MANILA, Philippines — "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical,” featuring a predominantly Filipino cast and crew, wowed Malaysian audiences at its premiere in Kuala Lumpur on September 4 at the Istana Budaya (Malaysia National Theatre).
Based on the 1977 movie of the same title starring John Travolta, "Saturday Night Fever" tells of the coming of age of Tony Manero, a young man who dreams of life beyond his Brooklyn neighborhood, and spends his weekends being the disco king.
Dancing helps him to temporarily forget the realities of a dead-end job, family troubles, racial tensions in the local community, and his associations with a gang of macho friends.
The musical features the music of The BeeGees and incorporated dance moves reminiscent of the disco era.
Filipino company Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group and Ten Bridges Media Corp. brought the production to Malaysia, and supported by Malaysia Major Events, the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Istana Budaya.
The production had a month-long successful run in Manila and will proceed to Singapore after the Kuala Lumpur leg.
Leading the Filipino charge were veteran theatre director Bobby Garcia, producer Bobby Barreiro and theatre actors Mikkie Bradshaw, Bibo Reyes, Nel Gomez, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza and Jamie Wilson, who played Annette, Bobby C, Joey, Club Singer/Flo Manero and Monty/Frank Manero, respectively.
Americans Brandon Rubendall and Jenna Rubali played leads Tony Manero and Stephanie Mangano, respectively.
The show continues its run at the Istana Budaya until September 13. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m., with an additional 3:00 p.m. show every Saturday and Sunday. — Alixandra Caole Vila