MANILA, Philippines — Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music,” currently being staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila, has been made even more appealing with the addition of new cast members. Now alternating with Audie Gemora and Jon Joven for the lead role of Captain Von Trapp is singer-actor Ariel Rivera, while Leo Martinez alternates with Miguel Faustmann and Robbie Guevarra for the role of crafty and charming Max Detweiller.

New faces in the musical also include the following: Sheila Valderrama who alternates with Pinky Amador for the role of the elegant Baroness Elsa Schraeder; Jenny Villegas alternates with Pinky Marquez and Sheila Francisco for the role of supportive Mother Abbess; Michaela Bradshaw alternates with Tanya Manalang for the role of the vibrant Liesl; Fred Lo plays Liesl’s love interest Rolf, with Marvin Ong; Jeremy Domingo will alternate with Lorenz Martinez for the role of Herr Zeller; Katie Bradshaw plays the adorable Gretl with Alexa Villaroel; Apple Chiu alternates with Carla Guevara and Jenny Villegas for the role of Sister Berthe; Marielle Mamaclay alternates with Pamela Imperial for the role of Sister Margaretta; Arya Herrera alternates with Maxine Sian and Jillian Pena for the role of Sister Sophie; and sisters Rachel and Rebecca Coates will alternate the role of the playful Louisa.

The cast is truly impressive that when Damon G. Brooks of Broadway Asia, New York City came to watch the musical, after spending 32 hours on three separate flights, he was mesmerized by their performances, in particular Joanna Ampil’s (who plays Maria together with Cris Villonco’s) who he said “illuminated the stage with her incredible beauty, angelic voice, and innocent, yet supremely confident poise...”

As to Cris Villonco’s take on Maria, Damon said, “She had me jealous that I wasn’t raised in the Von Trapp household where I might have learned my do-re-mi’s in a much enjoyable fashion. As Captain Von Trapp, there is no question Audie Gemora rules the house, but his ability to switch from disciplinarian to caring father to a man deeply in love (and really, how could one not fall in love with the two Marias?) proves why he is so revered in the world of professional theater.”

“The Sound of Music” has been extended till Feb. 12.

Show dates are Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday (2 p.m. And 7 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Tickets are available at the RWM Box-Office or any of the Ticketworld outlets.

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Clean And Green Mom

The “apo” of the late star builder Doc Perez of Sampaguita Pictures Carissa Cruz Evangelista may have embraced motherhood unconditionally but that didn’t mean she had abandoned her entrepreneurial spirit altogether.

Carissa slipped into showbiz as a concert performer before but she quit the limelight when she became DTI Undersecretary.

Today, Carissa is a full-time mom to two beautiful kids: Isabella, 3, and Gabrielle, 1.

Her quest to safeguard her two girls led her to discovering Buzz Away patches and bracelets to repel mosquitoes.

In order to share her newfound discoveries to her fellow “clean and green” moms, Carissa has decided to form the Aeonyx Marketing Corp. that specializes in sourcing and distributing the best consumer products.

Buzz Away anti-mosquito patches are available at all branches nationwide of Ace Hardware and the Children’s Section of Rustan’s Dept. Store.

For inquiries about Buzz Away products, send an e-mail to carissaevangelista@gmail.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, Jan. 29, go to actor Marvin Agustin, director Laurice Guillen, Frankie Ferrer of Bais City, Baby Bautista-Arce, Iskho Lopez, Vic Redoblado, Mrs. Rosario So Adriano, Mayor Benjamin Paquito Castillo, Carolina Z. Mangawang, and Mateo D.C. Alegre… Happy wedding anniversary to Antonio and Elizabeth Antonio, and Mr. and Mrs. Cesar A. Esteban… Belated b-day greetings to US-based Kenrick Santos (Jan. 11) and Norma Nadonga (Jan. 15)…