David Medalla performance/B’way agency’s Phl nominees/French to lend expertise

David Medalla will perform with Adam Nankervis on Saturday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m. at the Rizal Library Special Collections Bldg., Ateneo U.

In my early years with the Chronicle, David would invite me to his Le Cave de Angely, really a hovel with the ground for its flooring. Here, literary sessions were held presided by David. Cartoonist Gat thought David rather “wacky” but I always insisted he was a brilliant lad who had the markings of a genius.

I was proven right much later. David has garnered a uniquely distinguished name abroad, particularly in England with his bubble machine and other inventions for visual artists, as also for his art and literary works.

His exhibit at the Ateneo will run through January 20. It will be a great pity if the cognoscenti will miss it.

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Broadway WW, an international agency with address at 333 West 70th, No. 1 New York, NY, has been covering Broadway, West End and international productions for 10 years now. It says: “This year’s (2012) mix of local and foreign talents and productions pitting against each other is a reflection that we provide equal opportunity for everyone. For us, there is no big or small production. We want to recognize all the efforts of those who put on a good show for their respective audiences.”

It is of crucial significance that Philippine productions have reached the highest standards of professionalism which enable them to vye for BWW nominations for international awards along  with foreign productions.

Herewith is a partial list of BWW’s Philippine nominees:

Best Locally Produced Broadway Show (Musical/Play): Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” (Atlantis Productions), “Jekyll and Hyde” (Repertory Philippines), “Nine” (Atlantis Productions), “The King and I” (Resorts World Manila), and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (9 Works Theatrical).

Best Phl Musical (New/Revival): “A Fire in the Soul” (De la Salle U.), “Ang Bagong Harana” (Phl Opera Co.), “Joe: A Filipino Rock’sical” (Philippine Stagers Foundation).

Best Music for a Phl Musical (New/Revival): Eugene Belbis for “Peter Pan” (Kids Acts Phl), Von de Guzman for “A Fire in the Soul” (De la Salle U.), Ed Gatchalian for “Ateneo-La Salle” (4th Wall Theater Co.), William Manzano for “Flight of a Falcon” (Word of Mouth Theater Phl), Fulgencio Tolentino, Constancio de Guzman, Mike Velardo, Chino Toledo for “Walang Sugat” (Tanghalang Pilipino).

Best Direction of a Musical: Chari Arespacochaga for “Rock of Ages” (Atlantis Productions), Bobby Garcia and Chari for “The Little Mermaid” (Atlantis Productions), Menchu Lauchengoo-Yulo for “Jekyll and Hyde” (Rep Phl), Michael Williams for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” (9 Works Theatrical).

Best Direction of a Play: JK Anicoche for “Battalia Royale” (SipatLawin Ensemble), Audie Gemora for “Next Fall” (Rep Phl), William Manzano for “The Woman in Black” (Dulaang Kalay and Word of Mouth Theater Phl), Soxie Topacio for “Bona” (PETA).

Best Actor (Musical): Lorenza Martinez for “Forbidden Broadway” (Upstart Productions), Bibo Reyes for “Bare” (Blue Repertory), Leo Valdez for “The King and I” (Resorts World Manila), Michael Williams for “Jekyll and Hyde” (Rep Phl).

Best Actor (Play): Art Acuña for “God of Carnage” (Atlantis Productions, Singapore Rep Theater), David Blanco for “Next Fall” (Rep Phl), Bart Guingona for “Next Fall” (Rep Phl), Edgar A. Guzman for “Bona” (PETA), Adrian Pang for “God of Carnage” (Atlantis Productions, Singapore Rep. Theater).

Best Actress (Musical): Liesl Batucan for “Forbidden Broadway” (Upstart Productions), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo for “Nine” (Atlantis), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez for “The King and I” (Resorts World Manila).

Best Actress (Play): Ana Abad Santos for “The Seagull” (Dulaang UP), Eugene Domingo for “Bona” (PETA), Menchu L.-Yulo for “God of Carnage” (Atlantis, Singapore Rep), Gianina Ocampo for “Leading Ladies” (Rep Phl), Lea Salonga for “God of Carnage” (Atlantis, Singapore Rep).

Best Musical Direction (Musical): Ceejay Javier for “The Little Mermaid” (Atlantis); Rodel Colemenar for “The King and I” (Resorts), Joseph Tolentino for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (9 Works Theatrical), Onyl Torres for “Jekyll and Hyde” (Rep. Phl).

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Inadvertently omitted from Phl Pianists were Jonathan Coo and Elielle Viaje.

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French Ambassador Gilles Garachon and CCP V-P, Artistic Director Cris Millado signed a three-year MA providing training programs and Phl performances under French experts.