Experience Broadway at Resorts World

MANILA, Philippines - With three successful theater productions making waves in both the local and international stage scenes, Resorts World Manila is a stone’s throw away from having the distinction of being the theater capital of Asia.

As its third stage offering The King And I which runs at its Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), the integrated lifestyle complex has somewhat helped significantly in reviving the Philippine theater scene, just as how it intended since it started its operations in 2009.

Its first salvo KAOS offered a fusion of Las Vegas flamboyance and the glitter of Broadway, which drew local audiences to have a taste of world-class theater right here in Manila. While pegged with an international storyline, mostly behind KAOS was a multi-talented team of Filipinos, complemented by a roster of international talents comprising of acrobats, stunts specialists, illusionists and even trained animals. KAOS, as the first theater production of Resorts World Manila, came on to reap several awards the following year.

On Oct. 15, 2011, Resorts World Manila embarked on another noteworthy production. This time centering on a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound Of Music went on to stage a record of 128 acclaimed shows with public clamor for extended performances, making it the only Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway production with the longest run in Southeast Asia.

NPAT has made its mark as the new home of Philippine theater and the performing arts by winning Broadway Asia’s Best Theatrical Venue, the Asia-Pacific Interior Design Awards, and the Perspective Awards, all in 2011. With its intelligent lights, most up-to-date visual effects and acoustics, 1,500-seating capacity and largest LED screen in the whole of Southeast Asia, its grand stage has become a familiar place for Filipino thespians of international-acclaim, and even a multitude of renowned foreign artists.

As more audiences flock to NPAT, Resorts World Manila continues to improve its theater offerings, evident in The King And I.

Headlined by London’s West End alumni Leo Tavarro Valdez, Monique Wilson and Gina Respall, The King And I enthralled audiences with its colorful costumes designed by Rajo Laurel, royal set designs simulating old Siam and the creative direction of veteran stage master Freddie Santos.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairman Felipe de Leon was all pride when he claimed that The King And I “should be shown not only in the Philippines, but in other Asian countries as well.” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, on the other hand, said it exceeded her expectations. “I was surprised that the props and animation can compare, if not surpass Broadway, (and) the theaters in London and Singapore.”

The King And I has its scheduled performances every Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For details, visit www.rwmanila.com or call 836-6333.