Eva Noblezada is Kim in Miss Saigon Revival; Rachelle Ann Go Lands 'Gigi' Role

Newcomer Eva Noblezada got the most-coveted role of Kim in the West End revival of worldwide hit musical Miss Saigon. The 17-year-old half Filipino is a student at the NorthWest School Of The Arts in her native Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to The Daily Mail, Noblezada was spotted by Broadway casting director Tara Rubin when she attended an awards show in New York for U.S. high school singers. Eva, according to the same report reminded Mackintosh of the then 17-year-old Lea Salonga, who played Kim in the original production.

Meanwhile, Rachelle Ann Go was given the role of the hardened bar girl Gigi, which was originally portrayed by fellow Filipina Isay Alvarez. Rachelle will get to sing Movie In My Mind, one of the show’s most outstanding songs.

Another Filipino, Jon Jon Briones is also in the cast of Miss Saigon's West End revival. He bagged one of the most important roles as the Engineer. Other members of the cast include Alistair Brammer as Chris, Hugh Maynard as John, and Tamsin Carroll as Ellen.

The new production of Miss Saigon will be directed by Laurence Connor. The show will open at the Prince Edward Theatre in London on May 3, 2014 in time for the musical's 25th anniversary celebration.

Check out Eva Noblezada's singing prowess in the video below.

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Christian Bautista and Karylle Topbill 'Rama, Hari' this November

Rama, Hari, the hit pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, is returning to CCP stage this November, with a powerhouse cast of the country’s best singers and dancers.

This year’s staging of “Rama, Hari” will star two of ABS-CBN’s most talented stars, Christian Bautista and Karylle in the lead roles of Rama and Sita, backed by an equally powerhouse cast of the country’s leading theater actors and singers: Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), Kalila Aguilos (alternating as Sita), Cristian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot, Amparo Sietereales and Brezhnev Larlar. ABS-CBN is the official media partner of “Rama, Hari.”

Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita.

“Rama, Hari” is Ballet Philippines’ third production this year, following the staging of “Songs” and “Neo-Filipino: Anting”

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales says that what makes “Rama, Hari,” special, then and now, is the great collaboration work done by the best Filipino artists on the production, including two national artists.

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines’ founder Alice Reyes, the ballet musical was set to music of maestro Ryan Cayabyab, while National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbrera wrote the libretto and National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal did the set and costume design.

The lyrics of “Rama, Hari” are in Filipino, but there will be English subtitles during the performance, translated by National Artist Rolando Tinio.

Ballet Philippines first staged “Rama, Hari” in 1980 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Basil Valdez and Kuh Ledesma as the voice behind Rama and Sita, respectively. Leo Valdez portrayed the role of the evil demon Ravana.

“Rama, Hari” will have 10 performances from November 30 to December 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live. For tickets and inquiries call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.

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'The Phantom of the Opera' Hits Manila this August 2012!

The world's greatest musical The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Manila this August 2012!

The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical on Broadway. Based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was was adapted into a 2004 film starring Emmy Rossum as Christine and Gerard Butler as The Phantom.

The Phantom of the Opera is a heart-wrenching story of the mysterious, hideously disfigured Phantom who lives beneath the Paris Opera House, and his obsession with the young singer Christine. Disguised as the "Angel of Music" he devotes himself to creating a new opera star, and winning her love from his rival Raoul, while exercising a reign of terror over the Opera House. 

This phenomenal hit celebrated its 25th anniversary on the West End stage last year and has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide in more than 27 countries. Now, the award-winning musical will grace the stages of Manila for a strictly limited season.

Catch The Phantom of the Opera starting this August 25 until September 16 at the CCP Main Theatre. For tickets and reservations, you may call Ticketworld at (63 2) 891-9999 or you can click here.

Ticket prices:

Premium: P7,280	C: P3,640
A: P6,032	D: P2,340
B: P4,680	E: P1,820

Don't miss this unrivalled musical journey. The Phantom awaits your presence.

The Phantom of the Opera is produced in Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio Inc. and Concertus in association with The Really Useful Group. 

Photos courtesy of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

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