Rapunzel - not your typical Hairy Tale!

Last September 7, I was able to watch Theater Down South's Rapunzel at the Insular Builiding in Alabang. I am really happy that a group of yuppies from the South has started to hone talents in the theatre scene. Theater Down South is a group of southern (Alabang, Las Pinas and Paranaque) young artists who seek to influence the students as well as the whole community down south to be theater enthusiasts. Rapunzel is their second production, having Midsummer Night's dream as their first, to be shown in public.

Synopsis of Rapunzel. Please click here to view source.

“Rapunzel” is a hilarious and heartwarming musical based on the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Written by David Crane and Martha Kauffman, creators of the Emmy Award-winning television series “Friends,” with new music by Michael Skloff, this version gives a fresh spin to a well-loved story.

Magic and mayhem ensue when Prince Brian tries to rescue Rapunzel from her tower and from her mother, who just happens to be a witch. Will he succeed? Will they find true love? Will the witch turn Brian into brussel sprouts? Rest assured this tongue in cheek hairy tale is not going to be business as usual!

My take: The actors were pretty good considering that it's just their second production. The script was actually funny and full of wit. All out applause to David Crane and Martha Kauffman, creators of Friends, for writing such witty script. I just had some issues with the singing though. I know the actors weren't really veterans in that field yet, but I guess it would just be fair if their singing be improved because the show was still paid, right? Plus for me, the song acts are the parts of the show that I'm always excited about so I was just kind of disappointed that their singing, I thought, were not properly rehearsed. Lastly, a lot of improvements still also has to be done with the technical aspects of the show. There had been a lot of errors in the timing of the lights and sound effects. I just hope that those improvements be seen in their next production if they don't want their viewers to lose their loyalty to them =)

Still, I had a great time because I got to watch it with my family. After watching the show, we went to Vivere Suites Sky Lounge to eat our yummy merienda. =)