ABS-CBN goes into theater production

ABS-CBN is entering the Philippine theatre scene as it partners with Ten Bridges Media Corp/Atlantis, one of the country’s most successful theatre companies, with three co-productions of award-winning musicals from Broadway.

“ABS-CBN’s venture into theater production, a first for a media and entertainment company, is among the company’s efforts in expanding its experience business. It is another step forward in creating new possibilities for local theatre, which has grown tremendously over the past few years, with its abundance of talent and opportunities locally,” Bobby Barreiro, ABS-CBN head of integrated events, said.

The partnership kicked-off last March with the staging of the critically acclaimed “Angels In America: Millennium Approaches,” which featured Art Acuña, Pinky Amador, Angeli Bayani, Topper Fabregas, Cherie Gil, Nelsito Gomez, Andoy Ranay and Markki Stroem.

This was followed by “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which opened on June 14. The original Broadway production has been nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Capping the year-long partnership is the Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler’s masterpiece “Sweeney Todd,” which will star Tony Award winner Lea Salonga and rock icon Jett Pangan. It will run in October at the Theatre at Solaire.

Atlantis’ Artistic Director Bobby Garcia said that the partnership bodes well for Philippine theater as it helps “create a greater awareness for the Philippine theatre scene and for the wondrous world class talent we have in our country on stage and off.”

The partnership comes as ABSCBN celebrates its 65th year and Atlantis, its 20th.