THE WEDDING SINGER Opens In Manila 10/23

2006 Tony award-nominated "The Wedding Singer", starring mainstream television and recording stars Gian Magdangal and Iya Villana, opens at the Meralco Theatre in Manila on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8 p.m. The proceeds from the opening night will directly benefit the medical outreach and feeding program of The Orange Project, a nonprofit educational foundation that helps needy and hungry Filipino children. 

9 Works Theatrical's production of Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin musical comedy, based on the 1998 Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore starrer 'The Wedding Singer', is the local theatre company's follow up to its earlier productions of Jason Robert Brown's theatrical song cycle "Songs for A New World", and Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning opus "Rent". 

This stage adaptation picks up the romcom's '80s feel and main plot line, and retains the charming acoustic pop ballad "Grow Old With You" (sung by Mr. Sandler to Ms. Barrymore in the film). "The Wedding Singer" sets the stage ablaze with its brand new pop and musical theatre songs and choreographed dances, including the full company's musical number "It's Your Wedding Day". 

A sought after wedding singer in New Jersey Robbie Hart (Mr. Magdangal) is dumped at the altar by his longtime girlfriend Linda (Myrene Santos). Robbie becomes a casualty of love, and plunges into the depths of despair. But with the help of a sweet and caring waitress Julia Sullivan (Ms. Villana with alternate Sheila Valderrama-Martinez), who is oddly engaged to a smug and arrogant Wall Street type Glen Guglia (Jeremy Aguado), Robbie rediscovers why he was all about the "love" in the first place.

Directed by Robbie Guevara ("Songs For a New World", "Rent"), the Manila production is hiring nearly 30 actors as opposed to the first and second North American touring productions that had worked with around 20 actors. Television actress Nikki Valdez and "Miss Saigon" alumna Analyn Bantug alternate as Julia's bubbly cousin Holly; and stage veterans Lorenz Martinez, Johann dela Fuente and Enchang Kaimo play other principal roles.

An assemblage of young thespians Arnold Trinidad, Bym Buhain, Chinie Nepomuceno, Francis Matheu, Harold Cruz, Ikey Canoy, James Stacey, Jenny Villegas, Jonjon Martin, Luau Sablan, Mark Tayag, Mian Dimacali, Miguel Vasquez, Nikki Guevara, Peachy Atilano, Sab Jose, Shelyn Tayanes, and Sylveth Ong-iko are also part of the cast.

Rodel Colmenar, conducting the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, is musical director; Francis Matheu is choreographer; Onyl Torres is vocal coach;  Mio Infante is scenographer;  Martin Esteva is lighting designer; Chuck Ledesma is sound designer;  and Rosanna Aranaz is costume stylist.

For tickets to the opening night, contact AC Ong at (63)9178567397 or Ian Resuta at (63) 9179370910.

"The Wedding Singer" in Manila will run through Wednesday, November 17, 2010 with Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. Visit Ticketworld at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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