I watched 9Works Theatrical’s premiere presentation Songs for a New World held last April 30 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza.

Songs for a New World is a work of musical theater written and composed by Jason Robert Brown. Directed by Robbie Guevara who brought us Repertory Philippines’ Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol, and Gaybirds,  “ Songs For A New World ” presents life as the way we regroup and figure out how to survive in a new set of circumstances – a new world – even against seemingly overwhelming odds. These are songs about that new world, a world in which the definitions of family, distance, money, technology, the very nature of human contact is changing everyday, a world in which the rules don’t apply as often as they do, a world in which the solutions our parents found don’t work for us, and a world in which today’s answers probably won’t apply tomorrow.

“ Songs For A New World ” is a brainchild of Tony-Award winning American Musical Theater lyricist and composer Jason Robert Brown. He has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer); and The New York Times actually refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical”.

The stage is very simple. It has 3 platforms. Less props. Great blocking. The design of the stage makes you concentrate more on the story.

“ Songs For A New World ” features a handful of the country’s most talented theater actors. The cast consists of Felix Rivera, Caisa Borromeo, Anna Santamaria, Harold Cruz, Carla Guevara – Laforteza and Ms. Pinky Marquez.  As I expected, the actors were great.

This is the first time I saw them on stage. And wow, they are really amazing. All of them have powerful voices especially Felix Rivera. During the press night, there was a slight technical failure and Felix Rivera’s mic was not working. But it didn’t stop him from singing and without a mic, his voice, still, can be heard in the entire auditorium.

Also, you wouldn’t want to the part of miss Ms. Pinky Marquez. So watch out for it.

I really enjoy watching Songs For A New World. You can still catch it on May 9 ( 8:00 p.m. ) and May 10 ( 3:30 p.m. ).

“ Songs For A New World ” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical and its media partners: Manila Bulletin, Focus Media, Lifestyle Network, SIP Magazine, Circuit Magazine, 24/7 Magazine, ClickTheCity and www.psep-online.com.

For tickets and inquiries, call 9 Works Theatrical at 557-5860 / 0906-331-5961 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com, or call TicketWorld at tel. 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Congratulations to Mr. Robbie Guevarra (Director), Santi Santamaria and 9Works Theatrical for a successful show.

The schedule of shows are on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 ( 8:00 p.m. ) and May 10 ( 3:30 p.m. ).

“ Songs For A New World ” presents life as the way we regroup and figure out how to survive in a new set of circumstances – a new world – even against seemingly overwhelming odds. These are songs about that new world, a world in which the definitions of family, distance, money, technology, the very nature of human contact is changing everyday, a world in which the rules don’t apply as often as they do, a world in which the solutions our parents found don’t work for us, and a world in which today’s answers probably won’t apply tomorrow.

“ Songs For A New World ” is a brainchild of Tony-Award winning American Musical Theater lyricist and composer Jason Robert Brown. He has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer); and The New York Times actually refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical”.

Jason Robert Brown’s musical theater hits include “Parade” (1998 Tony Awards – Best Score; Drama Desk Award – Best Music); “The Last Five Years” (2002 Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics, and nominated for Outstanding Orchestrations); “Urban Cowboy” (2003 Tony-Award Nominee for Best Original Score); “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes” (2005), Brown’s solo debut album; and the latest, “13”, which opened in Broadway in 2008.
Robbie Guevara, a noted theatre actor and director; co-founder, and Artistic Director of 9 Works Theatrical will direct anew this musical after a successful one-night run last August 24, 2008. While originally written as a musical with a montage of songs or a ‘musical revue’, Robbie will have a different take on this material by weaving the songs together in order to come up with a story.

“ Songs For A New World ” features a handful of the country’s most talented theater actors, who have been practicing and sharing their talents with primary Philippine theater companies such as Repertory Philippines, Trumpets, Stages, Philippine Opera Company, and Atlantis Productions. The cast consists of Felix Rivera, Caisa Borromeo, Anna Santamaria, Harold Cruz, Carla Guevara – Laforteza and Ms. Pinky Marquez.

Felix Rivera (as “Murray” / Sam “Steam Train” Torres) is known to be the “Golden Boy” of the current Philippine Theater industry. From Tanghalang Ateneo’s “Lam-Ang The Musical”, Felix has appeared in “Footloose The Musical”, “Joseph The Dreamer”, “Basilia ng Malolos”, “Orosman at Zafira”, “High School Musical” and “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (as Musical Director), “Avenue Q”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Hamlet”, “Altar Boyz” (as vocal coach), “Mulan”, and “A Christmas Carol”. As lyricist, he co-wrote the theme songs for MMFF entries “Aishite Imasu 1942” (Hanggang Wakas, Aishite Imasu) and “Exodus” (Love that Never Fades sung by Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos).

