The Book of Mormon: An Expensive Item in My Bucket List

Posted on April 27, 2015 by heavenliner

Four years ago, when I saw the stunning rendition of “I Believe” by Andrew Ranells from the musical Book of Mormon during the 65th Tony Awards, I promised myself that when I reached New York in the future I would definitely see this musical extravaganza. This personal promise was reaffirmed a year after when I saw the opening number of the 66th Tony Awards which featured the song “Hello”. Seeing the 2011 and 2012 Tony Awards then was like listing The Book of Mormon among my life’s bucket list.

[youtube:https://youtu.be/GVJgmp2Tc2s&w=350%5D

[youtube:https://youtu.be/OKkLV1zE8M0&w=350%5D

Four years later, such personal promise came true. One item in my long, arduous and complicated bucket list was accomplished. I saw, I heard and I enjoyed The Book of Mormon!

My New Yorker friend Jhong knows that months prior to my visiting New York, the one I specifically would like to do was to see this musical. We never talked about the sites to see (except for the 66 Perry Street), the rides to take, the food to taste or the people to meet. We simply talked about the musicals that I want to see. And The Book of Mormons was right there on the top of our conversations.

my view and my playbill

Jhong somewhat discouraged me because The Book of Mormons right now is considered the “King of Broadway”. Their ticket seats are ranked among the most in demand and the most expensive musical in Broadway now. You can actually buy 2 good seats of a different musical in Broadway for the price of one mezzanine seat of The Book of Mormons. It is so in demand, viewers cannot purchase tickets on the day they want to see the show. Tickets must be purchased online days before they would like to see it.

When Jhong and my new friend Lee purchased the ticket for me and told me how expensive a mezzanine seat was, I told them to go ahead. I simply said yes, closed my eyes and changed the topic for I don’t want to ponder and go nuts on how my New York travel budget has gone bloated.

it was all worth it!

And right after seeing the show, while I was standing up, clapping my hands and was shouting “Bravo!” I knew that my purchase of such expensive ticket was well vindicated. This 4-year old item in my bucket list was one hell of a wickedly funny musical show!!!

Kahit mahal, mapapa-mura ka sa galing!

The Uncultured Me and the Sophisticated Phantom of the Opera

Posted on April 19, 2015 by heavenliner

The first Broadway show ever that I have seen in New York (as I have written in the past few days) was Les Miserables. After being so moved by this spectacular musical, I knew for a fact that it would be very difficult and challenging for the succeeding Broadway musical that I would watch for me to get so impressed. Les Miserables would be a tough act to follow.

This is exactly what I felt about Phantom of the Opera. Though it has been considered one of the longest running musicals in Broadway, I find it a little dreary. Or maybe it’s the operatic musical genre that Phantom of the Opera has that made me feel bleak. Except for the song “Think of Me”, which I prefer to be sang in a pop and non-operatic way, I am not that impressed with the line-up of songs.

think of me…

best thing about this experience was watching it and catching up with former colleague hanah, the world traveler

best thing about this gig was watching it and catching up with former colleague hannah, the world traveler

Blame it to Martin Nievera, an old and aging pop-star in the Philippines who keeps on singing the songs from Phantom of the Opera in the TV variety shows that he would appear at. Nievera’s obsolete rendition made me feel so fatigued about the songs of this musical.

Or maybe, the swanky and high-class music of Phantom of the Opera is so high-end and so classy and it’s just that I am the uncultured swine who fails to appreciate the elegance and chicness of its tunes. No thanks to my underdeveloped right brain because I have yet to find the right tools so as to appreciate such musical genre.

the orchestra! the people with sophisticated musical taste…

phantom of the opera will not be complete without the iconic chandelier

But what struck me most about Phantom is the great production design. My goodness! The spectacular drop of the majestic chandelier right over the heads of the audience at the end of the first act was breathtaking. Also, the colors of the masquerade ball number was truly outstanding. Those costumes were undeniably crazy! I was indeed transported into a different world!

Kelan ba kasi magre-retire si Martin Nievera?

Kinky Boots: A High-Heeled Surprise of My New York Adventure

Posted on April 13, 2015 by heavenliner

surprise! surprise!

