Move like Travolta

BRANDON Rubendall and Jenna Rubaii play iconic roles in “Saturday Night Fever the Musical.”

The movie “Saturday Night Fever” defined an era.

The iconic 1977 movie has been reinvented for theater audiences across Asia. The Manila leg of the stage version of “Saturday Night Fever the Musical (SNF),” mounted by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, will have performances on all weekends of July at the Theatre, Solaire Resort and Casino. (For tickets, contact 0917-8381534.)

“SNF” is top-billed by Brandon Rubendall, who will play Tony Manero (originally portrayed by John Travolta on the big screen), and Jenna Rubaii as his love interest Stephanie Mangano. The two will sing the timeless Bee Gees hit, “How Deep is Your Love,” from the film’s official soundtrack.

The Manila crew is working closely with Robert Stigwood Organization, whose founder (Stigwood) produced the original “SNF” film and its various stage incarnations from 1998 to the present.

I remember watching “SNF” the movie in New York as a teen. I was ecstatic when my Uncle Vic bought me a cassette tape of the movie’s soundtrack. “SNF” must have awakened the party animal in me. Since then, I have turned into a lunar-powered creature.

Carpe noctem, in “SNF” fashion!

Here are some celebs’ musings on “SNF”:

Ogie Alcasid: “SNF” gave us those Travolta moves that almost everyone copied in the 1970s. I fell in love with the music of the Bee Gees. I think the whole world did.

Noel Cabangon: What I remember most is Travolta’s classic pose and his tight American bell trousers. And of course, the music of the Bee Gees. Who wouldn’t remember that movie and its soundtrack (on vinyl)? I was in high school during the “SNF” era.

Joanna Ampil: The one thing I remember is the iconic dance pose that we all know. My mom used to have the soundtrack and I used to listen to it a lot as a kid. It was staged in London in 1998 and I watched it several times. It was even better, watching it and listening to the songs live.

Jim Paredes: I remember the movie’s opening scene with Travolta walking to the beat of “Staying Alive.” And those dance moves in the disco. Wow! How I wish I could move like that. I was so envious … I can’t dance to save my life!

Rachel Alejandro: I was so young when “SNF” came out, but I do remember watching it at some point. Travolta’s screen presence was pure magic. I recall thinking to myself that I would love to have that kind of quality. Unfortunately, I don’t think it can be learned. You either have it or you don’t. I’m acting in a film now after a 20-year absence. I hope to have even a smidgen of Travolta’s on-cam sparkle.

Jose Javier Reyes: Travolta! The Bee Gees! To this day, I have the songs “How Deep is Your Love” and “More Than A Woman” on my iPod. Through all the decades, my guilty pleasures!

Dennis Garcia (Hotdog): It’s very hard to forget Travolta’s swagger as he walked the mean streets of New York, while “Staying Alive” played in the background. It made me want to have a bit of that self-confidence.

Dingdong Avanzado: The music had a huge impact on me. Not to mention Travolta’s dance moves. We would do those routines during family gatherings. I was still a little kid back then. It had a big influence on me as a performer, especially the Bee Gees’ falsettos.

UAE-bound

To all my readers in the United Arab Emirates, catch Keanna Reeves and Daniel Aliermo (aka Vice Ganda) in “Reality TV Grand Winners Showdown” tomorrow, 10 p.m. at Comedy Junction Dubai; on June 12, 10 p.m., at Manila Beats in City Tower Hotel Fujeira; and on June 13, 10 p.m., at Ratskey Club in Al Diar Capital Hotel AUH. Tickets at 65 AED. For reservations, call 050-8445875.

Time to laugh your homesickness away!

Ultimate throwback

Get ready for the ultimate throwback of your favorite songs, as Mossimo Radio presents “3 Voices, 1 Journey,” featuring the most sought-after vocalists in the industry: Top Suzara, Jinky Vidal and Joey G.

The concert will be held at the Music Museum on June 19, 8:30 p.m. (Tickets, 0917-8032571.)

Trio Magnifico!