Manila, Philippines--A day after CHICAGO the Musical's 1920s-themed opening night gala at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino, members of the Philippine press were treated to a sneak peek at two of the most popular musical numbers from the musical, and were given a chance to chat with the principal members of the cast and creative team in a press call that followed shortly after.
The event opened with Terra C. MacLeod's Velma Kelly performing the iconic number "All That Jazz," followed by Jeff McCarthy's Billy Flynn, flanked by his giant-feather-fanning showgirls, in the signature number "All I Care About is Love."
Principal cast and the ensemble held several poses from their numbers for press photographers after each number.
Bianca Marroquin, who plays Roxie Hart, also gave a sneak peek at her impressive dancing chops as she held several poses for the cameras from her "Me and My Baby" number.
Members of the orchestra--most notably local Filipino musicians--were also given the spotlight as they posed for the cameras from their jewelry-box-inspired orchestra pit.
Roz Ryan, who plays Matron "Mama" Morton, McCarthy, Marroquin, and MacLeod--along with Musical Director Robert Billig and select members of the ensemble and the orchestra--chatted with the members of the press in the brief conference that followed shortly after performances.
CHICAGO celebrates 2014 as a breakthrough year solidifying its clout as the Longest-Running American Musical on Broadway--simultaneously eclipsing "Cats" as the Second Longest-Running Musical on Broadway--in its record-setting 7,486th performance on Broadway's Ambassador Theatre last November 23, 2014.
"It's an important year for CHICAGO, and we get to share it with Manila! We're so excited to be here!" says Latina Broadway favorite Marroquin in a sit-down interview with BroadwayWorld.com.
"Yes, it's a festive year for the show; it's breaking a lot of barriers this year," adds MacLeod whose Velma Kelly debut had her performing in the French premiere of CHICAGO in her native Montreal, Canada and later on in Paris, France.
Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, this Broadway revival production, directed by Walter Bobbie, was originally choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse. CHICAGO features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Scott Lehrer. The production also features orchestrations by Ralph Burns and supervising music direction by Rob Fisher.
Solaire Resort and Casino's new luxuriously-styled lyric theatre is fully packed with the latest state-of-the-art technical and stage facilities, plush fittings, and rich atmosphere; it will showcase world-class Broadway shows, as well as local and international concert artists, ballet acts, speaker series, and more.
CHICAGO, playing a strictly limited run at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino until Sunday, December 21 only, is produced in Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, and Concertus Manila.
For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.
Photos: Chriselle Fajardo
The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino
CHICAGO stage preset
Sherisse Springer
Sherisse Springer
Chris LeBeau, Terra C. MacLeod
Laura Oldham, Chris LeBeau, Allison Blair McDowell, Sherisse Springer
Laura Oldham, Allison Blair McDowell
Aurore Joly, Chris LeBeau, Terra C. MacLeod, Robin Masella
Allison Blair McDowell, Sherisse Springer, Chris LeBeau, Terra C. MacLeod, and Company
Allison Blair McDowell, Sherisse Springer, Chris LeBeau, Terra C. MacLeod, and Company
Laura Oldham, Sherisse Springer, Allison Blair McDowell, Anne Otto, and Company
Sherisse Springer, Laura Oldham, Jeff McCarthy, Aurore Joly, and Company
Colt Adam Weiss, Bianca Marroquin, Jasond Thomas
Colt Adam Weiss, Bianca Marroquin, Jasond Thomas
Colt Adam Weiss, Bianca Marroquin, Jasond Thomas
Musical Director Robert Billig and orchestra
Jayson Rivera, Robert Billig, Bianca Marroquin, Terra C. MacLeod, Jeff McCarthy, Roz Ryan, Colt Adam Weiss, Allison Blair McDowell, Adam Pellegrine
Bianca Marroquin, Terra C. MacLeod, Jeff McCarthy, Roz Ryan
Lester Demetillo, Jayson Rivera, Robert Billig, Bianca Marroquin, Terra C. MacLeod, Jeff McCarthy, Roz Ryan, Allison Blair McDowell, Adam Pellegrine
Lester Demetillo, Jayson Rivera, Robert Billig, Bianca Marroquin, Terra C. MacLeod, Jeff McCarthy, Roz Ryan, Colt Adam Weiss, Allison Blair McDowell, Adam Pellegrine
Bianca Marroquin, Terra C. MacLeod
Robert Billig, Jayson Rivera, Lester Demetillo
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