MANILA, Philippines -- Noted stage director Bobby Garcia was elated with the cast they have assembled for the Philippine staging of the Broadway musicale “In The Heights,” whose premiere in Manila was made possible through a special licensing arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals and Broadway Asia Entertainment.

Leading the cast of “In The Heights” are songwriter and acoustic singer Nyoy Volante, TV and movie actress Jackie Lou Blanco who is making her first stage musicale and first play in English, and “Star Power” finalist and now MYX VJ K-La Rivera.

Joining them are Ima Castro, Tex Ordoñez, Calvin Millado, Felix Rivera, Jay Glorioso and Jimmy Marquez among others.

Bobby, whose latest stage directorial job “Next To Normal” received critical acclaim, described the cast as some of the most talented performers in the country.

Jackie Lou said “this is a show of firsts for me – it is my first musical, my first English language play, and my first show with Atlantis. I’m really so excited!” Jackielou plays the role of Camila, mother of Nina (K-La Rivera).

Jackie Lou’s biggest challenge, she said, was “the singing, as I know singing is not my genius!”

When asked why she auditioned for “In The Heights,” K-La said, “I really wanted the chance to experience the life and disciplined training it takes to be a musical theatre performer. I’m excited because this is the first time this Tony Award-winning musical will be performed outside of the US.

Among Ima Castro’s achievements early in her singing career was her winning the Best Interpreter Award in Bali, Indonesia in 1996. The song she sang was entitled “Peace, Love And Understanding,” composed by Vehnee Saturno.

Tex Ordoñez has had ample experience in stage acting, having her own theater group called Teatro Mensaheros in Cavite. “Community theater lang, which I formed 18 years ago, production manager ako but I also act in our presentations.”

“In The Heights” opens tonight at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Blvd., Makati City. It will run till Sept. 18.

Toni’s too busy for marriage

In real life, Toni Gonzaga is too busy to get married. She has three regular shows – “Happy, Yipee, Yehey,” “ASAP Rocks” and “The Buzz.” She also makes recordings and movies. This is why if her boyfriend Paul Soriano proposes marriage now, Toni couldn’t possibly accept it yet, and Paul understands.

But in Toni’s latest movie, “Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi,” she plays Belay, an excited OFW bride-to-be to Zanjoe Marudo’s character Oca. In the movie directed by Joey Reyes, Toni once more proves her mettle in comedy, something she proved to the hilt in “My Amnesia Girl” which reportedly grossed P165 million and that is why Toni was named SM Cinema’s Box-Office Queen for 2010.

“Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi” is produced by Star Cinema and OctoArts Films. The drama-comedy also stars Cinemalaya Best Actress Eugene Domingo and Wendell Ramos. Asked why Toni and Eugene were tapped for this movie, Direk Joey said, “because sila ang pinaka-competent at pinakamabiling mga aktres ngayon!”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Friday, Sept. 2, go to Gen. Alexander Aguirre, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Amado Tan, Chit Javier Timbang, Donnie Villar, Neneng Abaquin, Nona Panlilio, Estelita Madlansacay, Steffi del Rosario, Prof. Noel de Guzman, Fannie Blanco, Atty. Tony Abanilla, Jessica E. Casas of Tagum City, Erlinda V. Perez, Ernesto “Bong” Aquino, Donna Bayota, Angelita Angelada and Carlo Guevarra, Be Bench grand winner... Condolence to the family of Rogelio Acay Rivas who passed away last Aug. 30... Walker Underwear, one of the country’s pioneers in quality underwear is having its Grand Draw on Sept. 10, to be held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. Walker’s Gizmos and Gadgets Treat Raffle Promo will be giving away a total of P3-M worth of prizes for the entire duration of the said promo. For the grand draw, three lucky winners will bring home a MacBook Pro, for the First Prize; three iPad for the Second Prize, and SIX winners will get an ASUS 1215T Netbook. There will also be 50 winners of Nokia 1800. Walker endorser and ABS-CBN talent, Jericho Rosales, will grace the event and will perform live, singing his latest single from his much sought after album...