlike Natalie, I think I have and will always have the love she felt she lacked from her family.
How did you prepare for the role?
I did a lot of research before we started the rehearsal process. I try to look at everything (Natalie) goes through, and internalize the kind of pain and difficulty she feels every single day, and how it manifests in her life and her relationships.
How is Bobby Garcia as a director?
Direk Bobby is great. He not only encourages us to be the best we can be but he helps us along the way. He also asks us questions that make us evaluate the choices that we make, and he is very clear with his vision for the show. I am very lucky to be working with him.
Who inspires you as an artist?
My greatest sources of inspiration are my parents. When I was a child, my mom and dad always told me that the only way I will truly be happy in life is if I love what I do I remember this advice and follow it to this day.
What’s it like being scene partners with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan?
How’s it sharing the stage with Markki Stroem who plays Natalie’s boyfriend Henry in the show?
It has been really great working with Markki! He’s new but he has so much passion for theater and he is so open to learning. You would think that he’d be different because of the fame he’s gotten over the years, but he’s totally humble.
What musicals would you like to see done here in Manila?
Wicked! Thoroughly Modern Millie! Rock of Ages!
Finally, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A happy mom and wife, but still very much involved in the theater scene. I dream to also be able to put up a school that will train young actors and bring theater to the less privileged.
Catch Atlantis Productions' NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011 / 2PM / Saturday / RCBC
Contact:
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
Markki Stroem on the right career path
By JOJO P. PANALIGAN
February 21, 2011, 8:42am
Original Article can be found HERE
They got it wrong.
“What I’ve really wanted from the start is to act in theater. When I was younger, I was cast in ‘Pippin,’ ‘Babes in Toyland,’ ‘The Wiz’ and every time, I remember a sort of light bulb go off in my head,” he told Bulletin Entertainment and select members of the press in a recent interview.
This is the reason that even though he was not given many film or TV projects after the contest, Markki remains upbeat with the one he did get: a role in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical, “Next to Normal,” which runs from March 11 to 27, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Markki plays Henry, who has “foolish ideas about love and won’t let it go.” His love interest in the rock musical is Bea Garcia.
The Filipino-Norwegian shared how doing “Next to Normal” has benefited him personally and professionally.
“My vocal range has grown bigger and I know all the more importance of punctuality,” he said. “I am also more O.C. than ever and I’m more comfortable around people. Theater people are so easy to get along with and not stuck-up at all. If you make a mistake, they just laugh it off.”
According to the release, “Next to Normal” explores how one suburban household deals with crisis. The Manila Production, directed by Bobby Garcia, is the first licensed English language production followed by an Australian production in April.
Bobby is all praises for Markki. He knew Marrki would eventually get the role the moment the actor began his audition.
“He is an honest, truthful young performer with a remarkable singing voice. He is also passionate about theater, which is a rarity in young performers these days,” Bobby was quoted as saying.
Markki, is, of course, flattered by the compliments, but he says that working with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan in the play is an honor in itself.
“I learn so much from them and at the same time, humbled by their incredible talents,” the budding thespian quipped.
After “Next to Normal,” Markki is set to record her debut album. It will contain tracks with a classical ballad feel, “like a more pop Josh Groban and a more classical Christian Bautista.”
Other dream roles in musical theatre for Markki include Melchior in “Spring Awakening,” Roger in “Rent,” Benny in “In The Heights,” Fiyero in “Wicked,” the title roles in “Pippin” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Catch Atlantis Productions' NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011 / 2PM / Saturday / RCBC
Contact:
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
Felix & Bea: Talented, disciplined & passionate
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda
(The Philippine Star)
Updated February 23, 2011 12:00 AM
ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE
Felix Rivera and Bea Garcia, two of the most accomplished young stars in the local musical theater world, will once again share the same stage in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical Next To Normal when it opens on March 11 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
Felix, known as the “Golden Boy” of Philippine musical theater, has performed lead roles in numerous musicals such as Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q, Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sonny Malone in Xanadu and Henrik in A Little Night Music. His performances have garnered him critical acclaim in both Manila and Singapore. In Next To Normal, he takes on the role of Gabe, the seemingly perfect son.
Bea has been in musical theater since she was a child where she was part of Repertory Philippines’ Les Miserables. She has since performed in numerous musicals including Hairspray, Spring Awakening, Xanadu and A Little Night Music. In Next To Normal, she plays Natalie, the daughter trying desperately to be perfect.