Carla Guevara-Laforteza (as “Veronica”) has done countless productions under Repertory Philippines such as “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Cinderella”, “Song and Dance”, “Alice In Wonderland”, “Once On This Island”, “Aladdin”, “Company”, and many more. Carla’s other theatre credits include “The Little Mermaid”, “The King and I”, “Avenue Q”, “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Miss Saigon” (London Production) as Kim. On TV, she has been a host and performer in “ASAP”, “Millenium Countdown”, “Munting Paraiso”, “Maalala Mo Kaya”, “Star Drama Presents”, “Star Studio Presents”, “Flames”, “ABS-CBN Christmas Specials”, “S.O.P.”, “Walang Tulugan”, “Dina”, “Keep On Dancing” and “Hiwaga Sa Bundok”. Carla won an award for “Best New Artist For Television” from the Philippine Movie Press Club’s Star Awards 2000.

Caisa Borromeo (as “Lisa”) is a Voice Performance Major at the St. Scholastica’s College of Music. Her theatre credits include “I Love You Because”, “Hairspray”, “West Side Story”, “Footloose”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Love’s Labor’s Lost”, “Cinderella”, “Mulan”, “Aladdin”, “Snow White And The Seven Dwarves”, “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Company Call”.

Anna Santamaria (as “Amy”) has appeared in theater productions which include “I Love You Because”, “Mulan”, “Cinderella”, “Fiddler On The Roof” and “A Christmas Carol”. She also starred in Philippine Opera Company’s “Heart and Music”, “The Rhythm of Life”, “Opera Lite: Bar Tour” and “La Boheme”.
Harold Cruz (as “David”) has appeared in various theatre productions like “I Love You Because”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Mulan”, “Cinderella”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Aladdin”, “Man of La Mancha”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “Disney’s High School Musical”, “Bat Boy the Musical” and with Philippine Opera Company’s “La Boheme”, “Rhythm of Life”, and “Heart and Music”.

Pinky Marquez (as “Mrs. Claus”) has a successful career in entertainment and the performing arts that is so impressive for its remarkable variety. As a singer, she has one of the best voices around – a strong, clear soprano that is most aurally thrilling when she’s hitting the highest notes. This has enabled her to join show bands, perform as one of the most popular “Angfourgettables”, do many lounge acts and corporate shows, concerts and star in numerous unforgettable musicals. To name a few, they are “Katy”, “The Sound Of Music”, “Flower Drum Song”, “By George!”, “Beauty And The Beast”, “Little Mermaid”, “Mulan”, “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Cinderella”, “Glorious”, “Romance In D”, and original Filipino musicals like “Noli Me Tangere”, “Balkhita”, “El Filibusterismo”, and “Magnificat”. As a comedienne, she has done a lot of sitcoms, plus a number of movies. Refusing to be limited to making people laugh, Pinky has also acted with distinction in stage dramas like “The Diary Of Anne Frank”, and “Oedipus Rex”. On TV, she had her own cooking show for quite a number of years, aside from many guest stints on musical-variety and drama programs.

The production team of “ Songs For A New World ” is as follows:
Robbie Guevara (director, set design, projections design), Peachy Atilano (production manager), Dax Carnay (stage manager), Mio Infante (design consultant), Martin Esteva (lighting design), Ceejay Javier (musical director), Felix Rivera (vocal coach), Francis Matheu (choreography), Shelyn Tayanes (marketing), Santi Santamaria (sales), Anna Santamaria (finance), Joselito Tolentino (PR consultant), Jonjon Martin and Carlos Canlas (publicity).

“ Songs For A New World ” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical and its media partners: Manila Bulletin, Focus Media, Lifestyle Network, SIP Magazine, Circuit Magazine, 24/7 Magazine, ClickTheCity and www.psep-online.com.

For tickets and inquiries, call 9 Works Theatrical at 557-5860 / 0906-331-5961 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com, or call TicketWorld at tel. 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

ABOUT JASON ROBERT BROWN

Jason Robert Brown has been hailed as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim” (Philadelphia Inquirer); and The New York Times actually refers to Jason as “a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical. “

Jason Robert Brown is a Tony-Award winning American Musical Theater lyricist and composer, and aside from Songs For A New World, he is the man behind other musical theater hits like “Parade” in 1998 which won the Tony Awards for Best Score, and a Drama Desk Award for Best Music; “The Last Five Years” in 2002, won the Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Best Lyrics, and nominated for Outstanding Orchestrations; “Urban Cowboy” in 2003, Tony-Award Nominee for Best Original Score; “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes” in 2005, Brown’s solo debut album; and the latest, “13”, which opened in Broadway in 2008.

