Avenue Q The Musical and Swimming with Sharks in Singapore

Avenue Q The Musical

Avenue Q holds a special place in my heart being the first Atlantis Prod show that I bought with friends. Check out my gratitude post here. When I heard that Atlantis Productions is bringing the show in Singapore for a short run, I was beyond excited. I managed to find a schedule, a Wednesday night, that works for both Em-J and I and off we went to the theatre.


Only Rachel Alejandro from the original Manila cast was retained. I actually became a fan of hers when I saw her in this production, the way she was able to transition from one character to the next engaged in a cat fight is just amazing and I can say that she hasn't lost her touch.

The rest of the cast also transitioned from one character to the next seamlessly. I did miss Frenchie Dy as Christmas Eve but Anna Fegi was also good. Besting out Wicked for Best Musical, you can expect one great show and the all Filipino cast delivered. I felt proud to be Pinoy.

The play runs at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre till Sunday, Oct. 7. Catch the show while its still playing and I assure you it's one of the best 2 hours you'll spend inside the theatre. We both left the theatre with a big smile on our faces.


Now, can I just also voice out what the rest of the fans are saying, a Manila repeat next, please.

Tip: Try to sit as close to the stage as possible, it's better to see the facial expressions of the cast.


Avenue Q, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre
Fri, 8PM / Sat & Sun, 2PM & 8PM



Swimming With Sharks


I have been a fan of Pangdemonium since their first production and save for The Dealer's Choice, I have seen their every show so I wouldn't pass up the chance to watch Swimming With Sharks.

I haven't seen the movie so I read about the show a little and formed the conclusion that it's The Devil Wears Prada on stage with male characters. The similarity ends with the premise that a new hire is working for an evil boss. The play is much darker but still funny.

Clocking in at almost 3 hours (including the intermission), the actors' energy were boundless especially the two leads who were on stage 90% of the time. The material was tight and was never boring save for the first scene, though no fault of the show. I wanted it to immediately end as I was squirming in my seat because I can feel my tummy threatening to emit one of its "I'm hungry" loud, embarrassing gurgle. It was doubly hard because it was awfully quiet, there was no background sound being piped in and the Drama Centre is a bit cramped.

Adrian's talent has been proven many times over so it's no surprise that he delivers a strong performance, I am always amazed at how he falls into character with ease.

George Young is a major revelation. Being his first theatrical debut, his first few scenes seemed easy playing a timid newbie. But the second act required so much of him and he nailed it. I won't say what happens but I was on the edge of my seat. I am just amazed at how fast he transitions from looking like a train wreck to looking mighty fine in a manner of seconds.


Swimming With Sharks also runs till this Sunday.

Tip: The stage is multi-level, so choose a balcony seat. Seated at row C, I had a hard time seeing the actors when they were on the 2nd level as a bar directly covers their faces. On the other hand, sitting up close, you might just get a glimpse of something extra as wardrobe malfunctions can't be avoided in live theatre.


Swimming With Sharks
Drama Centre Theatre, National Library
Fri, 8PM / Sat & Sun, 3PM & 8PM

It's great that the theatre scene is alive and well in Singapore so do yourself a favor and have a little fun this weekend. Watch Avenue Q The Musical or Swimming With Sharks or better yet, both!


Now, just to squeeze this in, if you're in Manila, NINE is on its closing weekend as well. Get your tickets now!!!

Spring Awakening

Last Sunday, Em-J and I headed to watch Pangdemonium's Spring Awakening. We were able to get Danny to come along with us, he's a theatre virgin and I wanted him to have the best time.



There was a staging in Manila two years ago and it was with much regret that I wasn't able to watch it especially since I have a friend who was part of the cast. When Pangdemonium announced that they are staging it this year, I made sure not to miss it this time.

The icing on the cake is the casting of Julia Abueva. I've seen her perform in Children's Letters to God when she was just 11 and I was blown away! She is just pure talent.

The musical is a story that needs to be told and despite the mature themes, I believe that a lot of teens should go see it because they'd be able to relate to it and let them know that they are not alone in their journey. It tells the story of 11 teens, angsty and confused living in a repressed society. It does not matter that the story was written in 1892, it is as relevant now as it was before.

The cast were all very talented and I imagine how it must be difficult to sing those alternative rock songs and try to get the audience very involved but they all managed to do that. Special mentions to our favorites, Julia who gave me goosebumps while she was singing, the price of your ticket is worth it if only to see her perform. We also especially did love Nathan Hartono who was just charming, his transition from someone losing control over the situation around him was restrained but truthful. Lastly, Rebecca Spykerman, she is also one gifted performer, whenever she comes on stage and starts to sing, we can't help but focus just our attention to her.