Director Bobby Garcia says of the two young stars, “I have worked with Felix and Bea numerous times in the past. They truly represent the best of the next generation of musical theater actors. Not only are they talented, but they have tremendous discipline and a burning passion for theater. It’s in their blood. It is always a joy to work with young performers who have that passion.”
Felix and Bea join a powerhouse cast featuring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jett Pangan, Jake Macapagal, and making his musical theater debut, Pilipinas Got Talent finalist Markki Stroem.
Next To Normal is a contemporary rock musical that explores how one suburban household copes with a family crisis. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying musical score that includes more than 30 original songs, Next To Normal shows exactly how far two parents will go in order to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.
Felix Rivera and Bea Garcia, two of the most accomplished young stars in the local musical theater world, will once again share the same stage in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical Next To Normal when it opens on March 11 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
Felix, known as the “Golden Boy” of Philippine musical theater, has performed lead roles in numerous musicals such as Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q, Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sonny Malone in Xanadu and Henrik in A Little Night Music. His performances have garnered him critical acclaim in both Manila and Singapore. In Next To Normal, he takes on the role of Gabe, the seemingly perfect son.
Bea has been in musical theater since she was a child where she was part of Repertory Philippines’ Les Miserables. She has since performed in numerous musicals including Hairspray, Spring Awakening, Xanadu and A Little Night Music. In Next To Normal, she plays Natalie, the daughter trying desperately to be perfect.
Director Bobby Garcia says of the two young stars, “I have worked with Felix and Bea numerous times in the past. They truly represent the best of the next generation of musical theater actors. Not only are they talented, but they have tremendous discipline and a burning passion for theater. It’s in their blood. It is always a joy to work with young performers who have that passion.”
Felix and Bea join a powerhouse cast featuring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jett Pangan, Jake Macapagal, and making his musical theater debut, Pilipinas Got Talent finalist Markki Stroem.
Next To Normal is a contemporary rock musical that explores how one suburban household copes with a family crisis. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying musical score that includes more than 30 original songs, Next To Normal shows exactly how far two parents will go in order to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.
Catch Atlantis Productions' NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011 / 2PM / Saturday / RCBC
Contact:
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
Thursday, February 17, 2011
There's something about Menchu
| DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star) |
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo is one of the most accomplished musical theater performers in the country. She is fondly known in theater circles as The First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater. Her illustrious career has seen her play roles such as Eva Peron in Evita, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha, Guinevere in Camelot, Maria in The Sound Of Music, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Nancy in Oliver, Arlene in Baby and Velma in Hairspray, among many others.
In March, Menchu takes on the biggest challenge of her career as Diana in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning rock musical Next To Normal, which runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City from March 11 to 27. Diana is perhaps one of the most demanding roles written for a female performer, both vocally and emotionally. Directed by Bobby Garcia, Next To Normal explores the lengths to which we will go to keep ourselves sane and our families in place. Bobby says of Menchu, “Menchu is a gem in the musical theater world. She is as fascinating an actress as she is a singer. One of the very few in our industry who can do it all. And a genuine and good friend, to top it off.”
Menchu will also be releasing a CD-Lite of five songs Sony Music will release to coincide with the opening of Next To Normal. The CD will feature songs from shows Menchu has performed in, including two songs from Next To Normal. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.
Let’s look at what Menchu thinks about various topics:
1. What other talent would you like to have aside from music and acting and why?
“Painting, since it’s such a great way to express yourself.”
2. Are you afraid of getting old?
“No, not at all… in fact I welcome it.”
3. What was the best thing said about you?
“That I inspire people to be better.”
4. What is the most romantic place on earth for you and why?
“I think anywhere can be romantic as long as you are with the person you love.”
5. How do you pray?
“Quietly.”
6. If you were a movie or a play what would its title be?
“There’s something about Menchu.”
7. What color describes your life? Why?
“Red and blue. Passionate and peaceful at the same time.”
8. How would you describe your state of mind?
“Stable. Hahahaha!”
9. If you are Superwoman, who is your Superman?
“My husband Sel.”
10. What is your greatest fear?
“A family member suffering from a terminal disease.”
11. What makes you laugh?
“A great joke!”
12. The best gift you have ever received from a loved one?
“Hmmmm. God has given me the best gift, my children.”
13. What role would you not play?
“Any role that requires me to take off my clothes. Don’t think I could do that.”