ABOUT 9 WORKS THEATRICAL

9 Works Theatrical is Manila’s newest Theatre Company.

We are dedicated to delivering only the best plays and musicals — either originally written or from both Broadway and the West End.

We aim to produce only the finest work by training and utilizing the most passionate professional performers, crew and creative designers.

Our ultimate goal is to contribute to Manila’s developing theatre industry by making theatre a stable working environment where all its practitioners and followers can live and breathe live theatre. This inherent lifestyle will sanguinely produce more sound productions, making the audience’s theatre-going experience not only habitual, but keen as well.

9 Works Theatrical is headed by:
• Robbie Guevara – Resident Actor and Director, Repertory Philippines. He has performed in numerous productions both here and abroad and was the Director of I Love You Because, A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof, Gay Birds and Romance, Romance for Repertory Philippines; Bat Boy for Blue Repertory; Heart & Music and The Rhythm of Life for the Philippine Opera Company.
• Mio Infante – There are only two (2) known Scenographers in the Philippines, and Mio is one of them. He finished his Master of Arts in Scenography/Theatre Design at the Wimbledon School of Art in London (1997) after gaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design at the University of the Philippines (1991). Mio has worked with most of the major theatre companies and production houses in the Philippines. A founding member of the Philippine Association of Theatre Designers and Technicians (PATDAT), he serves as national chair to the OISTAT (Organisation Internationale du Scenographers, Theatre Architects et Techniciens) Education Commission. Mio was recipient of the Merit Award for Best Production Design for his work on FLING TVC, at the 1993 Philippine Advertising Congress. He was also named 1999 Natori Fellow by the NY-based Asian Cultural Council (Rockefeller Brothers Fund) and was awarded a 2005 Citation for Excellence by the Senate of the Island of Guam for his costume designs.
• Santi Santamaria – Corporate head but avid Theatre-buff, Santi brings his expertise by heading the company’s Marketing and Sales Team. His task of widening audience membership and alluring corporate sponsorship is perhaps the most challenging of all. Yet, he embraces it.

]]> http://www.pinayads.com/2009/03/songs-for-a-new-world-musical-set-on-may-1-2-8-10/feed/ 3 http://www.pinayads.com/2009/03/songs-for-a-new-world-press-conference/ http://www.pinayads.com/2009/03/songs-for-a-new-world-press-conference/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:47:02 +0000 Aeirin Acosta http://www.pinayads.com/?p=1715 March 30, 2009 —- I, with my feloow bloggers, was fortunate enough to witness the Press Conference of Songs For A New World held at the Via Veneto, A.Venue Hotel Suites, Makati City. Thanks to Joriben and Ms. Peachy Atilano.

Not everyone knows my passion to theatre.  It all started during my college days.  Thanks to my Professor Tuqxs Rotaquio for encouraging me to act on stage. Anyway, this post is not about me. =)

The presscon started with a sumptuous meal.  Yummy! Then, I was shocked when Ms. Pinky Marquez sat in front of us, like we were eating on the same table.  I almost grab my cellphone and plurk that Ms. Pinky Marquez is in front us.

After the yummy lunch, the presscon, hosted by Ms. Pinky Marquez,  began.   Mr. Robbie Guevara told us his first encounter with Songs For A New World. Then, the introduction of the casts started.

Felix Rivera as “Murray” / Sam “Steam Train” Torres

Felix is known to be the “Golden Boy” of the current Philippine Theater industry. He got his first taste of musical theater with Tanghalang Ateneo’s LAM-ANG the Musical (Capino/de Guzman) where he played the lead. Years later, he found himself glued to the world of stage: Stages, Inc.’s FOOTLOOSE the Musical directed by Chari Arespacochaga, Trumpets’ JOSEPH THE DREAMER (2006), Dulaang U.P.’s BASILIA NG MALOLOS and OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA, Blue Repertory’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (as musical director), Atlantis Productions’ AVENUE Q, Repertory Philippines’ FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, HAMLET, ALTAR BOYZ (as vocal coach) and MULAN. As lyricist, he co-wrote the theme songs for MMFF entries AISHITE IMASU 1942 (Hanggang Wakas, Aishite Imasu) and EXODUS (Love that Never Fades sung by Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos).

Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Veronica

Carla Guevara-Laforteza is a treasure in the Philippine Theater industry. She has done countless productions under Repertory Philippines such as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CINDERELLA, SONG AND DANCE, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, ALADDIN, COMPANY, and many more. She has also done shows in other companies such as Trumpets’ THE LITTLE MERMAID, Center Stage’s THE KING AND I, Atlantis Productions’ AVENUE Q and 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, and Cameron Mackintosh’s infamous MISS SAIGON (London Production) wherein she was “Kim”. Aside from the theater, she has also been involved with Philippine TV as a host and performer in shows such as ASAP, MILLENIUM COUNTDOWN, MUNTING PARAISO, MAALALA MO KAYA, STAR DRAMA PRESENTS, STAR STUDIO PRESENTS, FLAMES, ABS-CBN CHRISTMAS SPECIALS, S.O.P., WALANG TULUGAN, DINA, KEEP ON DANCING and HIWAGA SA BUNDOK. She also won an award for BEST NEW ARTIST FOR TELEVISION from the Philippine Movie Press Club STAR AWARDS 2000.

Caisa Borromeo as Lisa

Caisa is a Voice Performance Major at the St. Scholastica’s College of Music. She has been involved in several theater productions under various companies such as Atlantis’ HAIRSPRAY, Stages’ WEST SIDE STORY (as Anybodys) and FOOTLOOSE (as Rusty), Repertory Philippines’ I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST, CINDERELLA, MULAN (as Mulan), ALADDIN (as Jasmine), SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES (as Snow White), Ateneo Blue Repertory’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (as Gussie), and COMPANY CALL.

Anna Santamaria as Amy

Anna has been in various theater productions under Repertory Philippines in shows such as I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, MULAN, CINDERELLA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She has also starred in several musical revues of the Philippine Opera Company such as HEART AND MUSIC, THE RHYTHM OF LIFE, POC’S OPERA LITE: BAR TOUR. She was also part of Philippine Opera Company’s major production, LA BOHEME, which was staged in the CCP Main Theater in 2008.

Harold Cruz as David

Harold is a product of Repertory Philippines’ Summer Workshops before appearing in the professional stage. Under Repertory Philippines, he has done shows such as I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MULAN, CINDERELLA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ALADDIN, MAN OF LA MANCHA and THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES. He has also joined productions in other companies such as the Philippine Opera Company with shows such as LA BOHEME, RHYTHM OF LIFE, and HEART AND MUSIC. He was also involved with several productions with Ateneo Blue Repertory, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and BAT BOY THE MUSICAL.

Pinky Marquez as Mrs. Claus

Pinky Marquez‘s successful career in entertainment and the performing arts is so impressive for its remarkable variety. As a singer, she has one of the best voices around – a strong, clear soprano that is most aurally thrilling when she’s hitting the highest notes. This has enabled her to join show bands, perform as one of the most popular “Angfourgettables”, do many lounge acts and corporate shows, concerts and star in numerous unforgettable musicals. To name a few, they are KATY, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FLOWER DRUM SONG, BY GEORGE!, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LITTLE MERMAID, MULAN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CINDERELLA, GLORIOUS, ROMANCE IN D, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and original Filipino musicals like NOLI ME TANGERE, BALKHITA, EL FILIBUSTERISMO, and MAGNIFICAT. As a comedienne, she has done a lot of sitcoms, plus a number of movies. Refusing to be limited to making people laugh, she has also acted with distinction in stage dramas like THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, and OEDIOUS REX. On TV, she had her own cooking show for quite a number of years, aside from many guesting stints on variety-musicals and drama programs.

Then the casts of Songs For A New World sampled us with some songs that they’ll be singing on the show.  I was so engrossed and overwhelmed that I totally forgot to record their performance. Ooops sorry.  But trust me, they are great.  I can’t wait to watch the show.

“ Songs For A New World ” schedule are on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 ( 8:00 p.m. ) and May 10 ( 3:30 p.m. ).

“ Songs For A New World ” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical and its media partners: Manila Bulletin, Focus Media, Lifestyle Network, SIP Magazine, Circuit Magazine, 24/7 Magazine, ClickTheCity and www.psep-online.com.

For tickets and inquiries, call 9 Works Theatrical at 557-5860 / 0906-331-5961 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com, or call TicketWorld at tel. 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Here are some of the photos during the Songs For A New World Press Conference:

Songs For A New World Casts with the bloggers

For more photos, you may visit my multiply account. Thanks.