And there is magic in the air everyday at rehearsals. We have gathered a cast and crew who really love this enchanting romantic musical. And Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is unquestionably one of the most romantic stories ever told with a wonderful lesson we can all learn from — no matter how old we are. It also has, in my opinion, some of the loveliest musical theater scores I have ever come across.
The musical continues to run on Broadway where it is now the second longest currently running musical (next to Phantom of the Opera) and the sixth longest running musical of all time. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years it becomes the longest running musical of all time as it continues to play to packed houses. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast also has the sole distinction of being the only animated film to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Atlantis Productions in cooperation with Globe Gizmo Prepaid and Eskinol is extremely fortunate to have the faith and trust of Disney Theatricals and be granted the rights to perform the show in Manila for a limited engagement.
In KC Concepcion and Karel Marquez, we have found two Belles who bring their own distinct individuality to the role. They are both incredibly beautiful young women bursting with talent. KC’s charm is often incredibly disarming and her instinctive sense of truth amidst the make believe world of an enchanted castle is the sign of a delightfully gifted performer. It is clear that Belle is a role KC was born to play. Karel’s youthful glow, sincere smile and unpredictable spunk makes her Belle unique and luminous. I suspect Karel will move onto even more musical theater roles in the future. One of the greatest gifts I have gotten is the opportunity to work with these two generous performers (and to be called Tito at rehearsals! Has it really been that long?).
I have been extremely lucky to have had Jett Pangan in every one of my musicals since I did Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…boom! in 2002. Without a doubt, this is one of our country’s finest singers and one of the best musical theater performers I have had the good fortune of working with. Jett is one of those performers who always surprise me at rehearsals with what he brings to the role and how he manages to connect with audiences. He brings a natural sensitivity to the Beast as well as a delightful sense of humor.
It would be safe to say that Calvin Millado is one of the country’s most versatile and underrated performers. In various shows I have done, he has played an ex-junkie rocker living with AIDS, an apostle who denies Jesus three times, a delirious transsexual alien from a far away planet and an aspiring composer for an up and coming girl group. He has flawlessly jumped from lead to supporting role and back again without any effort. In his first villainous role as Gaston, I suspect Calvin (now a proud dad) will yet again reinvent himself.
Supporting them with years of experience are Pinky Marquez (whose rendition of the title song Beauty and the Beast has sent shivers up our spines many times in rehearsal) as Mrs. Potts, Jonard Yanzon and Lorenz Martinez (fantastically playing off each other the way comic tandems of yesteryear once did) as Lumiere and Cogsworth and theater veterans Robbie Guevarra, Robbie Zialcita, Chari Arespacochaga, Cathy Azanza and Joel Trinidad, whose presence in a musical only help raise the level of excellence amongst the already terrifically talented cast.
And this show would be nowhere without the incredible behind-the-scenes team led by our very talented choreographer Dexter Santos (who can’t be older than 12, I swear!), our musical director Toti Molina and the MSO, Lighting Designer Jay Aranda, Set Designer Malou Torres, Costume Designer Mio Infante, Projection Designer GA Fallarme, Sound Designer Bobbit Jacinto, Vocal Coach ManMan Angsico (who has brought out the vocal brilliance of the cast yet again!), Assistant Director Chari Arespacochaga (my right hand and left brain), Visual Illusions by Eric Mana and a resourceful production and stage management team led by Liza Camus and Lambert de Jesus. They have reminded me, time and again, why I love theater…because of the teamwork needed to put on a show.
But Disney’s Beauty and the Beast would have never made it to Manila had it not been for the generous sponsorship of the many companies who believe in this show and believe how magical an experience the musical can be for many families. Atlantis Productions wouldn’t be around today without The Philippine STAR. We have been honored for six years to have this newspaper as our partner in creating an awareness for our theatrical productions. The support of Mr. Miguel Belmonte, Mr. Max Soliven, Ms. Millet Mananquil and Mr. Ricky Lo is something we have always treasured and we will always remember your generosity throughout the years. Globe Gizmo Prepaid and Eskinol have joined Atlantis in this production as major sponsors and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have the support of two corporations — a rarity in theater in this part of the world. We are also fortunate to have the support of Ceelin/Disudrin, PCSO, Guess, Portfolio, Teriyaki Boy, BMG, Meralco, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Wetzels and Pretzels, Applecenter, UVA, Bergmann Hair Studio, Hit Productions, Mister Donut, KFC, Goldilocks, Congo Grille, NBC, MBC, Shakey’s, Wilson Shoes, Georgian Lane, Video Gear, Aquabest, Kanin ni Tisay, Maribago Bluewater, Mexicali, Crossover 105.1, Northpak Yupangco, Zong, Discovery Suites, Big Buddha. We have done our best to make you proud of the show you have chosen to support.
Two other people have generously given their support to this production. Lea Salonga and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. They are two of my dearest friends who dropped by rehearsals to coach and mentor our two young Belles. Their selfless support of this show is something magical in itself.
I look back at this production with great fondness and some melancholy. Fondness because I am one of the lucky ones. Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most gifted performers in this country — and a lot of them are in this show. I have been blessed many times over to have created theater with them. Melancholy because as I move onto a brand new adventure in my life, I know I will miss many of the people who have brought me great joy through their music and creativity.
But working on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has reminded that magic still exists. All around us. We just have to know where to look and to remain optimistic no matter how bleak things get. It has also reminded me of the power of four magic words that started it all...Once Upon A Time…
Atlantis Productions, Globe Gizmo Prepaid and Eskinol’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is ongoing at the Meralco Theater. For ticket information, call Atlantis Productions at 8927078, 8401187 or Ticketworld at 8919999.