MANILA, Philippines—Top media celebrity G Töngi joins the cast of Upstart’s latest theater offering for Halloween, “SOS: Showcase of Original Shorts” at Caixa Bar and Restaurant, Makati. A collection of short, spooky comedy plays, “SOS” is the first in a proposed series of theatrical bar tours whose aim is to expand the theater-going market by using unconventional, unexpected show venues.
The bar tour concept is the brainchild of show director Joel Trinidad, who heads Upstart Productions. He likens the idea to the concept of Fringe theater in the West, in which small, low-cost shows are presented in pubs, bookstores, and other non-theater venues. “People go to bars all the time,” he says. “So why not bring theater to the people instead of the other way around?”
He has found an enthusiastic collaborator in G Töngi, who, despite her busy schedule, jumped at the chance to perform in SOS. “I love theater,” she says, “and I really liked the material.” Based on their work on this show, she and Trinidad have begun collaborating on several other projects, as well.
Joining G in SOS are up-and-comers Reb Atadero (“The Graduate”), Arya Herrara (“The King and I”) and Bibo Reyes (“Rock of Ages”). All four performers will take on all the roles in this collection of plays, all written by Joel Trinidad.
In “The Legion”, a bunch of super-villains attempt to form an evil team; in “Blind Date”, a man and a woman find themselves naked together in a hotel room; in “Deathly Sorry”, a notorious gangster is visited by a mysterious angel; in “The Last Bullet”, three ordinary people try to survive a monster attack; and in “Witchslap”, a love spell goes horribly wrong.
“The plays feature zombies and witches and magic and super-villains,” he explains. “Perfect Halloween material.”
“SOS: Showcase of Original Shorts” is brought to you by Imix and Sozzled, in cooperation with Clare Energy, Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens, Makeup by Ina de Guzman, Luxe Mode, Premiere Condoms, and Eagle Crest. Remaining show is at 10 pm Monday October 28, at Caixa Bar and Restaurant, G/F Makati Golf, 7232 Malugay Street, Bel-Air, Makati. Tickets are P450 each, inclusive of a free drink. E-mail upstarttickets@gmail.com or call 09175285678 for reservations.