Not one, but two leading ladies

Atlantis Productions has been found not one, but two leading ladies for its upcoming production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

KC Concepcion, last seen on the musical theater stage several years ago in The Little Mermaid, will return to Manila from her studies in Paris to play the lead role of Belle, the feisty beauty who learns to love a beast trapped in a magic spell, in the much-anticipated musical.

KC says she is thrilled to be a part of the musical and can’t wait to fly back to Manila to begin rehearsals. She says, "I started with theater four years ago and I miss it. I want to go back to doing something purely ‘for the love of it,’ and I miss seeing the passion people have in doing a production. Enchanted stories also mesmerize me completely! I love all the Disney animated films!"

KC describes the role of Belle as "a young woman who pretty much lives in her own little fairytale world as much as she reads about them. I think she is in search of something that will change her life, something exciting, like a dream that is too big to be boxed up in the four corners of her house. I’m a little bit like that, too. And she’s not afraid to listen to her heart and love, love, love! That’s the quality about her that I like best."

Alternating with KC in the role is Myx VJ Karel Marquez, who will be making her professional stage debut. Karel fell in love with the animated Disney classic as a little girl. "I watched it over and over when I was younger and I still love the story up to now. It also is my passion to do theater especially the role of Belle, which is one of my dream roles. I am so excited!"

Karel sees a lot of similarities between her and her soon-to-be alter ego.

"Belle is full of life and has big dreams just like me. She knows what is right and is willing to sacrifice for the good and I believe in that too."

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s musical extravaganza is filled with dazzling production numbers and memorable songs by Alan Meken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. KC singles out If I Can’t Love Her and Belle as her favorite songs in the show, while Karel chooses Home and No Matter What as her personal favorites.

Already a legend as the sixth longest-running show in Broadway history, Beauty and the Beast was nominated for nine 1994 Tony Awards including Best Musical. This spectacular musical has been wowing audiences worldwide, with record-breaking runs in New York, London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Kyoto. It opens in Manila on June 16 for a limited engagement at the Meralco Theater.

Directing Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is critically-acclaimed director Bobby Garcia. Joining him on the stellar creative team are choreographer Andy Alviz, costume designer Mio Infante, lighting designer Jay Aranda, sound designer Bobbit Jacinto and visual illusionist Eric Mana.

Be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime musical theater event!

(For ticket inquiries, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.)

Krav-Maga Training

Former Congresswoman Maite Defensor is inviting everyone to learn Krav-Maga, a form of self defense and hand-to-hand combat, at its first training center in the Philippines. Also known as "contact combat," Krav-Maga is the practical and tactical system of dealing with all kinds of violent attacks–from cellphone snatchers to cheating husbands.

Students will learn the proper movements for self defense, self protection, fighting and combat encounters. It is also the perfect exercise for those who wish to have a regular action-packed fitness program.

The Krav-Maga system is used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel National Police. It is also utilized by top professional security services worldwide.

Krav-Maga was created by the late Ime Sde Lichtenfeld. He developed the system during military career as chief instructor of hand-to-hand combat of the Israeli Defense Forces and wrote the army’s official self defense manual. In 1964, he left the military but continued to supervise the instruction in both military and law enforcement groups. Through the years, he worked indefatigably to refine, improve and adapt Krav-Maga to meet civilian needs.

The system has consistently earned the praise of experienced fighters, martial arts experts, military and police officers for its highly practical applications. The training also appeals to beginners because of its simple, no-nonsense and realistic approach to personal safety. Krav-Maga is the ideal self defense method for men, women and gays of all ages–and physical abilities and capabilities.

The Krav-Maga training in the Philippines will be conducted by Jani Suvanto, a certified Krav-Maga military and civilian instructor from Finland.

(The Krav-Maga Training Center in the Philippines is located at 20-E Maclang corner P. Guevarra St. San Juan. It is affiliated with the International Krav-Maga Federation. Interested parties may call 724-8455 or visit their website at www.kravmaga.ph.)