14. Who is you favorite singer? Why? Your least favorite?
“Barbra Streisand is my favorite. She gives so much emotion to her songs. You
really feel her, that’s what sets her apart. I don’t have a least favorite, I just don’t listen to bad singers.”
15. If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?
“A cherry blossom tree. Cherry blossoms are an omen of good fortune and are also an emblem of love, affection and it represents spring. I love new beginnings, which is what spring is all about. And seeing a tree in full bloom always makes
me smile. ”
16. What is your philosophy in life?
“Do unto others what you would want others to do unto you.”
17. If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be and why?
“Well, that would be between God and me.”
18. The most photogenic face in the world?
“Catherine-Zeta Jones.”
19. If you were a flower, what would you be and why?
“A gardenia, I love the purity and simplicity of the flower. Plus I love the scent.”
20. If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Why?
“A secret agent! I would love the adventure and the thrill of the hunt.”
21. Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?
“Heaven, I hope.”
22. Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?
“My mother, she is beautiful in every way conceivable.”
23. Write your epitaph?
“A loving wife and mother who always gave her best in everything she did.”
24. Given the opportunity to come face to face with God, what question would you ask him?
“Why do little children have to suffer?”
25. If you had a third eye, where would it be located?
“At the back of my head, so I could see things done behind my back.”
26. Thirty years from now, where are you and what are you doing?
“Hopefully, still very much involved in theater.”
Catch NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011, 2PM @ RCBC
Contact Us:
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Email: watchplays@yahoo.com
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dF9FNVI4WGVyYTBTRWFKaGpCV05mYkE&hl=en#gid=0
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Email: watchplays@yahoo.com
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dF9FNVI4WGVyYTBTRWFKaGpCV05mYkE&hl=en#gid=0
Markki Stroem makes stage debut
The Philippine Star
Original Article can be found HERE
MANILA, Philippines - After gaining national attention in Pilipinas Got Talent, finalist Markki Stroem will make his professional stage debut as Henry in Atlantis Productions’ highly anticipated staging of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical Next to Normal, which runs from March 11 to 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
The multi-talented Filipino-Norwegian instrumentalist and vocalist is thrilled to be joining the Philippine musical theater scene in the ground-breaking rock musical that explores how one suburban household deals with crisis.
Ben Brantley, in his New York Times review, raved, “Next to Normal is one of the bravest musicals to hit mainstream — a jolt of raw, contemporary pain, propelled by a rock ‘n’ roll pulse. It makes your heart swell.” Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Next to Normal recently concluded its hit Broadway run and continues to run on tour. The Manila production is the first licensed English language production followed by an Australian production in April. The license is made possible through Music Theatre International.
Director Bobby Garcia, fresh off the critical success of his Manila and Singapore staging of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, will be directing Next to Normal and says, “Markki came into audition for Next to Normal and we immediately knew we had found our Henry. He is an honest, truthful young performer with a remarkable singing voice. He is also passionate about theatre, which is a rarity in young performers these days. We are thrilled he will be making his professional stage debut in Next to Normal. He is a welcome addition to the theatre scene!”
Despite his star fast rising in mainstream showbiz, Markki has always been in love with musical theater and couldn’t believe he landed the role of Henry. He says, “As an avid rock musical fan, having followed shows such as Spring Awakening and Rent, I am greatly honored to have landed a role in Next to Normal. I remember when my co-manager Mariolle Alberto told me about the role in the play, and asked me if I wanted to audition for the show. I automatically agreed and auditioned for the part. Landing the role of Henry with such a great cast, including Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan, I am ecstatic to start working on the project! The musical is so powerful and controversial in so many ways, it is going to be a challenge for a professional theater rookie. Although this is the case, I enjoy challenges and I am excited to take part in this exciting show!”
But after Next to Normal Markki returns to his fast-rising showbiz career, which will include releasing an album later in the year. Markki says of his showbiz dreams, “My dreams in showbiz are to create great relate-able songs, perform my best every time on stage to entertain my audience and to always be passionate about what I am doing.”
No doubt with Next to Normal and his numerous upcoming showbiz commitments, Markki is on his way to conquer the Philippine entertainment industry.
Catch NEXT TO NORMAL
on March 19, 2011, 2PM @ RCBC
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Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)
Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
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Seat Plan can be viewed here:
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Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)
Email: watchplays@yahoo.com
Seat Plan can be viewed here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dF9FNVI4WGVyYTBTRWFKaGpCV05mYkE&hl=en#gid=0
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