About the Event
Once upon a time, in a land not too far away, two like-minded Kings, came together to form a bond as good as gold. Audie Gemora, King of Philippine Theater, and Butch Jimenez, King of Business linked arms in creating first professional gospel theater group in Asia – The Triumphant People’s Evangelistic Theater Society, also known as Trumpets Inc. Two years down the line, in the midst of conversations on talking mythical creatures, mermaids, and rainbow colored coats, came an enlightening beam of light that changed the company’s course completely. “Why don’t we put up a workshop?” Butch said to Audie. “You’ve been teaching theater here and there, so why don’t we make it official?”. And so in 1993, Trumpets Playshop came to be one of the country’s leading summer performing arts workshop that continues to set the stage for emerging talent.
As Audie would say, “Playshop is a fantastic doorway for young kids to discover what they were gifted to be early on”. And true enough, as time went by, the two kings witnessed and nurtured bright stars such as Christian Bautista and Sam Concepcion that walked through their magical gates, and flew towards the sky to the chorus of trumpets. But it didn’t end there. Deep within the depths of their kingdom were stars still have yet to find their light. It didn’t take much for the kings to realize how precious these little stars were! It only took one song, their multitudinous talents and their passion to do what they love that paved the way for them to shine as bright as they could.
From the products of Trumpets Playshop’s advanced summer workshops – Summerstock Kids and Playhouse Pro – comes the first theater youth company, Playshop Playhouse, set to create a brand new theatrical experience for the family. Playshop Playhouse boasts of its young cast - who’s age ranges from 10 to 25 year old – and have been trained by Trumpets Playshop to take the stage on all facets – acting, singing, dancing, and work behind the scenes.
This October, Playshop Playhouse will be launching its very first original musical, Always Upon A Time. Inspired by Fables and Parables by director and writer, Freddie Santos, Always Upon A Time, is a completely new and original material, equipped with an entirely new script and beautiful new songs. The only remnant of the original material is the main theme song that holds the title, written and arranged by Mr. Freddie Santos and Mr. Lito Villareal, respectively.
Tailor-suited for families, the new musical tells the story of siblings, Tommy and Danny, who take their Dad up to the attic to find the book of wonderful stories their Mom used to read to them to sleep.
With their impatient Dad who is too busy and too unexcited to participate, the brothers open up the books one story at a time, in the hopes of opening their father’s heart too.
Theater Actor- Director Steven Conde wears many hats in this production, as the director, script writer, while his fellow theater actor colleague, music composer and former Ryan Cayabyab singer, Vince Lim, takes the role as the arranger and musical director. Lyrics were composed through the joint forces of Steven, Vince and Joaquin Valdez.
The talented cast includes Andee Achacoso, Daniel Drilon, Gabo Tiongson, Teddy Velasco, alternating on the lead roles as Danny and Tommy. To play the Father is none other that Philippine Theater’s finest, Mr. Lorenz Martinez. On top of this, bringing all the favorite Fables and Bible Stories to life to life is the amazingly talented cast of kids and teens composed of Anton Posadas, Chimmi Kohchet- Chua, Crystal Paras, Daniel Kahn, Eena Salvador, Eggo Velasco, Ethan Paras, Gabby Concepcion, Guido Gatmaytan, Michelle Chua , Rianelle Albaladejo, Reubz Galenzoga, and Vea Salvador.
To make the experience even more spectacular, accompanying the cast on-stage are puppets, designed and created by the Make It Happen Workshop. The same team will also take the reign on set and costume design.
Trumpets Inc.’s homegrown talents, Joaquin Valdes, also takes the seat as Executive Director of Trumpets Playshop and Youth Projects; while Kathleen Francisco, handles Marketing and PR. Both are joined by Lani Ligot, Char Suarez, Marketing and Sales; Ria Ortega, Company Manager; Josephus Gayona, Production Manager; Michan Mendoza, Stage Manager and Leoren Violan, Graphic Artist.
Get ready to be immersed in the magical world of our favorite storybooks! Always Upon A Time will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium on October 29 (3PM, 8PM) and October 30 (10AM, 3PM, 8PM). Tickets are available at Ticketworld.com.ph For more news updates and promos, follow Trumpets Playshop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For ticket inquiries, please contact +63917-586-4177.