Put your jazz hands in the air: ‘Chicago’ is here
MANILA, Philippines - The sensational Broadway and West End musical Chicago is ready to thrill Philippine audiences starting tonight, Dec. 3, for a Gala Premiere at 8 p.m. Its highly anticipated Manila run plays until Dec. 21, 2014 at The Theatre at Solaire, and is presented in the Philippines by VISA and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino.
The Gala Premiere of Chicago also marks the grand opening of the country’s newest theatrical luxury hotspot — The Theatre at Solaire. The gleaming 1,760-seat theatre has been specially constructed to house the big Broadway and West End shows, in recognition of the Filipino appetite for musical theater, firmly placing Manila on the international touring circuit.
Producer James Cundall, chief executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, says “I am both delighted and excited to be bringing the first musical to the brand new Theatre at Solaire. And what better show to open this sophisticated venue than the slick, sexy and sophisticated show Chicago!”
Chicago’s sizzling choreography and jazz-infused melodies are guaranteed to razzle-dazzle audiences in Manila — its only Southeast Asian touring destination this year.
Headlining the very first Manila season are two of Broadway’s sensational stars — Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart and Terra C MacLeod as Velma Kelly. Terra has played Velma from Broadway to the West End and internationally, while Bianca made her Broadway debut in 2002 as Roxie and has gone on to win awards on tour.
Last month Chicago overtook the musical Cats to become Broadway’s second longest running musical of all time behind The Phantom of the Opera — and the longest-running American musical.
“Manila is becoming a very important part of the Asian touring circuit, with a sophisticated and musically-savvy audience who have shown during Cats, Mamma Mia, Phantom and Wicked that they totally appreciate world class shows,” says Cundall. “The welcome and reception that the casts are receiving in Manila are becoming legendary with international theatre companies.”
Chicago’s musical director Robert Billig came to Manila in September to audition and select Filipino musicians to be part of this Broadway blockbuster — settling on 11 musicians and one deputy musical director, who join the four international musicians to make up the 16-piece live jazz orchestra for the show.
“We chose the musicians for the Chicago orchestra based mainly on their training and experience. While it is important for a musician to have strong classical training, it is also important that they understand the jazz styles used in the show,” says Billig. “It is very important for us to use local musicians for our production. They will help us bring the experience of this wonderful show to the people of Manila.”
Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, the New York production opened in 1996 and was directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Ann Reinking in the style of Fosse. Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer. The production also features orchestration by Ralph Burns and supervising music direction by Rob Fisher.
Chicago runs in Manila for 23 performances only, with no extension possible. Visit www.CHICAGOTheMusical.com for more information. Tickets are on sale through TicketWorld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
Official airline Philippine Airlines. Official ocean carrier OOCL. Special thanks to Diamond Hotel, ABS-CBN, The Philippine STAR, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, 2nd Ave., Jack TV, Victory Liner, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, Retro 105.9 DCG FM, RJ 100.3, 99.5 PlayFM, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Rustan’s, Beringer – Napa’s Finest, and ClickTheCity.com.
Chicago is produced in Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and Concertus Manila.
