Smart Infinity brings Broadway’s ‘Chicago’ to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of wireless leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), is bringing the hit Broadway musical Chicago to Manila in December.

As a special treat, tickets to the said six-time Tony Award-winning musical will be made available first and exclusive to Smart Infinity subscribers, before ticket selling is opened to the general public. Meanwhile, from now until Sept. 8, every new Smart Infinity plan will come with VIP tickets to the musical, on top of the gadgets and services that come with every subscription.

“Just like the successful local runs of other world-class stage spectacles Cats, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked, bringing Chicago to the Philippines is again a very special gift for our subscribers,” said Julie Carceller, department head of the Smart Infinity Business Group at Smart.

“Aside from allowing Smart Infinity to keep its unmatched tradition of bringing over all the world-class, must-watch musicals, it also gives us the opportunity to provide not only the best mobile service but also the most delightful experiences to our subscribers,” added Carceller.

To complete the Chicago experience, a suite of special-edition “Infinity Music Plans” will be offered by Smart Infinity. The Infinity Music Plan 3500 comes with two complimentary orchestra VIP tickets to Chicago, along with two Misfit Shine fitness tracking gadgets, one “Chicago” album and 30 songs monthly to go with the call, text and data subscription already bundled with the plan.

Meanwhile, Plan 5000 comes with either a Samsung S5 or iPhone 5s, two orchestra VIP tickets, a “Chicago” album, and 30 songs monthly along with call, text and data. Finally, Plan 8000 provides a free Macbook Air, two orchestra VIP tickets, a “Chicago” album, and 30 songs.

“We are thrilled to introduce Broadway’s killer hit Chicago with our newest array of Infinity Music Plans. This continues our commitment to re-invent the premium mobile lifestyle with the most rewarding experiences to complement Infinity’s VIP network and renowned aftersales services,” said James Chi, marketing manager at Smart Infinity.

‘Razzle Dazzle,’ finally on local stage

Based on a 1926 play of the same name written by Maurine Watkins, Chicago is the Tony Award-winning production that gave the Broadway world hits like All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango, Mr. Cellophane and Nowadays.

Watkins, a reporter, wrote the play inspired by real crimes she covered during Prohibition-era Chicago. Music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb turned the play into a musical in 1975.

The 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago holds the record for the longest-running revival and longest-running American musical in Broadway history, with 7,300 performances in a span of nearly 15 years.

The musical follows the characters of aspiring vaudevillian Roxie Hart and seasoned vaudevillian Velma Kelly and the murders they committed in the 1920s.

In mainstream Hollywood, the role of Velma gave Catherine Zeta-Jones an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the 2002 Rob Marshall-helmed film version, which was also named that year’s Best Picture. Renee Zellwegger earned a Best Actress nod as Roxie, while John C. Riley (as Amos Hart) was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category. Richard Gere, who played Billy Flynn, won a Golden Globe Best Actor for his portrayal of the deceptive lawyer of Roxie who turns his clients into celebrities to win public support.

Chicago, featuring its London West End cast, will run from Dec. 2 to 21, 2014 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. It is presented in Manila by VISA and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino.

For information, call 848-8806, email infinitysupport@smart.com.ph, or visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity.