Foreign stars applaud gay revue
The cast of “Mamma Mia” dropped by and partied after the musical’s run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. More recently, the elusive stars of the Hollywood production “The Bourne Legacy” watched the show and stayed till the wee hours dancing with the gay revue’s ecstatic performers.
Both times, Club Mwah owners and managers Cris Nicolas and Pocholo Malillin said, they were “very happy, and very proud.”
Not much fuss surrounded the visit of the “Mamma Mia” group, Malillin told the Inquirer. “They came, they watched, and they gamely posed for snapshots with everybody afterwards,” he said.
The “Bourne” group was more meticulous. Malillin recounted: “An advance party from the local producers, Philippine Film Studios, alerted us that a group of 25 was on their way (to the club, at 652 Boni Ave. in Mandaluyong). We immediately reserved five tables near the stage.”
The party included Hollywood producer Patrick Crowley (Universal Pictures), Philippine Film Studios’ Jun Juban and director Tony Gilroy, said Malillin. The biggest thrill for the Follies de Mwah was performing for lead stars Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton.
“Ms Weisz told me that Club Mwah was really part of her itinerary,” Malillin related. “She said some friends of hers had come to the club before.”
The production number that the “Bourne” group applauded the most was a the spoof of the famous helicopter scene from “Miss Saigon,” reported Malillin. “But Pat Crowley was bowled over by the costumes and silk elephant in the ‘Indian Suite.’”
Nicolas, also the director-choreographer, was repeatedly congratulated by the guests from Hollywood, Malillin said. “Cris’ Eartha Kitt and Patti LaBelle impressions were inspired that night. The other girls—and gays—who did Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera totally went to town!”
The “Bourne” cast joined the other tourists in the audience in giving the Follies a standing ovation, Malillin said.
But what, no snapshots? “They enjoyed their drinks, too, and begged off,” he replied, laughing.
