With the limited two-week run of Six the Musical just over, you may want more of the upbeat, positive vibe and continue the happy hangover.
Then the Musical Theatre Rave is it. GMG Productions brings Broadway musicals to the dancefloor for two nights, Oct. 26 and Oct. 27, 2024 in a new concept dubbed Musical Theatre Rave to be held at Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC, Taguig City.
Fans of Broadway and West End musicals can sing and dance to sing-along movie viewing, with open mic sessions for aspiring performers. There will be trivia segments.
Ephalba for the night—a musical theater fan having fun during the August launch party of StageDoor by GMG Produtions (Photo from GMG IG)
This event is the first of its kind in Metro Manila night life. In mid-July this year GMG Productions launched StageDoor, described “a new initiative dedicated to expanding the musical theater experience in Manila.”
Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, explained: “StageDoor is designed to bring the magic of musical theater beyond the stage. We want to help redefine how people experience musical theater, making it more accessible and engaging for everyone, whether it be on the stage or off.”
A launch party was held last August 18 at Yes Please bar, Uptown Parade, BGC, Taguig City. It was like a test run where the young and restless theater lovers had a great time dancing and singing to an all musical-theater set list.
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The concept brought back memories from pre-pandemic years. I remember there was a community of musical theater lovers in Metro Manila who had such gathering.
I’ve witnessed some at Pineapple Lab in Poblacion, Makati City. In that lovely small tennis hall-turned-performance venue and art gallery, conceptualized by resident creative director Andre Nikolai Pamintuan, musical theater fans gathered to sing and dance to their favorite Broadway songs. Some excerpts from popular musicals were performed too.
These events happened once a week or twice a month, or every two months. There were themes such as Hamilton Night or Miss Saigon Night, and from such local productions as Sa Wakas: The Musical Night, which incidentally was directed by Pamintuan himself.
Post-pandemic, Pineapple Lab became purely a creative hub and art gallery. No live performances.
Now, in StageDoor, unlike the Pineapple Lab parties, there is no musical theme for the night. It’s all up to what you could imagine as a fan of Broadway and West End musicals.
Dressed like Elphaba from Wicked, a musical theater fan entertains the crowd using the bar’s table as stage. (Photo from GMG FB page)
On the second night, Oct. 27, 2024, the rave will be open to 12-year-olds and up. They can come with their older siblings or parents. Musical theater is turned into a family affair.
Candal said, “The response to this event has been nothing short of phenomenal. We’ve always aimed to create a community where musical theater lovers can feel at home, and seeing how well this rave was received has been incredibly rewarding.”
“Adding a second night was an easy decision—this is a celebration for everyone, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this unique experience to even more fans,” he added.
Dubbed Musical Theatre Rave: Encore, the second night will feature DJ Daddy A, who will spin an electrifying mix of Broadway hits, Disney favorites and musical classics.
Fans may come dressed as their favorite musical theater characters.
Those who love local productions may attend in Katipunero costumes, or as Maria Clara straight out of iterations of Noli Me Tangere the musical.
Follow Stagedoor GMG’s socials for details.
