Unearthing Philippines

After making their debut in last year’s Ballet & Ballads, for which they won an Aliw Award as Best New Artist, the West End Mamas this time brings with them the “West End Papas.” Gia Macuja-Atchison, Cez Campos-Bonner and Maya Barredo-Duffy are joined by their respective husbands – violinist/ conductor Robert Atchison, and singer/actors Nick Bonner and Gerard Duffy. All six are seasoned performers whose careers boast various engagements in London’s famed theater row.

There will be songs from Les Miserables and Starlight Express, OPM tunes and a Disney/ Frozen medley. Rousing numbers like Eto Na-Doobidoo and In The Mood will have the audience clapping and humming along. Jammin’ – a jamming session featuring a violinist, a surprise guest trumpet player and 16 ballerinas on pointe – is also something to watch out for.

Ballet & Ballads was conceptualized by Manila Broadcasting Company chairman Fred J. Elizalde, Macuja-Elizalde’s husband. Combining the resources of MBC and Ballet Manila, it has sought to popularize ballet all over the country which is in line with the dance company’s mission of bringing ballet to the people.

Launched in 1998, the series has been presented in major venues in Metro Manila and has been taken on numerous provincial tours. Previous editions of the series have featured such pop stars as Ariel Rivera, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Nyoy Volante, Lani Misalucha, Toni Gonzaga, Kyla and Freestyle.

Explaining the broad appeal of the long-running Ballet & Ballads series, Macuja-Elizalde notes, “It combines the musical appeal of a concert and the visual delight of the ballet, that’s why it’s always fun.” (Source: www.ticketworld.com.ph)