#the theatre at solaire

[love-little-lotte]

Hamilton Manila 2023!

As a musical theatre girlie who lives far away from the capital city, it's a bit hard to catch artists and musicals when they tour in my country. It can also be quite expensive since I have to pay for my flight and book Airbnbs. But when Lin-Manuel Miranda announced that Hamilton would have its Asian premiere in the Philippines early this year, I promised myself I would not throw away my shot.

I first discovered this musical in the summer of 2016, probably a month before it garnered big awards — including Best Musical! — at the Tonys. Having only heard of Breathe from LMM's other show, In The Heights, back then, I was surprised to hear rap and hip-hop in a Broadway musical. Nevertheless, I was hooked! Every song was catchy, and the lyrics were smart and informative. Satisfied and Helpless became my favorite songs, with It's Quiet Uptown making me cry whenever I hear the four words: "Forgiveness, can you imagine?"

After watching The Phantom of the Opera back in March 2019, I was so excited to go back to Solaire and watch another musical. This time, I was able to enjoy my second theatre experience with my college friends. It seems very fitting that I get to share this moment with them. Back in college, we used to sing songs from Hamilton during breaks and enact the dance from The Schuyler Sisters. We even made a parody of the song Alexander Hamilton when making a presentation about Confucius for our Asian Civilization class!

While Solaire didn't have many different backdrops for photo ops for Hamilton like they did for POTO, my friends and I were still able to take cute pictures!

As a partnership with UnionBank, they also offer free holographic souvenir cards for the first 140 people (150 on the weekends, iirc), so coming to the theatre four hours earlier is definitely worth it! Here's my card with my friends:

My friends and I also enjoyed complimentary drinks from Solaire since it was our first time signing up for Solaire Rewards. Don't throw away your shot for free drinks!

Okay, now for the show itself! Although most of my friends were hoping to watch the show in the orchestra seats, we ended up on the balcony. After a while, I realized that Hamilton is certainly best viewed on the balcony since we're able to see the rotating stage more clearly, as well as the incredible choreography and lighting design.

Here's the main cast we saw on October 31:

Like most Filipinos, I was hoping to see Rachelle Ann Go as Eliza. "Pinoy Pride" is something of a cheesy inside joke in our country, but hell, I'm so happy to see Rachelle thriving in West End productions, from Les Misérables to Hamilton. Seeing her portray Eliza live was one for the books. She was playful and giddy in Helpless, but she completely broke everyone's heart during Burn. And not to mention, her voice! Her singing highlights include Burn and the last part of Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story. She also shared wonderful chemistry with Callan Purcell, who played Hamilton in this production.

I was so looking forward to seeing Jason Arrow as Hamilton, but I still liked Callan's performance, even if his interpretation was completely different from other Hamiltons I've seen in slime tutorials. I especially liked him the best in Act 1. His "mature" Hamilton may not be that convincing at times in Act 2, but his energy was so infectious as the "ambitious" young Hamilton in the first half.

Another surprise was Kirrah Amosa's Angelica. I've read some comments in the Pinoy Hamilton FB group about her "lacking" portrayal of Angelica, but you know what? I thought she was great! Yes, she's giving more of an "empathetic Eliza" energy instead of the "fierce Angelica" we usually see, but that's what made her performance of Satisfied even more impactful to me. As for the third Schuyler sister, Peggy/Maria Reynolds, Elandrah Eramiha has a honey-like voice, which she completely showed off during Say No To This.

As a Burr apologist, I'm torn with Winston Hillyer's portrayal of Burr. Eliza's my overall favorite character in the show, but for me, Burr is the most relatable and grounded. I wasn't completely disappointed with his performance, but I just didn't think his character was able to "grow" in the second half. He has a very wonderful, crystal-clear voice, though!

Darnell Abraham as George Washington was also a main highlight of the show! Maybe it's because of his rich baritone voice, but I loved his father-son relationship with Callan. His Washington was thoughtful and deeply caring. (And dare I say I like him more than Chris Jackson from the OBC?)

Brent Hill was hilarious as King George, but I can't help comparing his performance with Jonathan Groff's. They both have brilliant comedic timing, but Jonathan's a much more menacing King George, whereas Brent is sassier and maybe even crazier!

