I had the opportunity to see the first run of Resorts World Manila and Ultimate Shows, Inc.’s production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Newport Performing Arts Theater last year and what I can say is that it was truly scrumptious.
The very first time I saw this production was in London in 2005 and I was blown away with the technical wonders they incorporated in the show especially the scenes where they made the car fly. I was wondering how they would be able to do it in the Manila staging.
Though the technical aspect is quite different from the London production, what made the show more special was the immense talent of the all-Filipino cast who gave their heart and soul in their performance.
I mean how can you go wrong with the show directed by Jaime del Mundo with assistant direction by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, artistic direction by Michael Williams and choreography by Nancy Crowe. They were able to bring out the best in each actor who delivered one outstanding performance after another.
Leading the cast is Gian Magdangal. Fresh from his ground-breaking performance in Nine Works Theatrical’s Disney’s Newsies, Gian returned to the stage with an endearing portrayal of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts. With two consecutive solid performances in the same year, Gian is undoubtedly the ultimate Leading Man of Philippine Musical Theatre today.
I may sound biased here but again, I cannot be more than proud of my sister Yanah Laurel who was just a joy to watch as the spunky and determined Truly Scrumptious. Fresh from her critically acclaimed performance in Atlantis Theatrical’s Kinky Boots where she played Lauren, Yanah took on a classical route with her voice placement for this show which made me take notice of how she has grown as an artist. I mean talk about range. So proud of you Yan! Good job! Yes Kuya loves you very much!
For the roles of the Potts children I got to see Albert Silos (Jeremy) and Isabeli Elizalde (Jemima) who were simply adorable and charming on stage. I would love to see Zoey Alvarde and Noel Comia in this coming run.
I give props to the amazing performances of Mako Alonso as Boris, James Paolleli as Grandpa Potts, Michael Williams as the Toymaker and Lorenz Martinez as the Childcatcher. I really loved Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as the Baroness, Raymund Concepcion as Baron Bomburst and Reb Atadero as Goran. They were hilarious. You have to see the show to know what I am talking about.
The show would not have been a phantasmagorical experience with out the technical prowess of Jon-Jon Villareal (Lighting Design), Rards Corpus (Sound Design), Ga Fallarme (Projections Design) and the artistic expertise of Bonsai Cielo (Costume Design), Myrene Santos (Hair & Make Up Design) and Mio Infante (Scenic Design).
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs Februar 22 – March 25 at the NPAT in RWM. Bring the whole family cause you wouldn’t want to miss this.
Visit www.rwmanila.com or call (632) 908-8833 for more upcoming news on RWM’s 8th musical production.
