Review Roundup: GREASE by 9 Works Theatrical

Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2013--9 Works Theatrical is staging the 1971 musical "Grease," one of the world's most popular and beloved musicals, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City until Sunday, December 1.

The production gathers GMA talents Gian Magdangal as Danny Zuko and Frencheska Farr as Sandy Dumbrowski to lead the cast.

Making his professional theater debut is Rafa Siguion-Reyna, the son of filmmakers Carlos Siguion-Reyna and Bibeth Orteza.

Siguion-Reyna plays Kenickie, the T-Birds' second-in-command; he is paired with Iya Villania and Jennifer Blair-Bianco who are sharing the role of Betty Rizzo.

Other cast members are Carla Dunareanu, Reb Atadero, Mark Tayag, Vince Lim, Peachy Atilano, Sarah Facuri, Carlos Canlas, James Stacey, Harold Cruz, Sab Jose, Angela Padilla, and Carmella Ros.

Robbie Guevara is director; Lorenz Martinez is assistant director; Joseph Tolentino is musical director for instrumentation; Sweet Plantado-Tiongson is musical director for vocals; Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu are choreographers; Mio Infante is set and costume designer; John Batalla is lighting designer; and Chuck Ledesma is sound engineer.

Let's see what the critics had to say.

Vladimir Bunoan, ABS-CBNNews.com: Given the lightweight material, Guevarra wisely made the songs the main attraction of this staging. The entire set, designed by Mio Infante, looks like a giant '50s-style jukebox with an elevated "concert" stage for the band and some performers. The concert vibe jibed with the musical's overall tone and showcased the perfect pop tunes of original composers Jim Jacobs and WarRen Casey that truly captured the flavor of the 1950s.

The cast, which consists of theater veterans, pop singers and some newbies, also included very able vocalists, led by former "Philippine Idol" finalist Gian Magdangal as Danny Zucko and "Emir" actress Francesca Farr as Sandy.

Magdangal effectively channeled his inner Travolta with confident dance moves and a cool strut that felt very natural. Farr showed off her powerful vocals that impressed the production team of the revival of "Miss Saigon" when they recently visited the Philippines...

However, it was unfortunate that the one number that lacked the right spark was "Grease Lightning," although newcomer Rafa Siguion-Reyna did admit that he is more of a dancer than a singer. This number -- and the musical in general -- could also use more stage bodies particularly in the big dance numbers, like "Born to Hand Jive" and "You're the One That I Want."

Kate Alvarez, Spot.ph: Set and costume designer Mio Infante got every 50s detail down pat-from the high-waisted pants and pedal pushers to the vintage magazine covers that the Pink Ladies were browsing. He also extended the space by creating a two-floor stage and cleverly placing the orchestra on the upper level.

The first act captivated the audience with high-energy numbers such as "Greased Lightning" and "You're The One That I Want," while the second act mellowed down with "We Go Together" and "All Choked Up." Overall, Grease was definitely the word and made for an electrifying night.

Michael Joe T. Delizo, Manila Bulletin: Despite minor technical flaws, the bouncy dance moves, astounding song numbers and beaming smiles of the actors all made for an electrifying preview last Nov. 7 at the Carlos P. Romulo (CPR) Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City...

The energy of the cool Rydell High students inspired the audience to join the bopping and hand jiving, especially to the "dip di-dip di-dip doo-bop a doo-bee doo" of "We Go Together."

The set design must be commended for magically transforming the stage into different locations frequented by the kids. The costumes also perfectly brought back the era when leather jackets, bobby sox, and pedal pushers were all the rage. (Farr's leather pants, however, seemed too fitted for her very slender legs.)

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