Meanwhile, Hamilton's comrades: Marcus John and Trey Curtis, who played Lafayette/Jefferson and Mulligan/Madison respectively, also had so much chemistry with each other and stole the show so many times! Marcus reminded me so much of Daveed Diggs' little quirks in the show, but he was still great in his own way. I've read somewhere that Trey is also a standby for Hamilton and that he's amazing. Sigh... What I'd do to watch the show again and catch him as Hamilton! Julian Kuo was also very sweet as Laurens/Philip Hamilton, which made his death scenes twice as heartbreaking as usual.

Overall, I'm very much satisfied with this Hamilton cast!

Of course, Hamilton will not be complete without merch! Just like last time, I bought a boat tote bag because, like other Gen-Z kids, I'm obsessed with tote bags. We just can't help it! I also bought a lapel pin, so I can pin it to my other tote bags. I initially wanted to buy the button pin set, but unfortunately, it was sold out. I'm still pretty happy with my purchases, though!

Four days later, I'm back at home, and I still have post-show blues. I just listen to the OBC recording and the mixtape to keep me company. Maybe I'll rewatch the Disney+ pro-shot again!

Watching Hamilton was a dream come true and an experience I'll never forget anytime soon. I can't wait to watch my next musical again!

[ubasjuice]

[SIX] 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire

Without me knowing, my wife bought tickets for this one. When she showed it to me first what the play was going to be like and what it was about, I was hesistant to watch it as I'm not really a fan of these kinds of plays(?) (more of a concert really), but surprisingly, I really enjoyed myself.

There were no set changes, little to no putfit changes as well, but there was one outfit change that made my eyes go wide, if you know you know. Their costumes were futuristic(?), if I were to describe it.

There were the Six members of the main cast, the six wives of Henry VIII, and four female band members at the back, whose costumes reminded me of Zoltan, from "Dude where's My Car".

To be honest, the show was brief, clocking in at around 80 minutes with no intermissions, but that was full of jam-packed catchy music. There were no dragging parts and I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. It was a modernized storytelling of the lives and fates of the six wives of Henry VIII.

The show runs from October 4 - 20 at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino, Parañaque.

*The video here was legally taken, as we were prompted by the officials beforehand, and by the casts themselves, to bring out our phones for their encore performance.*

[crowleybrekkers]

sorry not sorry 'bout what i said!

yna tresvalles as anne boleyn six: the musical ★ the theatre at solaire, 10/09/2024

[roadtophantom]

Hi! I know this isn't a general theatre blog but given that you're familiar with the solaire theatre in Manila, I was wondering where the stagedoor is?

I have the exact video for you courtesy of Manila's Phantom, Jonathan Roxmouth himself. Unfortunately, I don't have the next video.

Just keep following the doorway pertained in that video and you'll pass Coffee Bean. Then you'll be spat out to the loading dock where the cast members take the bus back to their hotel.

Enjoy Hamilton!

[onetechavenue]

TEDx brings TedxUPV Women event at The Theatre at Solaire, features 26 global leaders in lifestyle, leadership, and legacy

October 28, 2024, Manila, Philippines — A first-of-its-kind TEDx event is set to take place in the Philippines. TEDxUP Visayas (TEDxUPV) Women: Anchored in Tech will feature a lineup of influential speakers from various industries, sharing their insights and experiences on November 15, 2024, at The Theatre at Solaire, Entertainment City, Aseana Ave, Parañaque.The event, with Solaire Resort…

[fashournalist]

Before October leaves, I just want to look back at how wonderful and eventful my birth month has been, whether it was in my work life, family, friendships, and spiritual life.

Thank You Lord Jesus for authoring these memories, and for the people I spent this month with. I am surrounded with so much love, and just like the song I kept on playing when I turned 21, “I could not ask for more.”

I just turned 29, and it feels like it’s all coming full circle. A part of me is still in 2015, a part of me is forever 21, because of how memorable that year has been, and I can honestly say that it seems 2023 is at par with that year. Just as I had a great start to my twenties, I am ready to close this chapter and make this the best year yet, before I face my thirties.

This was how I spent my 29th October

Oct 12 - I met my Bumble* Friends big sister in person for the first time, ate Ma-an Noriega. We were supposed to watch films at the Spanish Film Festival but we ended up speaking for five hours. It was not enough, but she had to go home for work already. We will meet again this week to watch the Eras together : )

Oct 14-15 - To say this weekend was amazing is an understatement. Spent the night with Anthony Rosaldo United and Anthony himself for the 5th anniversary of the fans club.

