Review: Olivier Award Winner LA SOIREE Arrives in Manila

By Jared Echevarria

LA SOIREE runs until Sunday, September 27, at The Theatre, Solaire Resort and Casino.

Manila, Philippines--LA SOIREE, a variety show that won the 2015 Laurence Olivier Award under the category of Best Entertainment and Family, greets Manila with decadent charm and sophistication.

The show is filled with acrobatics, song and dance numbers, and interesting odd performances all combined and squeezed together in a nearly two-hour spectacular that will give the audiences a great and wonderful time. This could be the greatest take away of LA SOIREE, its distinctive approach on contemporary theater and performance art.

With a simple setting: a small circular makeshift stage with the viewers seated in rows around it, which reminds us of the glorious days of the vaudeville and the luscious excitement of the cabaret. LA SOIREE offers not the typical theatrical experience and will keep one simply in awe and fascination. Realizing the ongoing revival of this kind of entertainment, this production is a great medium for young theatergoers to understand and appreciate the genre with a unique packaging that appeals to modern tastes.

The casts likewise ensure that the theatre is filled with laughter, wonder and occasional shocks and surprises. While there were minimal glitches in the acts during opening night (September 23), which is usually normal for live performances, the artists maintained their ease and made certain the audiences that they were worth of their applause and cheers. All the segments, though independent from one another, project a whimsical unison that allow its viewers to catch up, without worrying about the scenes and other show details they might have missed.

The show opened its first run in London in 2010 and had since travelled the world enchanting audiences of different age groups and interests.

Brought to Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila, LA SOIREE will have a limited run at the Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino from September 23 - 27.

For tickets (P2,917.60-P5,731), visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: Jory Rivera

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