NEXT TO NORMAL (the Musical) in Manila Mar 19, 2011 / 2PM Sat / RCBC Theater

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Markki Stroem on the right career path

By JOJO P. PANALIGAN

February 21, 2011, 8:42am

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines - With his boyish looks, height and build, many assumed “Pilipinas Got Talent” finalist Markki Stroem would want to become a heartthrob after his exposure on the TV talent search.

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)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Seat Plan can be viewed here:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dF9FNVI4WGVyYTBTRWFKaGpCV05mYkE&hl=en#gid=0

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.

Catch Atlantis Productions' NEXT TO NORMAL

on March 19, 2011 / 2PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact:

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348)

or Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Seat Plan can be viewed here:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Au4HQl0TAAC_dF9FNVI4WGVyYTBTRWFKaGpCV05mYkE&hl=en#gid=0

Thursday, February 17, 2011

There's something about Menchu

DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star)

(Original Article can be found HERE)

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

BroadwayWorld.com:Manila: Markki Stroem Makes Stage Debut In NEXT TO NORMAL

Manila: Markki Stroem Makes Stage Debut In NEXT TO NORMAL

Co-written with Maria Irene Aserios

(Originally published by Philippines.Broadwayworld.com)

"Pilipinas Got Talent" crooner and multi-talented instrumentalist Markki Stroem leaves the klieg lights of local mainstream entertainment a bit to try his hand at acting and singing in the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning smash Broadway musical "next to normal".

For the first time, the electrifying and nearly sung-through masterpiece about your average dysfunctional American family, created by Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics), reaches the Asia-Pacific region through Atlantis Productions Inc.'s staging of "next to normal" at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, Manila, Philippines on March 11 through March 27, 2011.

"next to normal" is bowing out on Broadway this month after around 720 performances. However, the show's original star Alice Ripley currently headlines the national tour in the United States. Ripley won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in "next to normal" -- she plays Diana, mother and wife in the Goodman household who's been suffering from manic-depressive disorder.

On the local front, Filipino-Norwegian Stroem essays the role of Henry -- he's the drug dependent suitor of Natalie who's the only daughter and most artistically-inclined of the Goodman family.

Stroem performs alongside Bea Garcia's Natalie.

Apart from Garcia, a small but veteran cast surrounds our professional theatre newbie - Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo plays Diana; Jett Pangan plays the Goodman's patriarch Dan; Felix Rivera plays the Goodman's only son Gabe; and Jake Macapagal plays Diana's psychotherapist Doctor Madden.

Bobby Garcia directs "next to normal" right on the heels of his successful productions of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music" both in Manila and Singapore.

BroadwayWorld.com (Philippines) recently had a quick one-on-one interview with Stroem in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao. He was in town as a special guest performer in big band singer Richard Poon and comedienne Pokwang's concert at the Atrium Limketkai Center last month.

BWW: Hi Markki!

MS: Hi, how are you doin' today? How's BroadwayWorld.com?

BWW: Pretty good!

BWW: We've heard that you're part of "next to normal" in Manila. Congratulations!

MS: Well, ever since I was a kid, I've always loved performing in musical theatre. It's one thing that I'd love to do. When I got the go signal from my manager (Mariole Alberto of Star Magic) that I could audition for this play, I said to myself why not try my hand again at musical theatre. I looked up "next to normal". I was so fascinated by the story, and by the different roles, by the different characters. They have a way of messing with your mind.

I actually listened to some of the songs. I was blown away by some of the lines. There's this opening song sung by Diana (Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo) to her daughter Natalie (Bea Garcia):

"Diana: Natalie, it's 3 in the morning, is everything ok?

Natalie: Everything's great, why wouldn't it be great? It's great! I've just got 3 more chapters of calculus a physics problem set, a history quiz and 2 pages on floral imagery in Flowers for Algernon' which so like, DUH, everything's so under control., it's just like calm.

Diana: Honey you need to slow down. Take some time for yourself. I'm going to have sex with your father.

Natalie: Well, great, I'm so glad I know that."

