MANILA, Philippines – Members of Black Pearl Philippines led by Capt. Jack Sparrow and the Pirate Queen will be on hand to set sail and lead guests on their quest for Star City’s hidden treasures of fun and excitement as the country’s premier amusement park unveils Pirate Adventure as its newest attraction, simultaneous with the opening gala of Ballet Manila’s Le Corsair at the Aliw Theatre.
Families are guaranteed a swashbuckling Pirate Adventure weekend beginning this October, when the theme park raises the masts for visitors to enjoy exciting journeys through the pirate coves, supplemented by the “full-length classic adventure on pointes” that is Le Corsaire — a big ballet in three acts made famous by Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet. Pirate Adventure is a sweeping action-packed boat ride set amidst villainous buccaneers scavenging the seas. Vistas will mechanically recreate the world’s most treacherous pirates clashing their swords in fierce mortal combat as they search for forbidden treasures on mysterious isles.
Combining pantomime and high art, Le Corsaire is loosely based on the poem by Lord Byron, and features privateers and damsels in distress thrown into a rollicking comedy. The well-told narrative highlights a steady stream of “pyrotechnical” dancing and the hustle and bustle of a stage brimming with shady characters and seductive slave girls. Taking on the lead roles are Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Mylene Aggabao, Abigail Cruz, Lena Chernova (Medora); Yanti Marduli, Zaira Cosico, Jennifer Rose Olayvar (Gulnara); Gerardo Francisco, Alvin Santos, Francis Cascaño, Elpidio Magat, Arnulfo Andrade (Ali); Rudy De Dios, Niño Guevarra, Nazer Salgado (Conrad); and Romeo Peralta, Alfren Salgado, Harold Salgado and Manny Febra (Lankadem). Le Corsaire is set to choreography by Marius Petipa as restaged by Natalia Raldugina and Osias Barroso.
Star City is now open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. onwards and on weekends, beginning at 2 p.m. . Le Corsaire runs on Oct. 2, 3, and 9 (with shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m), and 10 (performances at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
For inquiries about Star City’s Pirate Adventure weekend, call 6899-3496 or 833-4483.