Madagascar Brings out the Sun this Rainy Season
For their very first production, Atlantis Imaginarium Young Theatre is staging a musical that both the young and the young at heart will surely enjoy: "Madagascar: a Musical Adventure" will be running from August 2-18 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theatre. Nobody wanted to leave the house yesterday. The heavy rain and grey skies were the perfect background for a comfortable stay at home and binge watch Netflix. So, I did not expect all smiles when I told the kids to finally get out of their pyjamas at 4PM, dress up and sit in the car for an hour to watch the opening show of "Madagascar: a Musical Adventure". Despite the protest and delaying tactics, we managed to leave early enough to even squeeze in a quick dinner at Osteria Daniele, a lovely Italian restaurant just opposite the theatre. We scraped the plates clean. A bit on the pricy side, but can highly recommend! In between rain showers, we quickly walked to the theatre and were happy to see so many kids of all ages in the foyer. My kids were still not exactly thrilled to be there, but the show only lasts for an hour - no intermission - so that's doable for anyone - the young, the old and the moody.
The Cast
The show began and the cast managed to make us quickly forget the dark wet night outside as they transformed the theatre into a bright and sunny place with their songs, dance and humour. Next to me, their magic even had effect on the offspring as I caught them actually laughing out loud. Thank you, live theater!
Markus Mann leads the cast as Alex the Lion. He is joined by Nelisto Gomez as Marty the Zebra, Sarah Facuri as Gloria the Hippo, and Altair Alfonso as Melman the Giraffe. The audience especially loved Marty's dancing skills.
Lots of laughter every time when King Julien - adorably played by George Schulze - came on stage. He was my absolute favourite.
Huge admiration also for Mica Fajardo, Jep Go, Barbara Jance, Franco Ramos, and Ber Reyes who played the Penguins (cleverly using big puppets) amongst other characters. They seemed to be everywhere!
Rounding off the show with a move-it, move-it dance party, anyone in need of a little sunshine this rainy season should watch Madagascar!
Director and Design
"Madagascar: a Musical Adventure" is directed by Steven Conde, with choreography by Cecile Martinez, musical direction by Farley Asuncion, set design by Lawyn Cruz, lighting design by Pocholo Nario, projection design by GA Fallarme, costume design by Jay Lorence Cunanan, sound design by Glendfford Malimban, hair and makeup design by Jaydee Jasa, vocal coaching by Arman Ferrer, and puppet design and coaching by Kayla Teodoro and Marvin Choa. Puppets provided by Puppet Theater Manila.About Atlantis Imaginarium Young Theatre (AIYT)
AIYT is Atlantis Theatrical’s newest division catering to families, young adults, and children. It aims to contribute to the Philippine theatre ecology by providing exceptional, meaningful, and engaging theatrical productions for young people and their families produced in a professional theatre setting.