According to Dalai Lama, “the purpose of our lives is to be happy”. And this is exactly what I thought o after I watched the amazing Kinky Boots, the third Broadway musical show I saw in New York.

Prior to watching this Broadway musical, the only thing I know about the show is that it is a Tony award-winning musical. I don’t know what the story is about, I haven’t heard about the music and neither do I know anything about the cast. Blame this to my being an inhabitant living a simple life at the other end of the world.

saw kinky boots with super friend Ron, a new yorker and broadway musical enthusiast!

my ticket and my playbill

the view from my seat…

Kinky Boots is not a popular Broadway musical in Manila, unlike the classic Les Miz, Phantom, Miss Saigon or even Wicked. But after seeing the show it actually became one of my favorites. The story is simple and uncomplicated yet it opened a whole new perspective about prejudice, intolerance and acceptance.

There are lots of heartfelt wisdom that can be extracted from the show. It tackles about the struggles of trying to fit in. It is about the blossoming of life as soon as acceptance has kicked in. It even tackled the life’s various phases: childhood, adulthood, friendship, career, life’s ambition, secret admiration and even death. The story seem to have something for everyone. This is without eliminating the basics of a fun, fab and highly entertaining musical: excellent music, spectacular production, gifted singing talent and hip dance moves.

Kinky Boots got a big heart! That is why it has become one of my favorites. And I would not mind watching it again in case I visit New York again. If not, Kinky Boots I hope would reach the shores of Manila. This musical would definitely be something to watch. Charlie, Lola (the main characters) and the rest of the cast are of course welcome to perform in my city.

I’m pretty sure in case the Dalai Lama would have the opportunity to watch this musical, he himself would say “watching Kinky Boots is a must so as to live a happy life”.

Ispektakyular!

Les Miserables, The Musical: A Goosebumps Overload Experience

Posted on April 6, 2015 by heavenliner

The main purpose of my visiting New York is to see at least one musical Broadway show. I told myself that as soon as I have seen one, the rest of my New York adventure would utterly be but awesome add-ons. Ever since the time I have been aware about the existence of Broadway musicals, I have always set into the deepest travails of my mind that someday I would be blessed and be able to watch one.

This mindset actually came true last March 29, 2015. That day, I did not settled for less popular musicals but instead went on to watch the world’s most epic, Les Miserables. I actually got chills when I was handed my ticket at the box office.

broadway here i come…

outside the theater…

I am so glad to have chosen Les Miserables as my first Broadway musical experience. What I know is that this epic tale has started to be considered a “classic” of modern musical theater. It is a beautiful story about compassion and forgiveness all set against the backdrop of the French Revolution.

got my playbill and the ticket…

And when the show started my goosebumps were exploding. It was so profuse and persistent, I thought my goosebumps already grew goosebumps of its own. I was a bit nervous because I thought my fingernails were even growing it. And every time a highlight song has been sang, my goosebumps would cheer with bellowing sounds and clap along with me.

My happiness was further intensified when I noticed it is the magnificent Ramin Karimloo is the one who was acting/singing the role of Jean Valjean.

got a good seat…

When the show’s finale song was sung and Jean Valjean, Fantine and Eponine sang the lyrics “to love another person is to see the face of God!”, I was sobbing. I was crying because of such a sad sad story (imagine almost all of the main characters died). And during curtain call while the audience were on a standing ovation, I was still crying for joy because I was given the exceptional opportunity to see such a spectacular show.

And when I stepped out of the theater, I can hear my goosebumps were shouting at me saying “Thank you! Thank you!”

Mabaliw baliw kaya ako sa loob ng teyatro!

The Amazing NPH Hosting Oscars 2015

Posted on February 23, 2015 by heavenliner

I love American TV show awards night. Aside from awaiting the exciting announcement of winners and listening to heart-melting speeches, what I look forward to American TV show awards night is the opening number. Opening numbers has always been one highlight dynamite.

This year’s Oscars is no different. Just look at those visual effects! It’s freaking amazing! It actually even became more special because it is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. My most favourite awards ceremony show host on the face of the earth.

And here’s the reason why David Burtka is the luckiest man alive!

hot!
(photo grabbed from abcnews.go.com)

Aydol!

