Piaf set to open March 8

MANILA, Philippines - Atlantis Productions has gathered a stellar cast for its upcoming staging of the acclaimed musical play Piaf  by Pam Gems opening March 8. The new version of Piaf, staged at London’s prestigious Donmar Warehouse before a West End transfer in 2008, features a re-worked version of Pam’s classic 1978 play which was first  performed with The Royal Shakespeare Company and incorporates over 25 of Edith Piaf’s songs including La Vie En Rose, Hymn of Love and Non, Je non regrette  rien. Piaf will be directed by Bobby Garcia, who will mark 20 years of directing this year.

Piaf also marks the return to the stage of award-winning stage, TV and film actress Pinky Amador, who celebrates her 30th year in the business.  Last seen on stage in The Sound of Music, Pinky also recently appeared as Salvacion and Woman 2 in You Can Never Can Tell, a creative development project for Coloma Projects in Sydney, Australia.  She has also performed internationally in the original cast of the West End premiere of Miss Saigon, as Tiger Lily in the UK Tour of Peter Pan, and as Kora in Images of Tiffin in London. She trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Joining Pinky on stage is G Töngi-Walters, who makes her professional musical theater debut in Piaf.  She will sing the famous song La Vie En Rose.  Also in the cast are Ima Castro, Jamie Wilson, Reuben Uy, Altair Alonso, Hans Eckstein, Mako Alonso, Nel Gomez and fast rising indie actor Sandino Martin.

Bobby says, “I have been obsessed with Edith Piaf, her life and music, for several years now. Her music speaks directly to me somehow and I have read every book there is about her. It has been a thrill working with the fantastic ensemble of Piaf, each and everyone a brilliant and dynamic actor. It has especially been a joy to collaborate with Pinky Amador, one of the finest actresses we have, in creating the life of a woman we both passionately respect and admire.”

Piaf features set design by Faust Peneyra, lighting design by Martin Esteva, hair and makeup creation by Johann dela Fuente, musical direction by Ceejay Javier and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico. Rajo Laurel created Piaf’s iconic black dress.

Piaf runs from March 8 to 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or Ticket World at 891-9999.

Due to strong language and sexual situations parental guidance is suggested.