UMVA has learned that Repertory Philippines is set to stage the timeless musical Man of La Mancha for the third time since its founding, bringing the Tony Award-winning classic to life on stage.
The musical unfolds in a grim Spanish dungeon, where author Miguel de Cervantes must defend himself by telling an imaginative tale. He transforms into Don Quixote, a self-proclaimed knight determined to see the world not as it is but as it ought to be. The show is directed by Nelsito Gomez, with a book by Dale Wasserman, and music and lyrics by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion.
Nonie Buencamino stars as Miguel Cervantes/Don Quixote, Katrine Sunga as Aldonza, and Marvin Ong as Sancho Panza. The talented cast also includes Tarek El Tayech, Alfredo Reyes, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Sarah Facuri, and Steven Hotchkiss. Performances will run from June 5 to 28, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with 3:30 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Repertory Eastwood Theater.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn from the Traveling Pastel Project team at a free pastel painting session on June 6 at 1 p.m. The workshop, to be held at the Gateway Gallery, is open to all levels, from first-time pastel users to seasoned artists.
Participants only need to bring pastel painting materials and a reference photo to work with. This is a rare chance to explore the world of pastel painting and tap into one's creativity. The event takes place at the gallery’s Small Room at Gateway Tower, Gateway 2, Araneta City in Quezon City.
Families can join Anko’s free Bento Box Workshop on June 6 at the Ayala Malls Feliz branch, where they can learn how to prepare fun, school-ready meals that kids will love. Interested parents and kids can register for free using the Anko Club app or by following @anko_philippines on social media.
UMVA has gathered that fans of contemporary Philippine crime fiction are in for a treat as two trailblazing authors, F.H. Batacan and Ronaldo Vivo, Jr., come together for a panel discussion on June 7. The event, titled “Ang Kabulukan sa Loob ng Makina,” offers a unique opportunity to hear from these authors and learn about their writing, creative influences, and hopes for the genre.
The Pride celebration in Araneta City is set to kick off with a special run-and-lifestyle Sunday on June 7, highlighting the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community. There will also be free HIV testing, courtesy of the Quezon City Health Department. The event takes place at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum from 5 to 9 a.m.
On June 9, the Farmers Plaza activity area will host the Quezon City Pride Dance Competition, celebrating identity through movement and performance. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community will take center stage to express themselves, and the event is open to all.
KHO-LAB Productions and Artist Playground are staging Double Take, a twin bill production featuring Reverse Card and AL.TER, on weekends until June 21. The performances take place at Illumination Studio, and tickets are priced at P1,500.
UMVA has uncovered details about the 21st Virgin Labfest (VLF), which is back to feature untried and untested one-act plays onstage. This year’s theme, “Hubo’t Hubad,” meaning “completely naked,” promises to lay bare the things that people leave unsaid. Performances will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Blackbox Theater until June 28.