The Sheer Epic-ness of Jeremy Jordan

Posted on January 21, 2015 by heavenliner

This has been one entertaining YouTube video that I have been watching every night for multiple times for the past five days. I instantly became a big fan after watching this. It’s funny, it’s impressive, it’s adorable and it’s obsessing!

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big round of applause to the sheer epic-ness of Mr. Jeremy Jordan!

photo grabbed from jeremy jordan fb account

Bravo!

A Holiday Symphony by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Posted on November 23, 2014 by heavenliner

It’s like a bunch of angels went down from the heavens and played us some awesome music!

This is the general feeling I felt after having watched and listened to the concert of no less than the Philippine pride, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Held at the outdoor amphitheater area of the Bonifacio High Street Central in Bonifacio Gobal City (BGC) the concert was entitled “A Holiday Symphony”. It was organized by the LJC Group, the BGC and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

This PPO event was free to the public that is why I did not let this rare chance pass by. What is so good about the concert was their chosen repertoire. It was pop and popular to the ear and not the usually highfalutin sleep-inducing classical tunes.

high culture in high street…

cellos and the cellists… (photos by patrick uy)

Though the program started with a classical piece – to the beat of William Tell Overture – it was nevertheless fun and exhilarating to the ear. It is because the tune was reminiscent of the background music of a Looney Tunes cartoon chase scene. I initially thought Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner would suddenly appear on stage!

One of the highlights of the show was when a good friend Edwin Santos sang two songs in the concert. He started with Pasko Na Cinta Ko (a Tagalog Christmas love song) and capped it with an explosive operatic performance by singing the Mexican song Granada. I was super proud and was cheering like mad for Edwin!

explosive performance by edwin santos…

PPO played Donna Summer songs, tunes from Star Wars plus a lot of Christmas songs crafting a very Christmas-ee feeling in the crisp November air. When the orchestra played the gorgeous tunes from the movie Titanic, I initially held on to my seat for I thought a humongous ocean wave would suddenly appear bringing Rose and Jack on the stage! But nothing beats the couple of Beatles songs they played. People in the audience were actually singing along with them!

It is not the first time I heard PPO played yet still the emotions they drew from me was something unexplainable. The nearest words that I can think of is it’s a mix of magic, glee and pride.

Sarap sa tenga. Pramis!

Las Vegas Highlights: Part 1 (Le Reve/The Dream)

Posted on April 3, 2014 by heavenliner

the dream poster and the nightmare… LOL!

Never in my wildest desire or fantasy that I would be spending a holiday in Las Vegas. Maybe it’s because I dream small and simple. And besides I no longer dream for humongous miracles because at this point in my life I learn to make my own. That is why when awesome blessings come along like my tremendous trip to Vegas, I am just but thankful and overwhelmed.

What is so ironic is that the theme of the magical theatre experience me and my friends had was about “dreams”. It is entitled Le Reve (English translation: The Dream) shown at the fabulous Wynn Hotel & Casino. The spectacular show that mixed the elements of water, air and fire as well as intermingled elements of strength and beauty was indeed a feast for the senses. Performers literally were swimming on air and dancing on water.

a feast for the senses…

I was blown away from the moment we walked into the round theatre. Yeah, the stage is in the middle – ala coliseum – that is why there is no bad seat in the house.

Bizarre air-suspension stunts, crazy high-dives and water ballet, incredible contortionists and acrobatics, fanciful synchronized swimming, a tenderly romantic yet passionate story… all wrapped into a dreamy set. I was lost in thought because it felt like I was in an actual dream! I was totally mesmerized!

spectacular!

hair-raising stunts!

As much as I would not want to correlate the show’s theme and title to that of my travel in Las Vegas, I guess it is inevitable. This show for me does not signify a dream being fulfilled but instead an immense sign and symbol that a lovely dreamy-like life is ahead.

Ispektakyular!

The Fab Les Miserables

Posted on January 20, 2013 by heavenliner

young cosette

Les Miserables being an excellently rich and emotionally charged material (music by Claude-Michel Shonberg and English-language lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer) any actor may he/she has an average or excellent singing voice will for sure be driven to do a first-rate performance.