I am glad that edgy, out of this box productions are being seen here in Singapore thanks largely to Pangdemonium's efforts. I read the letter from Tracie and Adrian on the program (which is free by the way) and while I do love traditional musicals, it's refreshing to see musicals that don't stick to the norm. I left the theatre very overwhelmed with emotions. I actually didn't want to leave yet, I wanted to just sit there for a little more while but I couldn't.



Spring Awakening is already on it's last week so don't miss out! Get your tickets now while you still can. I guarantee you'll have the best time.

On another note, don't miss God of Carnage in Manila this coming July. I might be selling tickets to the July 17 show so contact me if you're interested. :) 

Watching Closer at the DBS Arts Centre

The first Wednesday of this month, I went to DBS Arts Centre to watch Pangdemonium's second production, Closer. It was a huge leap from their first very successful production, The Full Monty.


To be honest, I actually enjoyed the movie more but this is not to say that I didn't like the production. I just read a lot of good reviews about the production so I had such high hopes. I felt that some of the performances were lacking in intensity and the British accent here and there was a bit distracting.

I did love the set and how they tried to interact with the stagehands during one particular set change. I also liked the restaurant scene where the past and the present were almost simultaneously on going and lastly the scene where Dan and Larry were chatting was hilarious.

It was also quite interesting how they tried to skirt around the smoking ban in performances given that the play has a lot of scenes where smoking is integral.

Overall, it was worth it. I'm glad that Pangdemonium is being very gutsy and is opening doors to allow the theatre goers here to experience something daring and different.

On another note, it was my first time to watch a performance at the DBS Arts Centre and I'm surprised at how small it is, the seats are very cramped and we all actually had to stand and wait at the aisles just to let the people in the middle seats through.

An Exciting 2011 Ahead!

2011, like the previous year should prove to be exciting.

True, the 24 movie script has been initially rejected which means that it would take longer for 24 fans to see Jack Bauer and Chloe on the big screen, but when it comes to movies for 2011, there are already a few that I'm very excited to watch but then again this post is not about upcoming movies so I'll skip this.

For 2011, I'm excited about:

1. My brother's wedding. I think nothing can be more exciting than us joining our brother on his special day as the year opens.



2. Our trip to Bangkok.This will actually be my first time to go there and I can't wait.



3. The Rocky Horror Show, The Lion King, Closer, Next to Normal, AIDA, and The Little Mermaid - the theatre scene in  Manila  and here in Singapore couldn't be more vibrant.



4. Our brand new savings plan. This will at least ensure that a portion of our earnings is protected.


photo credit: http://www.wordsaboutthings.co.uk/saving-money-study/

5. The BlackBerry Playbook.



6. Micah visiting Singapore this summer.



As early as now, I'm already looking forward to a lot of things that this year will bring. Happy 2011 everyone!

The Full Monty

I watched Pangdemonium's The Full Monty, their first ever production yesterday at the Drama Centre Theatre. Pangdemonium is a theatre company put up by husband and wife, Adrian and Tracie Pang. I only had the realization that the theatre company is Adrian's mid-way through the musical when I thought about the company's name. This is because I haven't had the chance to look at the program yet at this time. (By the way, they don't sell the programs, you just donate how much you can and take the program and it doesn't look cheap either.)

I first saw Adrian Pang perform when SRT brought "They're Playing Our Song" to Manila, I think about 10 years ago. He played opposite Lea Salonga and was really delightful there. I was a tad disappointed when I watched the musical again and he was replaced by Michael Lee. He's a very big star here appearing in various productions and I must say that it's well-deserved.

The musical is one enjoyable experience. Clocking in at almost three hours including intermission, the performers' energy never waned. I watched the matinee performance and it's almost hard to imagine that they still have another performance that night with barely two hours of rest in between. The entire cast was wonderful including Pang's own son who played Nathan. He was very adorable and I must say disciplined.

I have to admit that though I have seen the movie it was based on, I am totally not familiar with the musical and the songs. I did leave the theatre totally loving the songs and raring to get a copy of the soundtrack.

This musical is truly worth your time and money. They have another weekend left. Go catch it! It feels to me that no expense was spared in mounting this production. Their set alone has been set up with every little detail in mind. Imagine that kind of dedication translating to their performance and you're sure to get your money's worth.