When in Manila, Grease is definitely the word.
9 Works Theatrical is wrapping up its season this 2013 with Grease Manila – now showing at RCBC Plaza, Makati every weekend until December 1, 2013.
I was lucky enough to attend the press preview last week and boy, was I excited! After all, I had been watching Grease (the movie) ever since I was too young to even understand the storyline. I was obsessed with it partly because of the songs, but mostly because of John Travolta. In fact, every time I see a guy who looks good with grease-y, slick-backed hair to this day (read: James Franco and Aaron Taylor-Johnson), all I can think is “He’d make a great Danny Zuko!”
Grease Manila with Gino Magdangal, Francheska Farr and Iya Villania Will Multiply Your Chills!
Why Grease Manila Rocks
The cast of Grease Manila definitely did not disappoint. Gian Magdangal is the perfect Danny Zuko. He’s got the voice, he’s got the looks, he’s got the moves, he’s got the singing chops and he’s got the guns! Who would be able to resist that man? Definitely not Sandy. Haha.
The minute Gian Magdangal and Francheska Farr stepped onto the spotlight for that first summer-y love song together, I knew I was in for a treat. And then we saw the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies and I was just absolutely blown away by the energy that everybody had on-stage that I allowed them to whisk me away to another world for the night.
The truth is: I had a grin on my face during the entire show! Why? Well, aside from having being incredibly talented, entertaining and spot-on, the entire cast also suited their respective roles to a tee.
The most commendable characters, though? Iya Villania as Betty Rizzo who stole the spotlight with her hotness and I-don’t-care attitude (very different from her role as Julia Gulia alongside Gian Magdangal in 2010); the incredibly hilarious Sarah Facuri and Reb Atadero tandem as Jan and Roger, respectively; and Peachy Atilano as Frenchy, who won’t fail to infect you with her smile.
Watch out for Sarah and Reb’s duet “Mooning”, which will have you rolling in your seats with laughter and leave you in stitches, and Peachy getting serenaded by her guardian teen angel in “Beauty School Dropout”! It turns out that 9 Works Theatrical’s teen angel changes with every show. The night before we watched, it was Franco Laurel; and the night after we watched, it was JM Rodriguez. Who was the teen angel on our night, you ask? TOM RODRIGUEZ.
I’m telling you: the surprise factor was immense! I shrieked and giggled throughout his entire song and silently cursed that we weren’t allowed to take pictures by that time. 🙁 That was definitely something I wasn’t expecting. I actually love that they change the teen angel with every show, so there’s always that element of surprise. (I follow Peachy on Instagram religiously to see who else they had lined up for the role. :p)
Photos from Peachy Atilano’s Instagram account
The show runs for about 2 hours or so, but it doesn’t feel that long at all. The cast of Grease Manila will crawl into your skin with their intensely joyful energy that you’ll be smiling, bopping your head and singing the songs all the way home. Or at least that’s what happened with me.
The best part? 9 Works Theatrical’s Grease Manila has collaborated with the Philippine Red Cross and will be accepting monetary donations at every show starting tonight until Dec 1 for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. So, not only will you be able to get your mind off of your troubles When in Manila, but you will also be able to make a difference by helping out. All of the donations will be received by Philippine Red Cross on-site. Always do your part whenever possible! 🙂
9 Works Theatrical
Website: https://www.9workstheatrical.com
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Twitter and Instagram: @9WTonline #GreaseManila
