Meet New Cast of 9 Works Theatrical's GREASE; Show Runs 11/15-12/7

Manila, Philippines--9 Works Theatrical ("The Last 5 Years," "Sweet Charity") brings back one of its hit productions last year, GREASE, to relive the teenage '50s at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati City from this Saturday, November 15, to Sunday, December 7.

Voted as last year's Most Outstanding Production of an Existing Material for a Musical by the jurors at PHILSTAGE Gawad Buhay Awards, GREASE boasts new lead cast members Guji Lorenzana, Tippy Dos Santos, Steven Silva, Alex Godinez, Marvin Ong, Nelsito Gomez, Gabriela Pangilinan, and Antoinette Taus; additional choreography by Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu ("Rent," "Songs for a New World"); and additional set pieces and hot cars of the '50s, created and culled, respectively, by Mio Infante ("The Last 5 Years," "Rak of Aegis").

Director Robbie Guevara ("The Last 5 Years," "They're Playing Our Song") is once again in the driver's seat of this heavy-duty Broadway classic.

After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock 'n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends, and goin' steady.

Expect hit songs one after another as GREASE is featuring musical numbers from the smash 1978 motion picture adaptation, including "Sandy"; the Academy Award nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You"; and No. 1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want." These bubblegum pop songs are performed in addition to the Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey songs "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together," made famous by the original 1971 stage production.

Photos: Erickson Dela Cruz, Roy Macam, PETA Theater

GUJI LORENZANA

Danny Zuko

Growing up, Guji already knew that performing was his passion. A familiar face on television, he's headlined several shows such as Precious Hearts Romances Presents the Bud Brothers and Somewhere In My Heart, as well as several soaps and movies. Theater credits include West Side Story, Legally Blonde, and Ballet Philippines' Tales of the Manuvu. Along with his sister, Guji joined the premiere season of The Voice of the Philippines under Team Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

TIPPY DOS SANTOS

Sandy Dumbrowski

Tippy has proven her versatility as a performer with her works in television, theater, and music. She has played several leads such as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Gertrude in Seussical with Ateneo Children's Theater, Wendy in Peter Pan for which she was nominated for a Gawad Buhay Award for Best Actress, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid in Lebanon. Her movie works include Raketeros, Once a Princess, and I Do Bidoo Bidoo for which she won two awards: Star Awards New Movie Actress of the Year and Golden Empress Breakthrough Performance by an Actress in 2013. Her interpretation of the song "Dati" with Sam Concepcion and Quest earned them the top prize at the 2013 Philpop Competition. She also supports several advocacies, serving as famine ambassador for World Vision and ambassador for the environment for DENR.

ANTOINETTE TAUS

Betty Rizzo

Antoinette is no stranger to Philippine showbiz. Starting her career as a commercial model at age four and being part of the hit show, Ang TV, she continues to impress audiences with her beguiling acting talent. Though mostly associated with TV and movies, Antoinette's talent for the stage has earned her roles such as Gavroche in Repertory Philippines' Les Miserables, Dorothy in The Wiz, Libby in I Ought to Be in Pictures, and Princess Jewel in The Little Mermaid. She is undoubtedly a triple threat.

STEVEN SILVA

Johnny Casino

Steven was the Ultimate Male Survivor of Starstruck's fifth season in 2010. He regularly performs in GMA's Sunday All-Stars and is a segment host for lifestyle show Taste Buddies, where he discovers restaurants around the metro. He also keeps himself busy as a food blogger under the alias "Chefnito" (chefnito.tumblr.com). He was also cast as Sid in The Boston: The Kitchen Musical.

MARVIN ONG

Doody

Marvin's career highlights are playing Rolf for Resorts World Manila's The Sound of Music and the lead in Ateneo Blue Repertory's Bat Boy: The Musical, and winning the Gawad Buhay Award for Best Featured Actor for his role as Toby in Sweeney Todd. He also won Male Pop Artist of the Year for the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music. Grease marks Marvin's return to his musical theater roots.

ALEX GODINEZ

Marty

Alex was handpicked to be part of Playshop Kids where she toured Manila, performing in countless shows. She was loved as the fabulous Sharpay Evans in Stages' Disney's High School Musical. She had the opportunity to guest in several concerts of her uncle, Martin Nievera--the most memorable one being at the theater of the famous MGM Grand in Las Vegas. After studying music and dance at Musician's Institute in Hollywood and with a lot of experience under her belt, Alex comes back to the Manila theater scene.

NELSITO GOMEZ

Sonny LaTierri

Nel has worked in numerous local productions namely Carrie, Disney's Camp Rock, The Producers, and Piaf. His most recent role was the high-pitched wooden boy Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical.

GABRIELA PANGILINAN

Cha-Cha DiGregorio

Gabriella was part of PETA's recent musical hit Rak of Aegis. She was also cast as a storyteller and Ti Moune alternate in Ephesus Teatron's Once on This Island. She considers the role of Cha-Cha as her most challenging in terms of the incredible dance skills needed.

To buy tickets, call (632) 586.7105 or (63) 917-554-5560, email info@9workstheatrical.com, or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

GREASE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1359 Broadway, Suite 914, New York, NY.

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