ABS-CBN forays into theater production

MANILA, Philippines — Media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp. is making its foray into theater production as part of its ongoing diversification efforts.

In a statement issued yesterday, ABS-CBN said it is entering the Philippine theater scene with its partnership  with Ten Bridges Media Corp./Atlantis, one of the country’s most successful theater companies.

“ABS-CBN’s venture into theater production, a first for a media and entertainment company, is among the company’s efforts in expanding its experience business. It is another step forward in creating new possibilities for local theater, which has grown tremendously over the past few years, with its abundance of talent and opportunities locally,” ABS-CBN head of integrated events Bobby Barreiro said.

Atlantis’ artistic director Bobby Garcia said the partnership with the media giant bodes well as it helps “create a greater awareness for the Philippine theater scene and for the wondrous world class talent we have in our country on stage and off.”

The partnership kicked-off last March with the staging of the critically acclaimed “Angels In America: Millennium Approaches,” which will be followed by “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which will open on June 14.

Capping its partnership for the year is the staging of the Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler’s masterpiece “Sweeney Todd.”

ABS-CBN previously made announcements to diversify into new businesses outside the media space.  These include  food and beverage, customer and merchant e-wallet services, and cosmetics production sectors.

Home to the Philippines’ top-rating TV programs, box-office films, and best-selling books and music, ABS-CBN is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with a growing list of digital properties.