A Review of Hairspray Manila

I was there at Star Theater early to man the ticket booth in case there are walk ins who want to watch the show. We quickly realize though that the chances of last minute ticket buying are almost nil as the theater is located at the back of Star City after a long walk through what seems to be at first a parking lot. To get to the theater, you either A.) already have tickets to see Hairspray or B.) you are really lost and need directions to go back out.

Opening night was on a Friday night and also coincidentally, a pay day weekend. Traffic was worse than usual. Latecomers or not, the play started promptly at 8pm. Once the first song begins, you are not allowed to step inside. There was a long line at the theater entrance where people waited for the first song to end. Once the last notes of the song has sounded, people were ushered in two or three at a time to be seated first before the next group is let in. It was very organized and respectful of the performers and people who are already seated enjoying the show. So consider yourself warned, being late can cost you half the first act.

The first act introduces you to Tracy Turnblad, the lead of the play. Bobby Garcia casted Madel Ching perfectly for this character. She IS Tracy Turnblad. She was energectic, bubbly and oh so adorable. Every movement and every expression were executed really well. She is gifted with deft comic timing and charisma, and the audience connected with her instantly. It's like one of those roles that you can't imagine another person to play. She was just so much fun to watch. Who can believe that it's actually her first professional role?

Michael De Mesa is also a joy to watch. His portrayal of Tracy's Mom, Edna Turnblad, was wonderfully warm touching and at one point, hilarious (watch out for this scene). I think he could give John Travolta a run for his money. It is sad, however, that this will be Michael's last acting commitment locally. He is quitting show business and moving to California. It will be a sad, sad day in Philippines film and theater industry when that happens. Here is a link to his interview with Manila Times where he talks about his move.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo does an evil turn as the Velma Von Tussle She was brilliant as usual. When she sings, you sit up, salute and take notice. Menchu, who just a few months ago directed West Side Story for Stages, was beautiful here. Watch out for her when she sings "Miss Baltimore Crabs".

Nyoy Volante, as Seaweed J. Stubbs, is also another gem in the cast. We all know he could sing, but the acting and the dancing... wow! He has a solo in the first act, you're literally glued to your seat tapping your feet.

For me, the highlight of the show... the act that I would gladly pay best seats for again.. was listening to Dulce's rendition of " I Know Where I've Been". The audience was spellbound for a few minutes and just started whooping and clapping when she finished the song. You will be rightly reminded of again why Dulce is one of THE greats of Philippine theater and music.

I am bit disappointed though with Tim Espinosa's portrayal of Link Larkin. Acting wise, it was spot on. He was definitely the smooth heartthrob with the 1000 watt smile. It was his modest voice that comes out a bit weak when compared to the sizable talents of the other cast members.

Another issue would probably be the sound system. The sound was not clear and balanced the entire time, and this did the material and the company a disservice. Though my experience is that most productions of Philippine theater would have this challenge, so far no production has yet to answer this perfectly.

Watch out also for scene stealers like Monica Reynoso as Penny, she will keep you laughing whenever she's on stage.

All in all, I give the play an A-. It was an exuberant, breathless production and guaranteed, both parents and kids will LOVE it.

I really can't wait for next Sunday where I get to watch the great cast perform again.

So don't wait, get your tickets now! Call or text +0917-8735405 or email tliong@its.jnj.com for reservations for Nov. 23, Sunday 8pm. Tickets priced at 1200, 1000, 800 and 600. Free Delivery available within Metro Manila.

Opening Night is on Friday!

As the premiere draws closer and closer, we bet the cast can't help but feel anxious about the opening night. Opening night is a very special occasion. It's the real thing, different from dress rehearsals with invited guests. Some directors assemble the cast one hour earlier than usual to give last minute instructions about costumes, make up, lines or the set. But more often than not, it's to give everyone a chance to allay their own nerves, warm each other up and to ensure than no one succumbs to the last minute 'laryngitis' excuse. =)

Anyway, to share, an article came out in the Inquirer last Nov. 9 about Hairspray titled aptly "New Musical Theater Stars". Click here to read the article.

So people, get your tickets now!

Please contact 0917-8735405 or email tliong@its.jnj.com for tickets reservations.
We are selling the Opening Night/Premiere show on Nov. 14 (this Friday already! 8pm) and also the Nov. 23 show (Sunday 8pm). Venue at the Star Theater, CCP.

Free delivery within certain areas in Metro Manila.

How to Get to Star theater (courtesy of Ticketworld)

Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad

Madel who bested 300 aspirants to star as the lead in Hairspray, is a Third Year Political Science student at Ateneo de Manila University.

In a newspaper interview, Madel Ching, whose theater experience includes performing in High School Musical, was quoted as saying: "Girls like me don't get opportunities like this! Honestly, I feel like I'm the modern-day Filipina version of Tracy. A big girl with big dreams. It's a little scary to take on a role this big, but I'm really looking forward to taking on the challenge of playing a character with this much spirit and energy!" This was quoted from the Ateneo de Manila University official website.

For your soon-to-be alma mater to have devoted a web page to you, you definitely have made it. We look forward to cheering for you on opening night!

Bobby Garcia has a knack for casting relatively unknown talents to star in his big productions. Based from my past experience watching his plays. He has never let me down yet. Typically, you would be blown away at how good that actor is even though you have never ever heard of him or her. You literally run home to google their names. I am sure Madel Ching will be no exception.

Tickets for Hairspray the Musical! Live In Manila on Nov. 23

ABOUT US

We are a group of friends with a passion for theater of all forms : plays, musicals, dance.We have previously hosted musicals like Stage's High School Musical and West Side Story directed by Audie Gemora and Atlantis Productions' Avenue Q directed by Bobby Garica. We are known for providing great service to our clients ensuring many loyal and repeating customers.

Some feedback that we have received from past customers. Please click here.


ABOUT THE SHOW

We are happy to announce that we are now selling Opening Night (Nov. 14, Friday) and November 23 (Sunday) Tickets for Hairspray the Musical (LIVE in MANILA)!

Tickets are priced at 1200, 1000, 800 and 600.

Please contact Tim at +0917-8735405 to reserve your tickets. You may also email tliong@its.jnj.com for your inquiries.

It is sure to be a special show! Book now. We deliver free to certain areas within Metro Manila.

Atlantis Productions, the same company that brought you Rent, Dreamgirls and Avenue Q, now brings the BIG FAT Broadway Musical Hit, HAIRSPRAY, live in Manila!

Hairspray is about Tracy Turnblad who wins a spot on the local TV dance program "The Corny Collins Show". The big girl with big hair and big dreams becomes a teen celebrity overnight. Soon Tracy finds herself pitted against the show’s reigning princess for the title Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962. Based on the John Waters film, Hairspray is the winner of eight Tony awards including Best Musical.

Hairspray is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Cecile Martinez, sets and costumes by Gino Gonzales, and lighting design by Shoko Matsumoto. It runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex.

Bobby Garcia has directed smash hits like Avenue Q, Cinderella starring Lea Salonga, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent and Dreamgirls.

Manila Cast
Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad
Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin
Noel Rayos as Corny Collins
Michael de Mesa as Edna Turnblad
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle
Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle
Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs
Leo Rialp as Wilbur Turnblad

Showdate:
November 14 (Friday, 8pm) - Opening Night !!!
November 23 (Sunday, 8pm)

Ticket Prices:
1200, 1000, 800, 600

Venue:
Star Theater, CCP Complex