Oct 17-present - I started training Jenina, JR, and Sophie and it’s always a fun session with them! Love how they learn fast, just like when Dom and Lor learned fast when Ate Marc and I trained them before.

Oct 20-21 - Advance birthday celebration with Dad at The Theatre at Solaire! It’s a dream come to watch Hamilton in the flesh! Can’t get over That Would Be Enough and Dear Theodosia. Then, spent the night with Karl and Dad at Solaire Casino (only bet 100, we were just there for the unlimited drinks hahaha)

Oct 22 - Happy birthday at work! So happy I spent the day with my AM family. I’m the only AM on Sundays but for today, Kryzl Mendez, Dominic Emanuel Apolona, Lorhenz Lacsa, and Adonijah Trixie Banico rendered RDOT to help with the billable hours, and I enjoyed my special day with them. Spent the day with my favorite teammates at my favorite fastfood, McDo <3 Isay gave me an Eras shirt, and Dominic gave me a powerbank plus letter because I asked for a letter haha.

Oct 23 - My closest friend Karl Jude Emmanuel Ocampo made me feel special in many ways! He took me to Wildflour, bought an entire cake that I can share with the team, and gave me gifts I never imagined I’d be receiving from a friend: a new cell phone, memory card, and the first laminated letter I received in my life. Thank you bb for spoiling me. What did I do to deserve you?

Oct 24 - Our very generous OM, Ronaldo Lacson, gave pizza for the team in celebration of my birthday, plus I got another cake, which I brought home to share with my Dad.

Oct 27 - Belated birthday celebration with Dad at Mama Lou’s - Endless Pasta! We had a collective total of 11 plates.

Oct 28 - Spent quality time with my siblings from Isentia, Angelique Daclan hosted a Halloween 2014 Tumblr theme party. This is my kind of party, intimate and only spent with five fellow introverts hahah, much better than parties with lots of people (although that can be fun, too, as long it’s rare). So happy I saw AJ, Morris Manalaysay, and Laborem Joey Bobiles again. Also met Eli and Ellie, AJ’s friends at her new work. Grateful I have this circle where I can join drinking sessions without the pressure to drink <3

Oct 29 - Went straight to work after the party, and Lorhenz surprised me by treating me at McDo as his birthday gift! After work, I volunteered to man the booth of Parish Renewal Experience at our church.

Today is October 31, and I’m just amazed at how remarkable this October has been. I’m also astonished at how my INFP-T social battery is being pushed to the limit, because I’m that person who needs a month up to a quarter of hibernation (my term for alone time) for every date and social gathering I have (ask my closest friends Karl and Gee Ann Barro – they know HAHA) But ever since I started working onsite again, I’ve been starting to become more flexible with my social life haha. Slowly, I increased my capacity to agree to invites, and initiate them, too, when I have the energy. I just need to maximize my alone time to recharge and be ready to make new memories again with the people I love.

Thank You, Lord, for being the writer of my life story. I surrender to You this new chapter. Thank you for the love you surround me with and the people you put in my life. I pray to give back that love to the world. May I be a better daughter, a better friend, a better colleague, a better person. May I be the person You want me to be. And someday, may I be the right person for the person I’ve been waiting for since 1994, wherever he is right now.

*I tried Bumble because my work friends have been encouraging me to start dating already, since I never tried at my age, but I was not ready yet so I invested time in Bumble BFF instead haha. But, just like I told my teammate AT, now that I’m 29, if ever someone will ask me out, then I’ll give the person a chance. Let’s see how this year will unfold haha!

PS. My mind’s my age, but my heart will always beat like I’m only 7, 15, and 21. As for my soul though, it’s around 150 to 200 years old already haha.

[iammichaelerik23]

With Per Øystein Sørensen of Fra Lippo Lippi when he visited CNN Philippines The Final Word with Rico Hizon. Who had his concert yesterday June 16, 2023, Friday - The Theatre at Solaire, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex - Today, June 17, 2023 Saturday.