It's the words they say that just mess with your head. I personally enjoy it because psychology is one of my passions. I went to school and studied a bit of psychology. I hope you guys watch for this play. I've so many good things to say about "next to normal". I can go on and on...

BWW: By the way, how was the audition process like?

MS: It was an interesting process because the people that I was auditioning against were seasoned actors in Broadway shows in Manila. It was really scary because all these people were like maybe four or five or even 30 years in the industry. They know their stuff.

When I got the role of Henry, I was so ecstatic. As an individual, I know I'll grow so much more because these people can boost me up to try to reach that level that they've already reached. I'm so excited working with Menchu, Jett Pangan of The Dawn, and with Felix, Bea and Jake. When you watch this play, you will not be disappointed!

BWW: Given that you're very young, what experiences from your young life can you perhaps use when you play your role?

MS: My role is Henry. I'm the boyfriend of this genius kind of freak...

BWW: It's a very challenging role!

MS: It's interesting. It's probably not the most psychotic role in the play. But you know, I can draw from my experience in college and high school.

I got a lot of friends who actually messed up in their lives - they smoked, they were drug addicts, now they have nothing. They were trapped in their little world. I can draw from what they experienced. How did they grow up in high school? How did they grow up in college? What happened after college? How did they end up with nothing? What happened in their past that made them like that?

I'm trying to understand their emotions, their feelings, their life experiences.

BWW: Thank you for the time, Markki.

MS: Thank you too BroadwayWorld. I hope you guys watch for the play.

Catch NEXT TO NORMAL

on March 19, 2011, 2PM @ RCBC

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

INQUIRER LifeStyle: ‘Next to Normal’ from Atlantis Productions in March 2011

Original Article can be found here: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20110103-312199/Next-to-Normal-from-Atlantis-Productions-in-March-2011

ATLANTIS PRODUCTIONS, which celebrated its 2010 Season with hit productions of “Avenue Q,” “Legally Blonde,” “Xanadu” and the Manila and Singapore runs of “A Little Night Music,” opens its 2011 Season with the Tony Award- and Pulitzer-winning rock musical “Next to Normal,” set to run March 11-27, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (as Diana), one of Philippine musical theater’s most accomplished actresses, and rock star/theater actor Jett Pangan (as Dan) star in this production. They take on two of the most demanding roles written for musical theater, originated on the Broadway stage by Tony Award-winning actress Alice Ripley and J.Robert Spencer.

Other cast members include Felix Rivera as Gabe, Bea Garcia as Natalie and Markki Stroem as Henry.

In “Next to Normal,” Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book/lyrics) puts a woman’s lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder and depression center stage—in a musical. The two earned the 2009 Tony Award for Best Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for their work.

“Without ‘Rent’ and Stephen Sondheim, there is no ‘Next to Normal,’” Kitt and Yorkey said, in an interview with Playbill.com following their Pulitzer Prize win.

“We’ve always been moved and inspired to write material that maybe says something a little different through musical theater. I think at the very beginning, when we set out to write this, we just wanted to write something that mattered to us, something that felt maybe that it hadn’t been explored in musical theater before. But never could we have imagined in our wildest dreams that we’d be here.”

Fresh from his critically acclaimed staging of “A Little Night Music” in Manila and Singapore, Bobby Garcia directs the Manila production of “Next to Normal,” which is the first licensed English language production outside the United States.

Garcia says, “I am thrilled that Atlantis is opening 2011 with a show as groundbreaking and as powerful as ‘Next to Normal.’ It is one of the most unlikely hit musicals to have ever opened on a Broadway stage, and I am thrilled we will get to create our own unique family for this production. When I saw ‘Next to Normal’ off-Broadway two years ago and on Broadway last year, I was once again excited for the future of musical theater.”

The Manila production is presented through a special licensing agreement with Music Theater International.

Catch NEXT TO NORMAL

on March 19, 2011, 2PM @ RCBC

GlobalPost: Atlantis Productions brings Next to Normal to Manila--March 2011

Read the Article Here:

http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/philippines/atlantis-productions-brings-next-normal-manila-march-2011

Catch NEXT TO NORMAL

on March 19, 2011, 2PM @ RCBC

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