THE CAST of ‘Rock of Ages,’ from left: Aiza Seguerra, Jinky Llamanzares, Calvin Millado, Jett Pangan, Jamie Wilson, Vina Morales, Bibo Reyes and Nyoy Volante

MANILA, Philippines — After the successful run of “In The Heights,” Atlantis Productions continues its 2012 Season with “Rock of Ages,” the acclaimed five-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical and hilarious, feel-good love story told thru such ’80s hits like “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “We Built This City,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”

In the show, it is 1987 on the Sunset Strip in LA where Drew, a busboy, is dreaming of being a rock star while he works at the Strip’s most famous bar, The Bourbon Room. He meets Sherrie, a small-town girl who goes to LA to pursue her dreams of being an actress. They fall in love and then lose each other when the famous, sexy, over the top rock star, Stacee Jaxx comes into the picture.

Giving life to Stacee Jaxx is MiG Ayesa. MiG, who is currently in London performing in the musical “Thriller Live!” said, “It is such a great honor to bring this show to the Philippines. Playing the role of Stacee Jaxx around the USA and on Broadway was an amazing experience but is nothing compared to performing it back in my homeland. I am so looking forward to rocking the very foundations of Manila with ‘Rock of Ages.’ It ain’t nothing but a good time, and it don’t get better than this!”

Nyoy Volante plays Drew while Vina Morales is Sherrie. Their love story plays against the backdrop of the music, the wild nights and the energy of the Sunset Strip.

The production’s wild and wacky narrator, Lonny is played by Jett Pangan who works at the Bourbon Room alongside bar owner Dennis Dupree (Jamie Wilson).

Threatening to close down the Bourbon Room to turn the Strip are father and son German developers, Hertz (Calvin Millado) and Franz (Bibo Reyes).

Passionately protesting against these developers is bohemian activist Regina, portrayed by Aiza Seguerra.

Down the road from Bourbon Room is the Venus Club run by diva, Justice Charlier, essayed by Jinky Llamanzares.

Rounding off the cast is a mix of champion singers and theater performers – Apple Chiu, Japs Treopaldo, Mikkie Bradshaw, Berl William Angeles and Altaire Alonso.

“Rock of Ages,” directed by Chari Arespacochaga, runs from June 15 to July 8 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at the RCBC Plaza in Makati. For tickets and show buying inquires call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.

• • •

‘Mga Anak Ni Inang Daigdig’

“Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig (MAID),” an environmental performing arts group featuring young people and children from Smokey Mountain, will hold a special dance concert on April 22 at the AFP Theater.

Dubbed “A Tale of Two Mountains,” the concert will feature dance rituals that echo the need to protect our environment. It will also premiere a short film of the same title by Ferdinand Dumadura.

MAID was founded in 1993 by Fr. Benigno P. Beltran and debuted in 1994 in a concert entitled “The Cry of Mother Nature” at the PICC. They were initially trained under the Philippine-ITI Earthsavers Dreams Academy and later under the tutelage of the late National Artist for Dance, Ramon Obusan. The group has already performed in Australia, USA, Germany, Sweden and Japan. They are now the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Ambassadors for Peace and Environment.

The concert is organized by Sagip Bansa Filipinas, Inc. For tickets or sponsorship, e-mail kellyaustria@gmail.com.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 21, go to actor/TV host Luis Manzano, former Pangasinan Gov. Rafael Colet, colleague Ricky Lo, Kathleen Hermosa, Wilma A. Sarino, Marivic Rufino, Imelda Bermudez-Livioco, Lillian Lazaro, Hermie Hermano of Cabugayao, Laguna, Katrina “Katkat” Gonzalez, Dr. Bon Malvar, Marlon Dionela, Robert James Wood II and Suzette Morelos…