By Nickie Wang
Contributor
Manila Standard Today
Aug. 30, 2008

Think of putting top-notch actors, talented and creative people, and a moving love story in one stunning venue like the Meralco Theater. What you get is a world-class stage production.

One of the most highly anticipated productions in the local performing arts is the Manila re-staging of West Side Story featuring Christian Bautista to play the lead role Tony, and Karylle and Joanna Ampil to share the plum role of Maria.

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By Therese J. Camet

He failed to meet the standards of the judges of Star in a Million; his talent was not extraordinary enough to earn the title, or so thought the judges.

But he sure was the most popular non-winner in the first batch of this “American Idol”-style singing contest (aired on ABS-CBN from 2003 to 2006), which helped him get a contract with the hit-making label Warner Music Philippines soon after joining the competition without really knowing whether he’d make it in the music industry or not. Apparently, he did. And now, Christian Bautista is widely known as “Asia’s Pop Idol,” who is not only well liked in the Philippines but also in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. What’s more, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. (the humanitarian arm of CBN Asia, Inc.) tapped him to be their “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

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By Dot Ramos Balasbas-Gancayco
Monday, August 25, 2008
Philippine Star

2008 must be another lucky year for Christian Bautista. Aside from the success of his new album, titled Captured under Warner Music Philippines which was launched earlier this year, he has been chosen by Stages to play the dream role of Tony in the upcoming Philippine production of the world-famous Broadway musicale West Side Story, in which he also gets to perform opposite two brilliant and very beautiful artists: London-based-and-honed stage actress Joanna Ampil and Karylle, otherwise known as the daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla.

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Christian as Tony and Karylle as Maria (also played by Joanna Ampil)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES. STAGES’ production of the landmark musical “West Side Story,” opening on Sept. 5 at Meralco Theater, is a highly anticipated revival in Asia, which precedes a new Broadway production in 2009. The local production features a stellar cast of pop artists and international thespians Christian Bautista, Karylle, Joanna Ampil, Rowena Vilar, Pam G, Jake Macapagal, Jeff Singson, and Gian Magdangal; stage direction by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo; and musical direction by Gerard Salonga with the FILharmoniKA orchestra.

In Manila, “West Side Story” was first staged by Repertory Philippines in 1981 where Yulo played the role of Maria; paired up with Cocoy Laurel who essayed the role of Tony. Audie Gemora, who is now “West Side Story’s” executive producer, played the “Jets” gang leader Riff at that time.

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