Soon my stories with Fra Lippo Lippo (Everytime I see you)

TYPL TGBTG 😉

Thank You Po

❤️👌���🙌🏼🙏🏼���🏻😉

[theresejm]

The story untold

I am Marie Therese Malazarte, 18 years old. I have three siblings and I am the youngest. I am an introvert, I like being alone. I would rather be alone than to spend time with disrespectful, immature and insensitive people. My dedication and passion in dancing back then was amazing. I started dancing since I was 5 years old, whenever my older siblings were playing RnB music in the living room, I was doing an interpretative dance while they were cleaning the house. I used to join dance competitions in our barangay together with my childhood friends, we used to practice in the streets, which we enjoyed the most. My childhood friends and I also joined dance workshop for free, and we performed our dance recital at Solaire Theatre. it was one of the best decisions I made and also an unforgettable and memorable experience for me as grade 6 student. Back then, I really am not interested in kpop, because it's unfamiliar. But then, when my friend introduce Blackpink to me, until I become interested to get to know them and I knew that they are multi-talented and they met my standards that's when I became a fan of Blackpink, specifically since 2018 until now and forever. I love photography, because it reminds me that people in it may or may not stay forever but the memories that were made and the photographs will. I always love to take pictures of beautiful scenery including people in it, because It reminds me that I am not alone, every stranger I meet is also struggling with life. I appreciate beautiful scenery for giving me peace of mind and healing my soul without expecting anything in return. I am in love with it, always and forever.

"People still have a lot to say, might as well do what you want and shock them."

[jrbustamante]

Yamato Japanese Drummers Live! 2023 Philippine Tour

Experience the Rhythms of YAMATO with the Best of Japanese Drumming.  Live in Manila and Davao this June! The world-renowned traditional Wadaiko drum group from Japan will be performing in the Philippines once again at the Theatre at Solaire in Manila on June 11 and at Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School in Davao on June 13. Organized by The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and…

[dickmasa]

Don’t miss the digital streaming of #WishDate #Falling on the YouTube channel of @kdrmusichouse (at The Theatre at Solaire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CokVVSzpK_v/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[love-little-lotte]

I Watched 🎵Siiiiiix!🎵 in Manila!

A bit of a late post, but hey, better late than never! Last October 10, my friends watched the International Tour of Six during their stop in Manila. The tour was only for a very limited period—only three weeks!—but we were very determined to catch this iconic pop musical live no matter what.

I know most musical theatre fans who are chronically online are familiar with Six, but for those who aren't, Six is a one-act musical retelling of Henry VIII's six wives in a pop concert setting. It started out as a concept album by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss while they were studying in university (how cool is that?!) It's currently running in the West End and Broadway and had shows and tours all over the world, including Australia, Canada, South Korea, and more.

I first got to know this musical way back in 2019 after seeing clips on YouTube, and I became intrigued by this very pop-y and modern musical. As someone who loved The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, I was an instant fan of the musical. The music is very upbeat and the lyrics are witty. It's not your traditional musical, but that's what makes it charming and unique. It's also one of the shows that's very interactive with the audience and even encourages them to take videos of the last song as if it's a real concert.

When I learned that the International Tour was going to make a stop in Manila, I immediately told my friends who were also fans of the show. This would be the second musical we would watch together after Hamilton last year. Seeing Six with them was definitely a blast! After all, a musical about women empowerment with an all-female cast and crew is best enjoyed with your closest girlfriends.

Like most international musical productions that tour in Manila, Six is staged in The Theatre at Solaire. I'm pretty impressed with the photo-op backdrops they had this year with Six. It was closest to what I experienced during The Phantom of the Opera tour in 2019.

The best one was the throne set where you can also wear a crown from any of the six queens. I chose the red one (Cleves!) because it went well with my outfit that night haha. There was also a sparkly background that was kind of similar to this POTO one in 2019. (And yes, that's an Aragon headband from the merch shop that I'm wearing!) While in line for the throne set, there was also a quiz to help you determine which queen you are most alike. Sadly I didn't take a photo of the results but I got Catherine of Aragon, which I'm quite happy about!

Another highlight of the evening was when I discovered that my seat for Six was the same as my seat for POTO five years ago! It seems like the theater must have made some changes during the pandemic, including renaming the rows and seats. Imagine my surprise when I found out that B15 (my seat for Six) was the same as C17 (my seat for POTO). Luckily, I wasn't alone this time and had my friends with me!

