Cover Nigel Huckle, Amy Manford, Bradley Jaden, and Abigail Adriano share with Tatler what they are looking forward to in coming to Manila for ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ (Images: Instagram / @nigelhuckle and @abigailadrianoo; Facebook / By Johan Persson via The Phantom of the Opera, by Darren Bell via Wicked UK)
Nigel Huckle, Amy Manford, Bradley Jaden, and Abigail Adriano share with Tatler what they are looking forward to in coming to Manila for ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ (Images: Instagram / @nigelhuckle and @abigailadrianoo; Facebook / By Johan Persson via The Phantom of the Opera, by Darren Bell via Wicked UK)
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Celebrating the works of luminary theatre duo Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, the benefit concert “Do You Hear the People Sing?” is flying in international theatre stars Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle from the recent ‘Miss Saigon’ international tour, Bradley Jaden (Les Misérables), and Amy Manford (The Phantom of the Opera)
Newport World Resorts first staged Do You Hear the People Sing? in 2014 to raise funds for the rebuilding of over 200 homes devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. Fans of the timeless works of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg will again be delighted by the latest iteration of the benefit concert, which is happening on August 2 and 3. Do You Hear the People Sing? top-billed by theatre stars well-known in the recent international tours of some West End musicals.
Returning to Manila for this concert are the Filipino-Australian actor Abigail Adriano, who recently debuted as Kim in the international tour of Miss Saigon, and her co-actor Nigel Huckle, who essayed the role of Chris and also remembered by many Manila theatregoers for being part of the Les Misérables 2016 ensemble. West End star Bradley Jaden, best known as Javert in Les Misérables, also marks his return after he played Fiyero in the Manila production of Wicked in 2017. Lastly, Australian-American soprano Amy Manford, who played Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, completes the international cast and is excited to finally see for herself what people have been telling her about Manila’s theatre crowd.
Read more: ‘Miss Saigon’ in Manila—a passionate spectacle that illuminates the grim aftermath of Vietnam war
Above Poster of the Manila leg of ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’
Poster of the Manila leg of ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’
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The four actors chat with Tatler to share what they look forward to in the upcoming Do You Hear the People Sing? at the heart of Metro Manila’s bustling theatre scene.
“Manila was unlike any other audience,” shares Adriano. “Performing the role of Kim that had put the Philippines on the world map was a dream come true for me, as it is for so many Filipino girls. It changed the lives of so many performers and made history in the Philippine entertainment industry forever!” she exclaims.
“I’m really thrilled because I feel like I’m returning to see friends this time around,” Huckle says. “I’ve been honoured to have the support of many beautiful Filipino audience members for eight years now. Many of them came to me at the stage door during Miss Saigon and told me they saw me in Les Misérables, so not one but two of Claude-Michel and Alain’s stunning shows, which we are revisiting together in a very special way in Do You Hear the People Sing?” Huckle recalls.
“It makes me proud to be coming back and singing the songs that have inspired generations, including myself,” says Adriano. “It feels like another step in an amazing journey for me,” adds Huckle.
Read more: Learn more about the much-anticipated ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’
Above Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle in ‘Miss Saigon’ (Photo: Daniel Boud)
Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle in ‘Miss Saigon’ (Photo: Daniel Boud)
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Having performed in Manila in 2017 for Wicked, Jaden can’t wait to be back in the city that has seen him before his rise to fame in West End.
“I feel extremely honoured to have this wonderful opportunity to return to Manila. I have such beautiful memories,” Jaden shares. “The Filipino audience was so generous and positive towards Wicked, so I can only imagine they will be exactly the same towards this phenomenal show!”
Joining the international theatre stars are the Philippines’ very own musical theatre’s pride: Joreen Bautista, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Arman Ferrer, Jep Go, Carla Guevara Laforteza (who also played Gigi van Tranh in the 1995-1997 West End production of Miss Saigon), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Esang de Torres, and Michal Williams.
“I cannot wait to work with new artists and producers putting on a hugely successful show,” Jaden adds.
Read more: Joanna Ampil takes on the role of Carlotta in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
Above Bradley Jaden (Photo: Courtesy of Creative Artists Management)
Bradley Jaden (Photo: Courtesy of Creative Artists Management)
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Meanwhile, Manford recently had a full circle moment in her theatre career, similar to Adriano. After successfully portraying Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical The Phantom of the Opera in London and Athens, she reprised this role back home in Australia at the iconic Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre in Melbourne. This year, she shared with us her excitement to finally visit Manila.
“I have heard so many wonderful things about the city and the people,” Manford says. “I’m expecting everyone in the city to have beautiful voices—all the best singers come from the Philippines!”
Read more: On Centre Stage: Lea Salonga looks back at her iconic roles shares why self-care matters
Being already familiar with her fellow Filipinos’ musical talent, Adriano giddily shares that it’s food she looks forward to. “Eating Filipino food again, that’s for sure. Sinigang will be the first thing I’ll have! I’m also looking forward to singing classics that I’ve always loved from Boublil and Schönberg that aren’t from Miss Saigon.
Do You Hear The People Sing? is the definitive celebration of the work of Boublil & Schönberg and includes not only hits from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon but also Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen and their very first musical together, La Révolution Française. Fans may expect to hear iconic songs like I Dreamed A Dream, The Movie In My Mind, On My Own, One Day More and The American Dream in the lineup.
“I’m really looking forward to performing alongside fellow members of the Miss Saigon legacy, many of whom I met at the opening night gala in March,” says Huckle. “The talent in the Philippines has always been rich, and the chance to join Miss Saigon colleagues and perform with them at home is an absolute honour and delight,” he remarks.
“I’ve said this before, but even simply listening to Boublil and Schönberg’s music is enough to make you cry,” says Adriano. “It’s going to be truly a magical night, with your favourite songs and, [Nigel] standing beside me, some of the best of the best voices in theatre!” she proudly adds.
“Honestly, I can’t wait for the fans to see Abigail do something a bit different. Of course, we’ll be singing the Miss Saigon hits together, but I’m sure many audience members sitting there listening to her sing and join me in dream casting her in a little role in Les Misérables, so I can assure them they will not be disappointed,” Huckle continues.
Above Nigel Huckle and Abigail Adriano in ‘Miss Saigon’ (Photo: Daniel Boud)
Nigel Huckle and Abigail Adriano in ‘Miss Saigon’ (Photo: Daniel Boud)
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Manford assures the Filipino audience that, besides the beautifully written songs of Boublil and Schönberg, this production will have lighting and sound designs that are epic in proportion. “Most certainly, they will have a renewed appreciation for the timeless themes and music that define Boublil and Schönberg’s works. Their songs from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon are particularly iconic and really pull at your heartstrings. They are masters of storytelling, which has made their music stand the test of time,” she says.
“I’m really excited to engage with the musical theatre community in Manila,” Manford continues. “I think everyone seems to have such a great appreciation for music, so we have that in common! I also hope to experience as much of the city as possible, and of course, eat some great food!”
The Philippine leg of this world-class production is helmed by director Eddie Grey and produced and co-created by Enda Markey in partnership with Metrobank VISA. It features the Filharmonika Orchestra and the Ateneo Chamber Singers, under the baton of revered conductor Gerard Salonga. Proceeds from the event will go to this year’s beneficiary, the communities of Upskills+ Foundation, a non-profit organisation run by British philanthropist Jane Walker MBE.
“I am just as excited as the audience. With the songs as some of the finest in musical theatre, to be sung by some of the finest artists of our time, this show will be one not to be missed,” Jaden concludes.
Tickets are now available at smtickets.com
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
