‘Wicked’ spellbinds stars
RACHELLE Ann Go
Singer Rachelle Ann Go admitted that she imagined a different scenario when she joined the audience in a standing ovation for the cast of the Broadway musical “Wicked” on gala night last Friday.
Rachelle Ann said she pictured herself bowing before the appreciative Filipino crowd when the curtain fell and the Australasian cast members were feted with roaring applause. The 27-year-old singer-actress is set to play the role of Gigi in the West End production of “Miss Saigon” in May.
“It was weird. Doing it (imagining) made me feel both nervous and excited for ‘Miss Saigon.’ Touch my hands, they’re still cold and sweaty,” the singer told the Inquirer shortly after the show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. Rachelle Ann is scheduled to leave for London in early March.
Family outing
G Tongi, who recently top-billed Repertory Philippines’ production of “The Producers,” watched with husband Tim Walters and their two kids Kenobi and Sakura—all dressed in green
JAMES Cundall and G Tongi
Ozian costumes.
“It’s spellbinding. I’ve seen it thrice, but tonight is really special because my family and I made an effort to dress up. We’ve been listening to the soundtrack almost every day since New Zealand. Naiinis na sila sa akin. When they finally saw it live, I knew it was an experience they will never forget,” she said. The actress was part of the Philippine delegation that flew to Auckland, New Zealand, in October to meet the cast.
“Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz,” by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, reveals events prior to the arrival of “The Wizard of Oz” protagonist Dorothy.
Two girls, the popular Glinda and the green-skinned Elphaba, are best friends despite their contrasting characteristics. Elphaba eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
Stargazing
LEA SALONGA (third from left) with (from left) mom Ligaya, husband Robert Chien and daughter Nicole
Among those who turned up for the gala presentation were Tony-award winner Lea Salonga, her husband Robert Chien, daughter Nicole and mom Ligaya.
Ruffa Gutierrez, towering in heels and in a green mini-dress, was with daughters Lorin and Venice.
Local theater stalwart Audie Gemora attended with teenage son Richard.
Also spotted at the all-green event were singer Nyoy Volante, model Georgina Wilson, actors Carlo Orosa, Pinky Amador, Robie Zialcita and Topper Fabregas.
JERON (left) and Jeric Teng
“We could’ve seen more celebrities here if not for that ‘ASAP’ event in Dubai where 40 stars participated,” observed a former newspaper editor.
“Wicked” will run until Feb. 23.
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