I had the privilege of watching the Opening Night of SIDE SHOW at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza and I was completely enamored with the Philippine staging of this Broadway hit musical.
Gab Pangilinan and Kayla Rivera played conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton to near perfection. I could not get my eyes off them from the moment they stepped on stage. The way they sung the highly demanding songs with ease is reason enough to watch this enthralling show. I am so glad to see Gab take her rightful place in the spot light after working in some of the most popular theatre productions in the country as a member of the ensemble. Her feisty portrayal of Daisy Hilton has made her a force to reckon with in the theatre world. SIDE SHOW marks Kayla’s return to the Philippine stage after being gone for a few years. Her vulnerable portrayal of Violet Hilton matched with her crystal clear vocals made us miss her even more. I really hope she is here to stay. She is a true star. Their formidable tandem is one that will go on as one of the best in Philippine theatre history. Thank you Gab and Kayla for giving us an honest performance and for pouring your heart and soul on that stage, especially in the song “I Will Never Leave You”.
Another highlight for me was the dynamic performances of Markki Stroem as talent scout Terry Conner and David Ezra as Buddy. Their rapport was something I enjoyed tremendously. Arman Ferrer once again showcased his vocal prowess as Jake.
The cast of SIDE SHOW Manila gave justice to the highly demanding score of Henry Krieger with Book by Bill Russel. They committed to their characters with no compromises giving us a powerful performance worthy of praise.
Bravo Christine Flores as the Bearded Lady, Ring Antonio as the Fortune Teller, Mica Fajardo as the Albino Lady, Alex Reyes as the Tattooed Girl, Jill Pena as Venus de Milo, Chesko Rodriguez as the Three Legged Man, Luis Marcelo as the Geek, Juancho Escoto as the Lizard Man, Vien King as Half-Man Half-Woman, and Tim Pavino as Dog Boy / Houdini. Making his theatrical debut as Sir is rock star Wency Cornejo.
Steven Conde’s innovative staging was evident in his directorial debut in an Atlantis production. His story-telling along with Cecile Martinez’s choreography, set design by Lawyn Cruz, lighting design by Jonjon Villareal, projection design by GA Fallarme, sound design by Jason Crystal, costume design by Odelon Simpao, hair and make up design by Johann dela Fuente, musical direction by Farley Asuncion and vocal direction by Manman Angsico made this compelling show a joy to watch.
How I love the freaks of SIDE SHOW!
You cannot miss this show!
SIDE SHOW runs through September 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
Follow me on
Instagram : @fjlaurel https://www.instagram.com/fjlaurel/?hl=en
Facebook : FLfrancolaurel https://www.facebook.com/FLfrancolaurel/
Twitter : @fjlaurel https://twitter.com/fjlaurel
SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/fjldreamer
Blessings,
