IS CHARICE NOW A SWELLHEAD?
[PHOTO - Charice: She seems to be misunderstood because of 'security measures' imposed by her camp]
MANILA, JANUARY 21, 2011 (STAR) DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda - No it's not true that international star Charice has gone swellheaded. The actress seems to be misunderstood because of "security measures" reportedly imposed by the camp of Charice whose career as we all know is being supervised and guided by the great Oprah Winfrey and David Foster. She now has burly attendants to "secure" her presence to the chagrin of many entertainment press. Some members of the press have aired their gripes against the strict security of Charice. "Humihinigi ng permiso ang handler niya na sinabing no interviews. She is just here to sing. When she left the tent, nakatalukbong siya tapos naglalakad siya na parang bulag at inaalalayan ng malaking mama. Tinatawag namin siya hindi man lang lumingon. Nakakasama ng loob. I was not surprised that night kasi may sinabi n'ung isa niyang handler na protocol diumano 'yon at galing 'yon sa opisina ni Oprah pero bakit hindi gawing exception to the rule ang Philippines?" asked entertainment writer Ambet Nabus.
Mommy Raquel defended her daughter, "You saw Charice when she arrived that morning. You saw how the concert finished at almost 1 a.m. Everytime we go home, lahat pinagbibigyan namin. We hope they understand. Napapagod din ang bata. They just don't know how busy Charice is in America."
It looks like the honeymoon between the local entertainment press and Charice is over.
Markki Stroem in Next To Normal
After gaining national attention in Pilipinas Got Talent, finalist Markki Stroem will make his professional stage debut as Henry in Atlantis Productions' highly-anticipated staging of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical Next To Normal which opens on March 11 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
[PHOTO - Markki Stroem will make his professional stage debut as Henry in Next To Normal]
The multi-talented Filipino-Norwegian instrumentalist and vocalist is thrilled to be joining the Philippine theater scene in the groundbreaking rock musical that explores how one suburban household deals with crisis. Ben Brantley, in his New York Times review, raved, "Next To Normal does not qualify as your standard feel-good musical. It is something much more: A feel-everything musical." Next To Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Next To Normal recently concluded its hit Broadway run and continues to run on tour. The Manila production is the first licensed English language production followed by an Australian production in April. The license is made possible through Music Theatre International.
Director Bobby Garcia, fresh of the critical success of his Manila and Singapore staging of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, will be directing Next To Normal and says, "Markki came into audition for Next To Normal and we immediately knew we had found our Henry. He is an honest, truthful young performer with a remarkable singing voice. He is also passionate about theatre, which is a rarity in young performers these days. We are thrilled he will be making his professional stage debut in Next To Normal. He is a welcome addition to the theater scene!"
Even if his star is fast rising in mainstream showbiz, Markki has always been in love with musical theater and couldn't believe he landed the role of Henry. He says, "As an avid rock musical fan, having followed shows such as Spring Awakening and Rent, I am greatly honored to have landed a role in Next To Normal. I remember when my co-manager Ms. Mariolle Alberto told me about the role in the play, and asked me if I wanted to audition for the show. I automatically agreed and auditioned for the part. Landing the role of Henry with such a great cast, including Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan, I am ecstatic to start working on the project! The musical is so powerful and controversial in so many ways, it is going to be a challenge for a professional theater rookie. Although this is the case, I enjoy challenges and I am excited to take part in this exciting show!"
He says that Henry in Next To Normal was one of his dream roles. Other dream roles in musical theater include Melchior in Spring Awakening, Roger in Rent, Benny in In The Heights, Fiyero in Wicked, Pippin in Pippin, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Chris in Miss Saigon.
But after Next To Normal Markki continues with his fast-rising showbiz career which will include releasing an album later in the year. Markki says of his showbiz dreams, "My dreams in showbiz are to create great relate-able songs, perform my best every time on stage to entertain my audience and to always be passionate about what I am doing."
No doubt with Next To Normal and his numerous showbiz commitments, Markki is well on his way to making his mark in the Philippine Entertainment industry.
For tickets to Next To Normal, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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