Another Stephen Sondheim musical is soon to open in Manila on September 13, Company is under the Direction of Topper Fabregas, according to him, the story about being single has gained a lot of attention, seemingly insignificant word. “There’s
no ‘the’ in the title,” he clarifies. “It’s just COMPANY.” Musical Director
Rony Fortich concurs: “It’s about companionship,” he declares. “If you say ‘The
Company,’ it sounds like it’s about a corporation.” To make matters more complicated,
the Tony Award-winning musical comedy stars (among others) OJ Mariano and Sweet
Plantado-Tiongson, both from the country’s premier vocal group known as The
CompanY… which, to add to the confusion, actually took its name from Sondheim’s
show.
One of the finest theater actors of today, OJ Mariano will play the central character of Bobby, Oj started his career in recording with Star Records. In 2010, he burst onto the
theater scene playing Tom Collins in RENT (9Works Theatrical), for which he won
a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Other theater
credits include FORBIDDEN BROADWAY (Upstart), THE FULL MONTY (Viva-Atlantis),
RAK OF AEGIS (PETA), and ANG HULING EL BIMBO (Resorts World Manila).
Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, who plays Sarah (one of
Bobby’s many married friends), has been a recording and concert artist for 20
years. Her theater credits include RAK OF AEGIS (PETA), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN,
CHARLIE BROWN (9Works Theatrical), THE BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS (Trumpets), and
NOLI ME TANGERE/ EL FILIBUSTERISMO (Tanghalang Pilipino). She is also a
sought-after musical director, vocal coach, workshop master, and director.
OJ and Sweet round out a powerhouse company that
includes Michael Williams, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cathy Azanza-Dy, and many
others. Another cast member, Joel Trinidad (who also produces the show through
his outfit Upstart Productions) summarizes the situation this way: “Our company
is producing COMPANY, whose company includes two people from The CompanY,” he
quips. “Not confusing at all.”
COMPANY: A MUSICAL COMEDY will have Fridays (9:00 pm), Saturdays (3:00 and 8:00 pm), and Sundays (3:00 and 8:00 pm) between September 13 and September 22 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center, Taguig. Brought to you by Upstart Productions Inc. and the BGC Arts Center, in cooperation with ETC and Jack TV. Also brought to you by CNN Philippines, Island Rose, ANC, Ralph’s Wine and Spirits, Inside Manila, Spot.ph, Alike Media Inc., Rankthemag.ph, Nolisoli.ph, Jaypee Maristaza Photography, and Makeup Science Asia. For the benefit of Carewell, World Vision Philippines, Edicute Inc., The Red Whistle, and The PARC Foundation. COMPANY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. Tel.: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
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