As for the musical, it was very fun and I enjoyed every minute of it! When I'm watching a show, I'm usually not tempted to sing along—but with Six, I was literally biting my cheek to stop myself from belting along with the queens. I was bopping my head and clapping (when appropriate!) but my god, was it hard not to get on my feet and just start dancing as if I were in a real concert. Props to the cast for keeping that energy for the entirety of the show!

Also, I love that the touring company we had was from the UK because I honestly can't imagine experiencing Six without the iconic British accents. Don't get me wrong—I like the Broadway cast and listen to the OBC live recording a lot, but the British accents just make the show feel more authentic and the deadpan jokes are more hilarious.

I was also very lucky to catch three alternates and three principals in our show. If I remember correctly, this was the first show with half of the main cast and half of the alternates. My friends are also fortunate enough to meet all six queens at the stagedoor! Even though 3/4 of us are huge introverts, we were able to thank the queens for a great show and told them how we loved their performances.

Our (chaotic but precious) stagedoor photos (check image description for their names and the roles they played!):

(And yes, you can tell that 😃✌🏽 is my favorite pose!)

Milly Willows, who played Aragon, was the major standout in the show for me! Her energy was so infectious and lively. Maybe it was her performance, the Aragon headband that I was wearing, or the result I got in the quiz earlier, but I think that Aragon's my favorite queen out of the bunch. Yna Tresvalles was mischievous as Boleyn and her small stature, compared to the other queens, helped in the quirky Boleyn she's portraying. Erin Summerhayes, who played Seymour (a.k.a: "the only one he truly loved"), also gave a heartfelt rendition of "Heart of Stone." She also sang for us a lil bit on the stagedoor! Lorren Santo-Quinn was playful as Cleves and looked so pretty that it was hard to believe Henry divorcing her because "she didn't look like her profile picture." Lizzie Emery was snarky with her little quips and comments as Howard. Her "All You Wanna Do" was also very fun yet harrowing. And, of course, Eloise Lord, who played Parr—the voice of reason in the end!—brought the house down with her profound version of "I Don't Need Your Love."

Here's a little sneak peek of their Megasix from my friend's video:

And that's all for my Six in Manila post! It was a memorable experience and I had such a great evening. Can't wait for the next musical (Hadestown next year, please please please!)

[arun-pratap-singh]

Gigi De Lana to get intimate with fans via concert – Tempo – The Nation's Fastest Growing Newspaper

After the success of their “Domination” concert tour last year, Gigi De Lana and Gigi Vibes, composed of Jon Cruz (musical director, keyboard), Jake Manalo (bass), Julius Traqueña (guitar), and Romeo Marquez (drums), are set to serenade fans with originals and covers via “G Rules.” Happening at The Theatre at Solaire on February 18, 8 pm, Gigi promises it will be a night of “fun.” “Syempre hindi…

[crowleybrekkers]

you must think that i'm crazy, you'd want to replace me!

billie kerr as catherine of aragon six: the musical ★ the theatre at solaire, 10/09/2024

[silent-and-deadly]

When I first started out, I might have ended up falling asleep on the job, but I've worked enough night shifts to have gotten my circadian rhythm used to it. I also happen to bring a bit of caffeine with me every shift in case I do end up getting sleepy. I've got a whole system worked out, but you wanting to help out is very sweet.

She's a little bitter, but she also knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to use her clan's name to her advantage [Miss Solaire is a member of the Solaire clan, one of the most powerful vampire houses in the Dahlia region]. She doesn't it when people are slow [unfortunate lesson I had to learn my first time meeting her], but I don't blame her. There's not much a vampire can do in the human world at night besides go to bars/clubs, a movie theatre [if there's a late night showing of anything], going to this shop, or a few other things. She doesn't come by very often though unless she's looking for something nostalgic.

Do you like the ocean?

-Callisto

I love the ocean.

It’s just so big and the waves and the colors and the smell and everything about it just wow. I go out there sometimes to just feel the rhythm of the waves crash over me and sink into my bones. There’s a small boat that I’ve been working on paying off the loan for that I take out during the summer to do some sailing and explore. I’ve actually encountered mermaids out there before [but that’s a story go for another time].

@skittishsadismdemon

[padawan-allieson]

West Side Story: Broadway’s Best Dance Musical 💃 08/19/17