Apparently, last night's show was a Premier Gala Night. It also served as a fund-raiserfor a foundation called BayaNiJuan. Cocktails were provided by Tamayo's catering. Upon registering at the ticket booth, we were given back issues of Metro and Society magazines. Free coffee was also served during the intermission.
I didn't know that the show begins at 8PM. All I knew was that cocktails start at 6PM. Since we were early, we had the chance to sample the hors d'oeuvrs first. The open bar served wines, spiked juices and virgin drinks. Really not bad for the price we paid for our tickets.
I was glad to see Joanna Ampil star as the female lead, Maria. Being a singer myself, I am not quite impressed by Karylle's singing style. Ms. Ampil has a wonderful voice. However, the words tend to be unclear when she sings the upper register. She delivered her lines well. I just hoped her Puerto Rican accent was more consistent throughout the play. All-in-all, her West End experience was quite evident. Her performance was near impeccable.
Christian Bautista was just right for the role. He had the gentleness in Tony's character. He clearly lacked a bigger theater presence. Last night, he kept to one area of the stage. His movements lack depth and volume. I guess, that stems from his orientation as a TV performer. Though his voice is still adjusting to the range of most of the songs, his rendition of "Maria" and "Tonight" were exceptional. Knowing that he is more of a singer and not much of a dancer, led me to expect more from his musical numbers.
I was equally impressed by the female who played Anita. She was a good actress, singer and a very exceptional dancer. She clearly stole the show. The person who played Riff, Tony's best-friend, was also very good.
I particularly liked the sequences at the night of the dance, the rumble between the Jets and the Sharks and scene where Tony dies in Maria's arms while singing "A Time for Us". Other dance sequences need to be done in synchrony. Delayed movements are quite noticeable if the rest are all together.
Knowing that last night's show was just the beginning, they will undoubtedly reach perfection following several more runs.
---------------------------
I apologize for not naming the other characters/cast correctly. There were no souvenir programs in sight.
---------------------------
Seen in the audience were Menchu Yulo, Audie Gemora, Rowell Santiago, JM Rodriguez, Victor Basa, Girlie Rodis and other big-shots of the ABS-CBN's sister companies.
I didn't know that the show begins at 8PM. All I knew was that cocktails start at 6PM. Since we were early, we had the chance to sample the hors d'oeuvrs first. The open bar served wines, spiked juices and virgin drinks. Really not bad for the price we paid for our tickets.
I was glad to see Joanna Ampil star as the female lead, Maria. Being a singer myself, I am not quite impressed by Karylle's singing style. Ms. Ampil has a wonderful voice. However, the words tend to be unclear when she sings the upper register. She delivered her lines well. I just hoped her Puerto Rican accent was more consistent throughout the play. All-in-all, her West End experience was quite evident. Her performance was near impeccable.
Christian Bautista was just right for the role. He had the gentleness in Tony's character. He clearly lacked a bigger theater presence. Last night, he kept to one area of the stage. His movements lack depth and volume. I guess, that stems from his orientation as a TV performer. Though his voice is still adjusting to the range of most of the songs, his rendition of "Maria" and "Tonight" were exceptional. Knowing that he is more of a singer and not much of a dancer, led me to expect more from his musical numbers.
I was equally impressed by the female who played Anita. She was a good actress, singer and a very exceptional dancer. She clearly stole the show. The person who played Riff, Tony's best-friend, was also very good.
I particularly liked the sequences at the night of the dance, the rumble between the Jets and the Sharks and scene where Tony dies in Maria's arms while singing "A Time for Us". Other dance sequences need to be done in synchrony. Delayed movements are quite noticeable if the rest are all together.
Knowing that last night's show was just the beginning, they will undoubtedly reach perfection following several more runs.
---------------------------
I apologize for not naming the other characters/cast correctly. There were no souvenir programs in sight.
---------------------------
Seen in the audience were Menchu Yulo, Audie Gemora, Rowell Santiago, JM Rodriguez, Victor Basa, Girlie Rodis and other big-shots of the ABS-CBN's sister companies.
Comments