This is what turned out the 2012 movie to be. The whole cast were simply magnificent in showing off the explosions of emotions. No wonder Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor awards respectively and as of this writing are nominated in the Oscars for the same categories. I was intensely overwhelmed by their performances.

gavroche

Aside from these two great actors, the three other thespians that blew me away were: Eddie Redmayne (who played Marius); Isabelle Allen (as young Cosette); and Daniel Huttlestone (as Gavroche).

The kids Isabelle and Daniel were so endearing. Isabelle I suppose had the best singing voice among the cast. Her representation of young Cosette was raw yet captivating. Her singing voice and facial features perfectly fit her role.

Daniel on the other hand was simply charismatic. Not to mention his thick British accent was so adorable. I was rendered speechless and was totally dazed by his performance especially when he was shot and was shown lifeless on the floor while being honored by the villain Javert.

marius

Eddie Redmayne for me was the biggest surprise. I was stunned by his performance. He was particularly brilliant when he was singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”. He was so good I can even feel the freckles on his face acting out the volcanic grief Marius (his role) was feeling.

Overall the movie was great and magnificent. However there are two silly points I did not like.

First, there were too many facial close-ups. From my own observation, 85% of the movie was a close-up of the actors singing. There were too many of it, I already had the longing to count the number of wrinkles and skin pores present on Hugh Jackman’s face for every close-ranged shot he had so as to check if it is the same number on the next or previous scene he had.

Second was the quality of the singing voice of Russell Crowe (who played the interesting character of Inspector Javert). Crowe’s singing voice for me was a bit weak bordering to being quite gentle. He can carry a tune alright but for me villainous Javert’s tone of voice is supposed to be rougher, deeper and oppressively frightening.

I guess it’s not new to everybody that I love “contravidas” (villains). I have written quite a number of them here in this blog (press: link1 or link2 or link3). That is why I was excited to hear the commanding singing voice of Inspector Javert when he sings “Stars” in the movie (one of my favorite songs in the musical version). But for me Crowe fell short of my demanding expectation and was actually a bit of a disappointment.

Yet overall, Les Miserables (the 2012 film) is what a Hollywood movie should be. Touching, entertaining, superb and charismatic!

Ibang klase ‘to.

Ate Gay: From Basilica to SM Arena

Posted on December 1, 2012 by heavenliner

super funny ate gay

The first comedy bar that I have been to was more than 2 decades ago. It was in (the now defunct) Basilica, an old house turned into a comedy bar located in Malate. I can clearly recall that one of the night’s hosts during that time was Ate Gay who was wearing Darna costume introducing herself as the Nora Aunor’s version of Darna (though Nora never was a Darna character).

Ate Gay (Gil Morales in real life) was a total riot during that night. He sings, acts and speaks sounding truly like Nora Aunor. He sang Laura Branigan’s upbeat “Name Game” song in a slow ballad-ic way ala Nora Aunor style. I and my friends so enjoyed that night, it paved the way for us to often visit comedy bars which starts to flourish within the Malate area during that era.

ate gay on mid air

But last night, after more than 2 decades, Ate Gay has moved to a much bigger venue. I guess ten thousand times bigger than Basilica. He packed the humongous SM Arena! And as anticipated, Ate Gay’s repertoires continue to be riotously hilarious. The gut-busting short film at the start of the show and when she entered the stage harnessed across the end of the venue, I knew the concert would be a blast.

ate gay doing mash-ups with his friends

His adorable Darna monologue is still there and it remains exceptionally humorous. His skill at mixing up various tunes and lyrics received hysterical uproars from the audience. He is one great genius on extemporaneous mash-ups. His incomparable declamation entitled “The Door” was also featured which when delivered by others would for sure not be as funny as that of Ate Gay. Of course, his camp impersonation of Philippine showbiz icon, Nora Aunor, has always been a side-splitting classic.

What I like most about Ate Gay is that he does not need to mock and deride other people to make people laugh. He actually ridicules himself (his wardrobe, his looks, his voice, his English and even his mole) to elicit laughter from the audience. He is unassuming, self-effacing and was never “boastful”. Being able to laugh at one self without conceit and pretensions makes Ate Gay an excellent comedian.

Grabe ang sakit sa panga sa katatawa!

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Tag Archives: musical theater