Currently showing at The Theatre at Solaire is the London production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “The Sound of Music.”
This is said to be a critically acclaimed production, and the hype quote on its poster is even more persuasive: “Beg, steal or borrow a ticket.”
The original 1959 Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s biggest success.
The 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews as Maria won five Oscars, including Best Picture, and remains one of the most popular movies of all time.
But what’s new about the Manila run is that its international ast includes 18 Filipinos playing the Von Trapp children: Joseph Alexander Leggatt, Kyle Robert Rafanan and Orenci Ken Soleta (alternating as Friedrich); Gwyneth Jearei Dorado, Angelica Mabuting and Quinn O’Hara (Louisa); Dean Adhiel Angelia, Tory Gil Emilio Cortez and James Christian Hess (Kurt); Alysha Mari Africa, Jia Ruth Condino and Faline Dorado (Gretl); Leani Columna, Samantha Lagman and Princess Aliyah Rabara (Marta); and Krystal Brimner, Rayne Yssibel Cortez and Sophia Isabella Reyes (Brigitta).
They were chosen out of 400 kids who auditioned for the roles.
“The Sound of Music”— based on a true-to-life memoir by Maria Augusta von Trapp—recreates the story of the fun-loving governess who changes the lives of a widower, Captain Von Trapp, and his seven children by reintroducing them to music, culminating in the family’s flight across the Austrian mountains as tensions rise prior to the outbreak of World War II.
“The Sound of Music” runs until October 22 at The Theatre at Solaire, 3rd Level, Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue, Parañaque; www.ticketworld.com.ph; tel. 8919999
Pido covers Steely Dan
One of the highlights of a recent gig at The Smoking Joint in Makati featuring Pido with three outstanding sidemen—Wowee Posadas, keyboards; Joel Guarin, bass; Gibson Viduya, drums—was the group’s cover of a few Steely Dan classics.
The music of Steely Dan is being revisited by many of its Filipino fans following the death on September 3 of its cofounder, Walter Becker. But the good news is, Steely Dan’s other half, Donald Fagen, has decided to keep alive the spirit of Becker by continuing to play as Steely Dan.
My old schoolmate, Wacky Garcia, told me that when he watched Steely Dan perform at the Classic East concert in New York last month, Larry Carlton took the place of Becker on guitar. (The latter was said to be recovering from surgery at the time.)
The Smoking Joint, 2285 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Green Sun Hotel, Makati City; tel. 423 5514; like facebook.com/thesmokingjointbbq; FB Messenger @thesmokingjointbbq
Steely Dan at Solaire?
This month, Steely Dan is on tour in Dublin and London, with the Doobie Brothers as special guests.
Fans will recall that Steely Dan played a nine-date residency early this year at Las Vegas. The gig was called, in witty Steely Dan fashion, “Reelin’ in the Chips.”
The thought of having Steely Dan at The Theatre at Solaire is not far-fetched, since Solaire boss Ricky Razon and wife Lizzie surely know the enduring music of this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee that made jazz more fun and popular.
Oktoberfest at Sofitel
The German Club Manila is celebrating its 79th Oktoberfest at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on Oct. 6-7.
Sofitel’s Harbor Garden Tent, which can accommodate more than 2,000 guests, will be transformed into a traditional “biergarten.”
Bavarian specialties such as German sausages, pork knuckles, schnitzels, and more will be available, with unlimited ice-cold San Miguel beer.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. Pasay; tel. 5515555
… And at Chateau Royale
Chateau Royale Hotel Resort & Spa, at the boundary of Tagaytay and Nasugbu, Batangas, is celebrating Oktoberfest starting Oct. 7 and succeeding all Saturdays of the month.
The resort’s facilities include the Aviary, Orchidarium, Rain Forest, Theme Park, aside from outdoor attractions like rock climbing, wave pool, jungle trekking, and various kids’ activities.
Contact 0905-614-1856 or 7428016 to 17
