PETA and Repertory Philippines Team Up For "Care Divas"

MANILA, Philippines - Manila's pioneer theater groups, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Repertory Philippines are producing the much-awaited encore performances of the hit musical comedy "Care Divas" this coming April 27-29, at Greenbelt, Onstage.

"Care Divas" is a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama about five transgender Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel who work as care givers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queen performers come night fall. While desperate to make ends meet in another country, they also struggle to search for freedom and acceptance in a foreign land.

The play's theatrical and wickedly funny text, written by award-winning playwright, Liza Magtoto cradles lovely, gentle moments that mull over the lives of the main characters: the kind and loving Chelsea, the often-sarcastic group leader Shai, the ditsy Thalia, the bubbly Kayla and the ill-tempered Jonee.



Vincent de Jesus' musical score leaves audiences humming tunes as it weaves through the narrative. Music and lyrics serve as the other "text" that embodies the romantic-whimsy of this play.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the creative team behind the show also includes costume designer John Abul, lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, visual artist and set designer Leo Abaya and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.



"Care Divas" includes a powerhouse cast of theater actors: PETA artists Melvin Lee, Vincent De Jesus, Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat, Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial and Eric dela Cruz. Featured guest artists are: Paul Holme, Ricci Chan, Jerald Napoles, Myke Salomon, Angeli Bayani together with Miguel Hidalgo and Dominic Miclat-Janssen.

Veteran actress and Repertory Philippines' Children's Theater Artistic Director, Joy Virata joins the cast as Adara and Sara, roles formerly portrayed by PETA President, Cecilia Garrucho.

Watch "Care Divas" at Greenbelt Onstage this April 27 (8:00PM) 28 & 29 (3:00PM & 8:00PM), 2012. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0917-5765400,petatheater@gmail.com.

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Repertory Philippines Opens 2010 Season

For 2010, Repertory Philippines has picked an exciting selection of shows sure to stimulate local theatergoers.

Repertory’s new Season starts off with the Philippine premiere of Peter Quilter’s new romantic comedy, DUETS. Scheduled for mid-January to the end of the month, DUETS is four different vignettes with four sets of characters. Set in glorious comedy, the play explores the hilarious nuances of love in seemingly impossible, but extremely funny situations. Joy Virata and Miguel Faustmann take on all four sets of characters, providing rollicking entertainment as they go through costume and character changes onstage. DUETS is directed by Ana Abad Santos. Playdates are January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31.

Still high on love and laughter, February is ROMEO AND BERNADETTE, Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy. Directed by Joy Virata, the story promises to be uproariously funny. A take-off from good old Shakespeare, you’d think Romeo died? Well, he didn’t. He just took a sleeping potion and wakes up on Broadway in 1960. And he doesn’t fall in love with dear Juliet; instead he runs after someone he thinks is Juliet, but is not. Because she’s Bernadette and she just happens to be the daughter of a local mobster. That being said, this musical is sure to be a bag of real fun for everyone. Catch it on February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

As stark contrast to the lightness and gaiety of the first two offerings, the month of July brings on EQUUS, Peter Shaffer’s powerful, riveting drama that invades the dark corners of the human psyche. The play focuses its light on the naked reality of what contemporary society can do to the beauty that once was the human soul. This now considered classic of our time will be performed on July 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Repertory has always had a special place for young audiences through Children’s Theatre. In 2010, Repertory brings the adaptation of the well-loved fairytale SLEEPING BEAUTY. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Eiler, this show is sure to set the hearts of everyone, both old and young alike, singing to the melodies that include “I’m So Mad,” “It’s Lovely To Be A Troll” and “Spinning Song.” SLEEPING BEAUTY is set for August 14 to December 10.

As a perfect ending to the Company’s Season, Repertory presents LITTLE WOMEN, a Louis May Alcott’s classic. With music by Jason Howard, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, the musical is an exceptional offering for the merry season of giving and loving. The story, with its warm, feel-good theme focuses on the March family, Marmee and her four girls, and is a timeless reminder of what family is truly all about. Directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, LITTLE WOMEN is set for November 19 to December 12.

All Repertory performances are at ONSTAGE, 2nd floor, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City. For tickets and inquiries, call (632) 887-0710 or log on to repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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Repertory Philippines will hold auditions for Altar Boyz

Repertory Philippines will hold auditions for "Altar Boyz"

Repertory Philippines is proud to bring to Manila the Off-Broadway hit and 2005 Outer Critics Circle Best Off-Broadway musical, Altar Boyz.

In this clever musical, theater and concert collide as we get to know Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham through song and dance, boy-band style. According to wikipedia.org, Altar Boyz is an Off-Broadway musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy band from Ohio. It addresses and satirizes, among other things, the phenomenon of boy bands, the popularity of Christian-themed music and products in contemporary American culture.

Repertory Philippines will be conducting auditions for the roles of the four protagonists of the play named after the authors of the four canonical Christian Gospels. The roles are open to divinely talented young men aged 18-25 years old. Please prepare 2 songs, bring music sheets or minus ones, and be ready to dance and
harmonize.

Auditions are on December 19 (Wednesday) at the REP office at C2-A
Building C, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.
Registration is at 11:00 a.m. Please call 8870710 for more details.

Repertory Philippines' version of Altar Boyz will run from April 4 - 27, 2008.

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Glorious @ Repertory Globe Theater

Glorious
Repertory Globe Theatre (Onstage, Greenbelt 1)
April 27-29, 2007

A true, hilarious story of a stone-deaf singing diva whose fan base expands out of amazement at her ignorance and guts. A moving tribute to the innocence and purity of belief.

Joy Virata plays the delightful diva who won the hearts of New Yorkers and drew thousands to her recitals and balls at which she performed despite a voice that, in the words of one angry critic "nature threw" (at her), and the inability to recognize differences in pitch and tone. If she had performed as contestant in today's "American Idol" she would have drawn a "definitely pitchy" from all three judges.

Ms. Virata is supported by popular actors Rem Zamora, Pinky Marquez, Bonggoy Manahan, and Chari Arespacochaga who play her equally zany friends and Jay Glorioso who plays her vehement critic. REP artistic director Baby Barredo directs assisted by Ria Pangilinan. Set design by Ariel Reonal with lights by Martin Esteva. Set execution and scenography by Adol fo Lasin.

Repertory Philippines is a not-for-profit community theater company, now in its 40th year, that produces plays in English.

Glorious will be staged at the Repertory Globe Theatre (Onstage, Greenbelt 1). For more details on Glorious @ Repertory Globe Theater, please call the Repertory Philippines at 887-0710.

The schedule of Glorious @ Repertory Globe Theater is as follows:

April 27, 2007
8:00:PM

April 28, 2007
3:30:PM, 8:00:PM

April 29, 2007
3:30:PM

Glorious @ Repertory Globe Theater
Ticket prices: P550, P350, P250

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