A Life in the Theater

Ricky Davao is a multi-awarded film, television and theater actor who would really rather be known as a singer who can act. He will jump at every opportunity to show off his singing voice and whose plans for the future not only include directing a film version of Rene Villanueva's "Hiblang Abo" but also an album of salinawits, or standards transliterated into Filipino. Which is not to say that he will also not take advantage of every chance to perform on stage. This week, he resurrects his role as Dado in the Mario O'Hara's adaptation of his own screenplay for Lino Brocka's "Insiang." Directed by Chris Millado (who, like Ricky, also won an Aliw Award for his work on the play), Ricky plays opposite Sheenly Vee Gener (as Insiang) and Mailes Kanapi (as Pacing). As he normally would, Ricky set aside time to do Insiang, making sure that he can devote all his attention and time for the project. Ricky once said in an interview that we have known each other ...

The year’s best stage event invades Cebu this November!Tanghalang Pilipino’s production of “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal” goes onstage at the SM Cebu Cinema 1 on November 16 to 18 at 3pm and 8pm, sure to give Cebuanos a rip-roaring time as the beloved parlorista turned bodacious superhero shows off her powers outside of Manila for the very first time. Playing Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah once again is singer-comedienne K Brosas. Already famous for her television appearances in Bitoy’s Funniest Home Videos and Hokus Pokus plus her villainous turn as Divina Demonica in Mars Ravelo’s Darna, K Brosas combines zany humor and peculiar vulnerability as the red-headed warrior heroine. Providing ample support to K Brosas are some of the country’s best musical theater artists, among them Arnold Reyes as Dodong, the man with the perfect “noodles”; Kalila Aguilos as the archnemesis Queen Femina Suarestella Baroux, Tuxqs Rutaquio as the gay beautician Ada; Wenah Nagales, Mayen Estanero, Skyzx Labastilla and ...

I got the following in my mailbox today, and I thought I should share it with readers of this blog. “You gotta watch the play directed by Chris Millado – once more he has outdone himself. I didn’t know it was kinda x-rated so I brought along my 16 year old daughter T. and her two friends. But what a revelation! It was the best thing for them to learn about the facts of life and issues of premarital sex, abuse, rape, etc. I thought I was in the play myself being so near the characters! My daughter remarked that she rates it as good as Broadway’s “Lion King”! Say what? Coming from a stage enthusiast she might just be right. The set is fantastic , can’t believe it was a stage – thought I was really there where it was happening! Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow!!! - Carmen Prieto ‘This is your chance to imagine, to feel, to watch, and to ‘live’ with Insiang! We’ve seen it and we’re in awe! And yes, we’re watching it again! And you should watch it too! A different kind of experience in the theater ...

Here's an insider alert for those planning to watch "INSIANG": better catch the performances this weekend rather than wait for the second weekend, as there are hardly any tickets left. You have better chances coming to the CCP Tanghalang Batute on Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7. Better yet, reserve your tickets now through the INSIANG website here. Tanghalang Pilipino's production of "INSIANG" presented in cooperation with Bright Eyed Boys Events and Ideas Inc. runs from Oct. 5- 7 and Oct. 12-14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Huseng Batute. Shows at 8pm Fridays to Sundays and 3pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Directed by Chris Millado from the play by Mario O'Hara adapted from his own screenplay, with Ricky Davao, Mailes Kanapi, Mae Paner, Peewee O'Hara and Sheenly Vee Gener as Insiang.

INSIANG, the stage adaptation of the Lino Brocka film that swept the 2003 Aliw Awards (Best Play, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress) returns to the CCP for a limited two-weekend run from October 5 to 15, 2007. The Tanghalang Pilipino production is directed by Chris Millado from the script by Mario O'Hara and features Ricky Davao, Mailes Kanapi, Mae Paner, Peewee O'Hara with Sheenly Vee Gener in the title role. For tickets and other inquiries, check out the Insiang Website at http://www.brighteyedboys.com/insiang/ .