Tuesdays with Mia: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Being the token musical theater fans in the office, Mia and I wouldn't feel so good passing up two free tickets to the Australian touring production of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Having seen a good deal of local talent, we would never have paid for the tickets to the show, knowing that Pinoy artists could do as well, if not better. That said, we went to CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo as both fans and skeptics.



The song selection is what you'd expect from an ALW revue. The show has several of ALW's greatest hits, which would be familiar even to non-musical theater fans. The only songs that I had not heard before were the ones from Starlight Express, as the pop hits from the musical did not make it to that suite. The selection is an excellent showcase of Lloyd Webber's range, from nearly blasphemous to sincerely religious. The arrangement did not seem to be in a predictable order, though between the two of us, we were able to predict how the encore would go.

The orchestration did not disappoint. The male talent, vocally at least, seemed stronger than the female. Mia and I are huge fans of Michael Cormick. I like Andrew Conaghan except when he hams it up. Delia Hannah is practically a Patti LuPone stand-in. The best number was the gospel choir song "Vaults of Heaven" from Whistle Down the Wind, which had both of us saying "like" afterwards.

However, there were moments when the whole treatment was unbelievable, and not in a positive way. Worth pointing out: Judas' Song from Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened the second half of the show and the boyband version of No Matter What. Sume-Stephen Gately (bless his soul) at rumo-Ronan Keating.

Perhaps the somewhat mature audience was reserved, which is why the comedy doesn't draw laughs. The choreography doesn't always work, though I appreciate that there was movement. But the costumes had too much sparkle for my tastes--understandable, of course, without the benefit of props and elaborate sets.

The sets are built for touring: low staircases on casters, four LED screens for projections, which can distracting at times, but pull you back in when you feel like tuning out. It was actually wonderful not to have projections for the highlights of Phantom of the Opera, showing just how powerful the music and the voices were on their own.

The best video snippet has to be the interview of ALW where he says that the downside to his work is that whenever he goes to a restaurant with a pianist, they play the opening notes of Phantom--hilarious.

I was wondering where The Beautiful Game went, expecting something like "Let Us Love in Peace" but maybe it also counts that "Our Kind of Love" has the same tune as "Love Never Dies", the title tune from Lloyd Webber's latest show, the sequel to Phantom.

"There's something missing," said Mia.

"Story?" I asked.

We couldn't tell exactly. Mia, who had seen Atlantis Productions' Aida last week, wished sponsors would come in for local productions instead. I agree. There are so many shows this year that could be great.

For your enjoyment, three ALW songs, one tune:

Our Kind of Love from The Beautiful Game, sung by Donny Osmond
The Heart is Slow to Learn pre-Love Never Dies, sung by Kiri Te Kanawa (my favorite version)
Love Never Dies from Love Never Dies, sung by Sierra Boggess (Cringe at "infiltrate my soul". Where are you, Tim Rice?)

Lastly, meet Phantom, Ramin Karimloo. The London run of Love Never Dies closes down in August.

How am I feeling?

It uses devices I've seen onstage before, but I don't mind. If you ask me, I feel like crawling into a hole and disappearing for a while.

Use Somebody

I love this song. But this version by Scala & Kolacny brothers and this video by Inti Calfat? Heartwrenching.

Use Somebody from inti calfat on Vimeo.

Puri Lukisan and Ubud Palace

Instead of taking day tours that cost anywhere from $35 to $55 per person, it is more sensible to hire a vehicle with an English-speaking driver in Bali. You can find them online at about $50 a day, a great deal for two to four travellers, just tip the driver generously.

Puri Lukisan, the House of Paintings, was being renovated. It was surprising to see many women at the construction site, carrying building materials on their head.

For kids and dogs?

Ubud Palace is small but close to the Ubud Art Market. But the best places for souvenirs (except silver—the Art Market is fine) are the huge warehouses in Kuta that even the locals frequent.

Blanco Museum

Antonio Blanco is perhaps the most famous painter to live in Bali. Born in the Philippines with Spanish blood, Blanco settled in Bali and married a Balinese dancer. The Blanco Museum is an interesting attraction in Ubud. The complex has a garden and house his work, as well as the studio of his son Mario who followed his father's footsteps.

A simple rule

Sleep more, says Arianna Huffington. I would like to do just that.

Batuan Temple, Bali

My first impression of Batuan Temple is that of recognition. Have I seen this before? It's Taman Mini (here and here), for real.

I was most impressed by the weaving of the sarongs. They don't look like the usual cheap cloth cover-ups.

The temple itself is not that large, but it gives you an idea of the kind of places people come to daily.

Goa Gajah

The kind of place where you need a guide to appreciate. And since we didn't get a guide, I have nothing left to say. Tourist!