VIVA ATLANTIS Theatricals’ production of “Disney’s Tarzan” opened yesterday and runs until July 7 at Meralco Theater.
Based on the smash hit animated film and Edgar Rice Burrough’s classic novel, “Disney’s Tarzan” tells the story of a baby taken in and raised by a tribe of gorillas in West Africa. As Tarzan grows up, loved and cared for by his adoptive mother, Kala, he desires to gain acceptance from his father, Kerchak, as he struggles with his uniqueness. Soon he meets Jane and their worlds are changed forever.
This well-loved tale of high-flying jungle adventures has been reimagined for the stage with a book by David Henry Hwang and the award-winning songs of Phil Collins.
Swinging into Manila from New York is Dan Domenech, who was last seen on Broadway as Drew in “Rock of Ages.” Domenech has also appeared in the hit musical TV series “Glee.” His most recent stage triumph was playing Aladdin in “Disney’s Aladdin.”
Rachelle Ann Go, who plays Jane, is also a TV host and actress, a multi-awarded recording artist and an in-demand performer for shows here and abroad. Two years ago, she added theater actress to her roster of achievements when she took on the role of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to critical acclaim.
For tickets, call 6877163 or TicketWorld 8919999.
Shaharazade’s ‘Drafts 2: Works-In-Progress,’ Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, June 21
“DRAFTS 2: Works-In-Progress” is a festival of plays produced by Manila-based fringe theater group Shaharazade.
This year, Shaharazade invited four writers and teamed them up with a director each.
The four plays are: “Ang Tarangkahan” by Jay Crisostomo IV, directed by Neil Tolentino; “Who’s Afraid of Annabel Chong?,” by Rachelle Rodriguez, directed by Pat Valera; “Ka-ibigan” by Sebastian Felipe Bundoc, directed by Rolando Inocencio; and “The Conversationalist,” by José de los Reyes, directed by Fitz Bitana.
Set A (“Ang Tarangkahan” and “Who’s Afraid of Annabel Chong?”) runs June 22 and 27. Set B (“Ka-ibigan” and “The Conversationalist”) runs June 21 and 28. Both sets run on June 29.
Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas is at 64 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Quezon City. For tickets, call 0905-3438103.
Manila International Improv Festival, Peta Theater Center, June 25
In celebration of its 11th anniversary, the Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) and Peta Theater Center present the Manila International Improv Festival 2013 on June 25-30.
As the country’s premiere improvisational theater group, SPIT has represented the Philippines in numerous international events such as the prestigious Los Angeles Comedy Festival in 2004 and, more recently, in the Hong Kong and Beijing Improv Festivals.
Last year SPIT staged the 1st Manila International Improv Festival, with great success. This year’s festival will have six shows featuring the participating improv groups: People’s Liberation Improv and 3 Dudes Improv (Hong Kong); Beijing Improv (Beijing); Taichung Improv (Taiwan); Xiamen Improv (Xiamen); Zmack (Shanghai); Pirates of Tokyo Bay (Tokyo); and Silly People’s Improv Theater (Manila).
There will be one show each on June 26, 27, 28 and 30 (8 p.m.), and two shows on June 29. Entrance for each show is P400, and will feature three improv groups for each set, performing a variety of long-form and short-form improvisational shows.
All performances will be at the Peta-Phinma Theater.
For tickets, call 4100822 loc 14-15, 0906-2115003. Follow SPIT on Facebook/spit manila and @spitmanila on Twitter.
Dulaang UP’s ‘Adarna,’ Guerrero Theater, July 17
“ADARNA,” the well-known and much-loved Filipino folk tale, opens Dulaang UP’s 38th theater season.
It runs July 17-Aug. 1 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman.
“Adarna” tells the story of Don Juan, the youngest of three princes who goes on a journey to find the elusive mystical bird called Ibong Adarna, believed to be the cure for their ailing father, the king of Berbanya.
Director José Estrella (“Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang”) and her artistic team breathe new life into this classic story of adventure, magic, courage and love cherished by generations of Filipinos. This reimagining of this oft-told tale through a multimedia theatrical presentation blurs the distinctions between family dispute and love, home and faraway lands, and magical dreams and grim realities.
“Adarna” is adapted for the stage by Vlad Gonzales. Set and lights design by Lex Marcos, puppetry by Don Salubayba, costume design by Brenda Fajardo, music and musical direction by Jeff Hernandez, under the direction of Estrella.
For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, call 9261349, 9818500 local 2449, or 4337840.
Spotlight Artists Centre’s ‘Katy!,’ Meralco Theater, July 25
SPOTLIGHT Artists Centre’s revival of the landmark original Filipino musical “Katy!” will have a second run on July 25-Aug. 4 at Meralco Theater.
Its initial run last January at the CCP Little Theater enjoyed full houses, enthusiastic audience response and generous reviews.
The cast includes Isay Alvarez-Seña, Tirso Cruz III, Dulce, Lou Veloso, Gian Magdangal, Epy Quizon, Tricia Amper-Jimenez, Aicelle Santos and other seasoned stage performers.
“Katy!” is directed by Nestor Torre, with original music composed by Ryan Cayabyab and interpreted live by the AMP Nonet Band under the baton of musical director Mel Villena. The libretto is by José Javier Reyes.
The musical, originally staged in the ’80s, chronicles the inspiring story of legendary Filipina jazz chanteuse Katy dela Cruz, who rose to become one of the most illustrious, internationally acclaimed and highest-paid performers of her time.
“Katy!” is a licensed property of Actors Studio East Production Inc. Visit www.spotlightartistscentre.com; tel. 8998089.