Broadway lovers are in for a treat! The Marie Eugenie Theater of the Assumption (Metta) and Assumption College present Broadway I, a celebration of Broadway’s well-loved musicals with songs from Annie, A Chorus Line and Broadway greats Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim. This production features guest actors from Philippine Playhouse.
Julliard-trained and Metta artistic director Ana Valdes-Lim says, “Broadway I is a show for the entire family: from the youngest to the most senior member. Broadway I will have a song to pull at your heartstrings, and a number that will make your happy feet dance.” Taking center stage are the Metta members from grade school, high school, college, faculty, staff and for the first time, parents and Assumption College alumnae.
With eyes sparkling, she conveys the true essence of the show as a celebration of community. “In Broadway I, the Assumption celebrates true community theater. Come watch our teachers, staff, parents and students dance all together! From our school chefs to the Deans, this is community spirit at its best. The cast of a 140 promising artists will lift you off your seats and transport you to Broadway in Manila,” says Ana.
The rousing music of Stephen Sondheim’s Putting it Together opens the show and sets the mood for the evening with its sophisticated sound and witty act of final do’s and don’ts before a stage performance.
A feel-good musical that can only be described as charming and heartwarming, Annie is the story of an orphaned girl who searches for her real parents, only to be adopted and truly loved by millionaire Daddy Warbucks. Audiences will be charmed with the professional performances of the youngest members of Metta; with songs and adorable choreography bringing back fond memories of the movie.
Set on the bare stage of a Broadway theater during an audition for chorus line members of a musical, A Chorus Line gives a glimpse in the lives of performers, the events that shaped their careers and their decisions to become dancers.
Broadway I also features the elegant music from the lively 1930s jazzy tunes of Cole Porter’s spectacular stage shows. A favorite of many, the songs evoke the emotional composition of the legendary composer and songwriter. The brilliant finale from A Chorus Line’s One brings the cast together to give a memorable close. The hour-and-a-half show is filled with vocal showpieces and lively dance performances that guarantee to inspire and keep audiences glued to their seats.
What can the audience take away from seeing the show? According to Ana, “Broadway I will give you something movies and videos cannot. The energy is palpable; the enthusiasm, infectious. You will be glad you came.”
(Broadway I is directed by Paolo O’ Hara with choreography by John “Batche” Tan. It runs from Dec. 13 to 16 in the state-of-the-art Marie Eugenie Theater of the Assumption, Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati. For tickets and more information, call 894-2681, 817-0757, loc. 1161-1163, or e-mail: metta_assumption@yahoo.com.ph.)
(Assumption Alumnae Association invites everybody to its Assumption Bazaar today at InterContinental Hotel in Makati City. Gates open at 9 a.m.)
(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)