Rachelle Ann Go and Eric Santos

MANILA, Philippines -- Erik Santos makes his professional musical theatre stage debut via the upcoming Broadway Musical Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Atlantis Productions, which recently staged the hit musical “Next To Normal” and will soon open the Elton John/Tim Rice pop rock musical “Aida,” has found its Prince Eric in Erik. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is set for Nov. 18-Dec. 11 run at the Meralco Theatre.

Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is the sparkling new Disney musical that has made a big splash on Broadway. Some of Disney’s most popular songs are featured in show – including “Part Of Your World,” “Kiss The Girl,” and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, “Under The Sea” – by the renowned songwriting team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. The stage adaptation also features 10 new songs by Menken and Glenn Slater, plus a book by Tony-winning playwright Doug Wright.

The musical is to be directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, who were in Hawaii last year to take an Asian Puppetry workshop which they will use for many of the sea creatures.

“We are creating a ‘Little Mermaid’ unlike any other. It will be an exciting fusion of East meets West elements. Our underwater kingdom will be completely Asian in theme and our above water world will be Western, representing two different worlds. We will also be using traditional forms of Asian and Western puppetry including Wayang shadow play, bunraku, nang kaloung and western hand puppetry. We can’t wait to begin,” Garcia said.

On working with Erik as the Prince, Garcia shared, “I have known Erik since he started his career. He is one of the most hardworking and passionate performers I know. He loves what he does and he has an incredible singing voice. I am thrilled that he is finally making his musical theatre debut as the Prince in ‘The Little Mermaid.’”

The complete cast will soon be announced. Atlantis Productions’ staging of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is made possible through a special licensing agreement with Music Theatre International.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” has Choreography by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Lex Marcos, Costume Design by Erik Pineda, Lighting Design by Jay Aranda, Puppetry Design and Execution by Liz and Benny Batoctoy and Sam Fuentes, and Vocal Coaching by ManMan Angsico.

Tickets are available at Atlantis Productions.

Hollywood stars’ workout secret revealed

What do Beyoncé, Brad Pitt, Victoria Beckham, and George Clooney have in common? They have the right curves, toned muscles and an over-all fit physique that everyone aspires for.

And they all swear by the proven benefits of the premium Acceleration Training device that offers effective and virtually limitless choice of exercises to get fit, stay in shape, and be on top of your game – the Power Plate.

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Among the many fitness-conscious celebrities who attest that Power Plate is the most innovative machine in the world of fitness exercise is multi-awarded director and actor, Clint Eastwood. “Many things come and go in this industry but the Power Plate machine is here to stay. It is a fast and effective way to stay in shape.”

Moreover, Oscar-winning actress, Hilary Swank used the Power Plate to train for “Million Dollar Baby,” and has been using it since then. “I love that with the Power Plate machine, I can get a full work out at home in next to no time. I really am impressed with the machine’s ability to target and recruit specific muscles and improve my flexibility at the same time. It just feels good.”

The Power Plate is exclusively available in all Wellness Concepts stores at the Power Plant Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Trinoma, Mall of Asia and all Life Fitness stores at Greenbelt 5 and Shangri-La Mall.

Top Pinoy musical  acts headline nightly entertainment  at The Establishment

It’s all about acoustic music at The Establishment on Wednesdays with Joey Generoso and Sitti. Next, join Spirit of 67 for Retro Thursdays and groove to the hits of the ’60s to the ’80s.

On Fridays, the Kitty Girls perform back-to-back with Version 4.0. Version 4.0, headlined by former “Pinoy Dream Academy” scholar Panky Trinidad together with Jem Marquez, Sheryl Kao, Daryl Ong and the Toy Symphony. Lastly, the Zoo Band performs on Partee On Saturdays and continues in the wee hours with RX 93.1’s DJ.

The Establishment is located at The Fort Entertainment Complex, Fort Bonifacio. For more details, visit www.establishment.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 1, go to Sen. Ping Lacson, Rhea Santos of GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit,” Alicia Alonzo, San Diego, CA-based realtor Max Ricketts, Eva Abesamis, Froilan Antonio, Angela Andal, Ms. Clarissa G. Antonio-Estefa of Ontario, CA; Mrs. Nita Magat, Lauren Gabrielle Espiritu, Vic Guevarra, Jessa and Dingdong Avanzado’s daughter Janelle Amanda, Jojie A. Tan of the Pansol Tourism Council, and US-based Gina Pajo and Jo Diaz Garcia… Happy wedding anniversary to Eric and Shirley Cruz (nee Halili)… Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Jojo Gaela (May 31)