Repertory Philippines Sweeney Todd Attracts Theatre People
Photo Courtesy of Girlie Rodis
From Lea Salonga to Philippine Daily Inquirer contributor Gibbs Cadiz, the Repertory Philippines production of Sweeney Todd attracted theatre people to watch the 21 November 2009 8pm performance, much to my delight, since it may turn out to be the only performance of the Stephen Sondheim musical that I may catch while in town, giving me the opportunity to catch up with what’s happening in the local and international scene.
Dropping in at OnStage an hour before the show started gave me the chance to say “Hi” to actors Raul Montesa, Gloria Sicam, Robbie Zialcita, Naths Everett, Ring Antonio and my A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino husband Oliver Usison
A chance meeting with Gibbs Cadiz at the Tokyo Tokyo restaurant in Greenbelt 1 was an excellent way to warm up for the beloved musical, whose sparse comments about the show were enough to give me goose bumps.
Director, actor and scriptwriter Jaime del Mundo also apparently just flew in from Singapore, like I did, after setting up the show The Little Mermaid as part of a cruise ship’s entertainment for its passengers. The bubbly Juno Henares, who understudies for Menchu Lauchengco Yulo in the role of Mrs. Lovett, joined in the conversation and shared her opinions, having been a passenger of said cruise line.
Ayen Munji Laurel sat in the second row with family in tow, presumably to cheer on husband Franco Laurel as he plays love struck sailor Anthony Hope
Sweeney Todd co-director Michael Williams was also in attendance, giving me the opportunity to playfully say “Beautiful” in the same notes as in the musical.
And, to my horror, Lea Salonga, who was watching Sweeney Todd for the first time, informed me that her Singapore concert at Esplanade Theatre is already sold out after three weeks, and I haven’t been able to buy my ticket yet! I’m crossing my fingers that there’s one left for me when I get back.
Related Posts
Repertory Philippines Sweeney Todd Musical Sneak Peek Video
Menchu Lauchengco Yulo Takes on Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd
Repertory Philippines Joy Virata Continues Tradition in Sweeney Todd
Filipino Actor Plays Leading Man in Victor Victoria in Singapore Production
Sweeney Todd Displays Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo Sizzling Chemistry
lorna! glad to have seen ya last night. my review comes out tomorrow. tell me whatchatunk.
Thanks for watching =)