Playshop Playhouse Premieres New Musical 'Always Upon a Time,' 10/29

Manila, Philippines--Talent and youth best describes the cast of Playshop Playhouse's upcoming production, "Always Upon a Time," a new musical tailor-made for the whole family.

Playshop Playhouse's "Always Upon a Time," features young talents from Trumpets Playshop, a performing arts summer program for kids and teens, and even grown-ups. In this original musical, inspired by director-writer Freddie Santos' "Fables and Parables," various well-known fables and parables will change the life of a father and his two children, Tommy and Danny. The show features an entirely new script and beautiful new songs, including the title song written and arranged by Lito Villareal.

The lead cast includes Andee Achacoso, Trumpets Playshop ambassador who recorded Jim Paredes' "Thank You, World," a song dedicated to the many countries that helped in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda; Daniel Drilon, who starred in Repertory Philippines' production of "Pinocchio," Scrooge,"and "The Secret Garden" ; Gabo Tiongson, a seasoned young concert performer and thespian, and Teddy Velasco, who has played Pippin and other musical theater roles. Lorenz Martinez, one of the country's most seasoned theater actors, plays the role of the father.

The rest of the cast members are Anton Posadas, Ethan Paras, Vea Salvador, Eena Salvador, Gabby Concepcion, Rianelle Albaladejo, Guido Gatmaytan, Michelle Chua, Eggo Velasco, Crystal Paras, Daniel Kahn, Reubz Galenzoga, and Chimmi Kohchet-Chua.

At a recent press preview in Bonifacio Global City, Joaquin Valdes, Trumpets Playshop executive director, couldn't hide his excitement: he sees himself in these kids as he was once a young participant at Trumpets Playshop. He's truly happy to give these kids the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents. He also believes that now is the right time for these young performers to hog the spotlight because the theater scene in the Philippines is booming.

On the other hand, Steven Conde, the show's director, scriptwriter, and co-lyricist, is thankful for the opportunity to direct these young, hardworking kids. For him, "Always Upon a Time," is all about the power of storytelling and, ultimately, communication. The musical reminds everyone to break the barriers that deprive people of their humanity such as impersonal means of communication: SMS, social media, etc. He assures theatergoers that only the most imaginative means of storytelling will unfold on stage.

The new musical runs this Saturday, October 29 (3 p.m., 8 p.m.), and Sunday, October 30 (10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m.) at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati City.

For tickets (P627, P836), visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

To post a comment, you must register and login.