BP President Maymay Liechtenstein.
At a small media gathering held at the Oasis at Solaire Resort and Casino, the order of the day was initials and letters. BP, MSO, and REP were prominently emblazoned on the standees and collaterals displayed along the sectioned-off area where the event was being held. BP 56 stands for Ballet Philippines, which is currently celebrating its 56th year of existence, while MSO refers to the 99-year-old Manila Symphony Orchestra. Repertory Philippines is popularly known as REP, and is in its 58th year.
That was all mentioned to give us an idea of how much provenance and legacy were on stage. As BP President Maymay Lior-Liechtenstein proudly declared, the announced collaboration between the three entities represents 213 years of excellent brand building and service to the public. This all comes to fruition from Aug. 1-3 at the Theatre at Solaire, featuring a double bill of the well-loved classic tales of Peter and the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood.
Peter and the Wolf
That’s dance, drama, and music, three distinct masters, all sharing one stage! It’s an Artistic milestone and a major community outreach, as the audiences of the three will gather together for the five performances over the three days. An arrangement has been made to provide seats free of charge to families from selected barangays, offering access to underserved communities - this is the admirable outreach aspect.
Peter and the Wolf has the familiar score written by Sergei Prokofiev, where each character is represented by a corresponding instrument(s); and it’s always been a lively ballet, enjoyed by children as well. In this August’s performance, Repertory will lend a hand with dramatic elements that will complement the Ballet Philippines dancers, and the MSO musicians playing live music.
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood will feature dreamy compositions by Camille Saint-Saëns and Edvard Grieg. Performed on the same bill as Peter and the Wolf, Red Riding Hood will once again have the MSO performing live along with the BP dancers.
Don’t dare miss this family-friendly production/collaboration! It’s Aug. 1-3, at the Theatre at Solaire. And it’s the Wolf providing double-duty!