Sing-along is Madz's farewell show

How would you like to join the world acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers in one or two songs? Yes, the offer stands even for those who among us who love to sing but cannot carry a tune. In fact this was what happened last Sunday at the recreation area of Bonifacio Global City’s High Street. The Madz held a free show but it was not their usual concert. Instead they delighted the audience with something they had never done before.

First off, the Madz ditched their usual Filipiniana costumes for jeans and shirts. Then they sang a varied repertoire that included a spirited medley of Rain songs, Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka, I’m Yours, Very Special Love, Man In The Mirror, Heal The World, From A Distance, Beautiful Girl, Nessun Dorma, William Tell Overture and others. Then from time to time, they passed the microphone to the people watching for a unique jamming performance. Those who had the guts to accept the challenge went home with the distinction of having performed, even if for once in their lives with the Madz.

They can do the same again come Sunday, March 27 and those who were not there will now get the chance. Let us now all get ready to take a turn at that mic. The Madz will be back at Boni High at 6 p.m. for another free “camp out” style performance. No need for those who want their music flawless to worry though. Aside from passing the mic around, the Madz will also do their usual show-stopping numbers.

Incidentally, this is the Madz’s last public performance in the Philippines. The group is set to leave soon on a Grand American Tour during which they will bring their angelic singing to the US, South and North America. The Philippine Madrigal Singers will be away for months so this coming Sunday’s night of impromptu sing-along will be last for us to listen to them for a long time.

Opera Belles releases new album

Speaking of angelic voices, you might want to give a listen to the Opera Belles, which, if I am not mistaken is the first true pop opera group in the country. The trio was formed by the Philippine Opera Company and is made up of young beauties, who are all classically-trained singers. They are Allison Tanner, Lara Maigue and Jam Valdes.

The Opera Belles has released its first album on Sony Music. Produced and arranged by Paulo Zarate, the CD is made up of assorted pop tunes but done in the classical style. Included are Love Story, The Only Exception, Sleeps With Butterflies, Like A Prayer, Heaven, Breathless, Burn, Officially Missing You, I Turn To You, Only Hope and the first single release, Sundo.

I do not like it that there is only one Filipino song in the album, Imago’s Sundo. But I love the way these girls sing and it would have been better had Paulo pushed their vocals and his arrangements further away from the songs’ pop origins. Most of all, I really like it that the Opera Belles is giving younger listeners the opportunity to listen to proper singing with the correct notes.

Thanks mostly to careless TV shows, most kids now mistake power vocals for singing. Even when these are horribly off-key! Listen to the Opera Belles. The girls sound sweet and nice and thank heaven, they can really sing. Next on tap. I hope somebody puts together a trio or whatever group of classically-trained, nice looking boys.

Shakespeare in Hollywood at onstage

For something not angelic but more fairylike and just as enjoyable, you might want to watch Ken Ludwig’s comedy Shakespeare In Hollywood which runs from April 1 to 17 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City. Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the wacky play tells of how thanks to time travel, the fairies Oberon and Puck from Shakespeare’s comedy ended up on the set of the movie version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. They get to be in the picture and meet a lot of movie people.

A Repertory Philippines presentation, Shakespeare In Hollywood stars Hans Eckstein, Red Concepcion, Robie Zialcita, Arnel Carrion, Caisa Borromeo, Cris Villonco, Miguel Faustmann, Joy Virata, Reuben Uy, Topper Fabregas, Rem Zamora and Nic Campos. They play characters from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and well-known figures from Hollywood in the 1930s with rollicking results.

Playnights are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Call 571-6926 and 571-4941 or e-mail [email protected] or go to Ticketworld 891-9999 for tickets.