Latest news with #AllShookUp
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'Side Show: The Musical' dares audiences to see the people behind the spectacle
Step into the world of freaks, where the misunderstood take center stage, and the strange is nothing short of spectacular. This July, The Sandbox Collective invites audiences to confront their curiosities and their compassion as it brings the Tony-nominated Broadway gem 'Side Show: The Musical' to the Philippine stage. Based on the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, "Side Show" follows the sisters' journey from carnival attractions to vaudeville stars in 1930s America. Beneath the circus lights and public fascination lies a deeply human tale of love, longing, and the pursuit of identity. Full-circle moment For director Toff De Venecia, "Side Show" is more than a programming decision. It's his return to his artistic roots. 'This show is special to me,' De Venecia said during a press conference. 'It was the first production I ever directed on my own.' He first staged the musical in 2010 following his co-directorial debut with "All Shook Up," and later helmed Sandbox's 2023 hit "Little Shop of Horrors." The idea to bring "Side Show" back came unexpectedly during the recent run of "Next to Normal," when a backstage moment reignited his connection to the show. 'It feels like a full-circle moment,' he added. Beyond the spectacle Though wrapped in vintage circus flair — complete with eccentric characters and glitzy performances — "Side Show" is ultimately a poignant exploration of what it means to be different in a world obsessed with sameness. Bound by birth but divergent in dreams, Daisy and Violet confront the pressures of fame, love, and the aching desire for autonomy. 'Like everyone else,' they sing — a haunting refrain that cuts through the makeup and the spotlight. The show doesn't ask audiences to stare at 'freaks.' It dares them to truly see the people beneath the label. Stellar cast Alternating as the Hilton twins are Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Krystal Kane, and Molly Langley, four formidable performers bringing distinct energy and vocal depth to the demanding dual roles. Joining them is Jon Santos as The Boss, the manipulative ringmaster, along with two sets of alternating male leads: Reb Atadero and CJ Navato as Terry Connor, and Vien King and Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster. Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas share the role of Jake, the twins' loyal protector. A dynamic ensemble rounds out the cast, portraying the carnival's 'curiosities,' characters that add both heart and theatrical wonder to every scene. Timely, resonant, unmissable As society continues to navigate the politics of identity and difference, "Side Show" feels more relevant than ever. It shines a light on exploitation, longing, and resilience — themes that echo far beyond the big top. The musical holds up a mirror to our own forms of modern voyeurism, where social media spectacle often replaces genuine understanding. In this way, Side Show becomes more than historical fiction. It becomes a cultural critique. Side Show asks: What does it mean to be human in a world that treats you like an oddity? Performances begin July 26 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. Prepare to be amazed, not just by the costumes or choreography. but by the raw humanity at the heart of "Side Show." It's not just a musical. It's a moving invitation to look beyond appearances and embrace what makes us all uniquely extraordinary. — LA, GMA Integrated News
USA Today
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Wheesung, South Korean R&B singer also known as Realslow, dead at 43: Reports
Wheesung, South Korean R&B singer also known as Realslow, dead at 43: Reports South Korean R&B singer Wheesung has been found dead, according to reports. He was 43. The body of the singer, born Choi Whee-sung, was discovered at his home in Seoul on Monday, local police confirmed to The New York Times and South Korea's Yonhap News. Authorities told the outlets there were no signs of foul play. A cause of death has not been determined, but a Seoul Gwangjin Police officer told the Times they were investigating the potential of a drug overdose. USA TODAY has reached out to South Korean police for comment. Wheesung, who also went by the stage name Realslow, released his first solo album, "Like A Movie," in 2002, and his second album, "It's Real," was released the following year. He released nearly a dozen studio albums and EPs during his career and starred in musicals, including stints as Zorro in "Zorro" and as Elvis in "All Shook Up." "Artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead," his agency, Tajoy Entertainment, told Yonhap News in a statement, adding staff were "in deep sorrow." His death follows that of the South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, who was reportedly found dead at her home by a friend and presumed to have died by suicide. She was 24. The friend, who was going to meet the actress, discovered her and called police, Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Times reported. Police found no foul play or note left by Kim, according to the outlets. The South Korean star was known for her roles in movies like "A Brand New Life" and "The Man from Nowhere." She most recently appeared in the Netflix series "Bloodhounds," which debuted in 2023. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free and confidential treatment referral and information service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889). Contributing: Brendan Morrow
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's now or never: This Elvis Presley experience is the closest you'll get to seeing him live
You can take a walk in Elvis Presley's blue suede shoes this spring as part of a forthcoming experience that will give fans an insight into the King of Rock 'n' Roll's career. Elvis Evolution, a new multi-sensory immersive experience announced today, will combine physical sets that move, shake and transform with live actors and musicians performing the superstar's hits including 'All Shook Up' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. The experience, taking place at London Excel Waterfront this spring, will take visitors on a journey through Elvis's rise to fame, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo to superstar musical icon. Visitors will witness major milestones in the singer's extraordinary career, such as some of his most memorable performances. Images shared by Layered Reality, the immersive entertainment company behind Elvis Evolution, provide a glimpse into the show's journey through time – including the 1960s 'Bob's Burbank Diner' and Elvis's 1968 dressing room. A third image shows backstage at NBC Studios offices, where Elvis recorded his legendary 1968 Comeback Special. The company has used AI to breathe new life into 60-year-old footage, recreating previously unseen moments from home footage and offering fans an intimate view of Elvis the man, as well as the superstar. The space will feature three themed bars, including a 1960s diner where there'll be themed cocktails, plus food at the Blue Hawaii bar. The show will culminate in a performance of Elvis' 1968 song 'If I Can Dream', accompanied by a live band, with the experience ending in the 'All Shook Up' afterparty bar where the celebrations will continue. Tickets are on sale now at
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
It's now or never: This Elvis Presley experience is the closest you'll get to seeing him live
You can take a walk in Elvis Presley's blue suede shoes this spring as part of a forthcoming experience that will give fans an insight into the King of Rock 'n' Roll's career. Elvis Evolution, a new multi-sensory immersive experience announced today, will combine physical sets that move, shake and transform with live actors and musicians performing the superstar's hits including 'All Shook Up' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. The experience, taking place at London Excel Waterfront this spring, will take visitors on a journey through Elvis's rise to fame, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo to superstar musical icon. Visitors will witness major milestones in the singer's extraordinary career, such as some of his most memorable performances. Images shared by Layered Reality, the immersive entertainment company behind Elvis Evolution, provide a glimpse into the show's journey through time – including the 1960s 'Bob's Burbank Diner' and Elvis's 1968 dressing room. A third image shows backstage at NBC Studios offices, where Elvis recorded his legendary 1968 Comeback Special. The company has used AI to breathe new life into 60-year-old footage, recreating previously unseen moments from home footage and offering fans an intimate view of Elvis the man, as well as the superstar. The space will feature three themed bars, including a 1960s diner where there'll be themed cocktails, plus food at the Blue Hawaii bar. The show will culminate in a performance of Elvis' 1968 song 'If I Can Dream', accompanied by a live band, with the experience ending in the 'All Shook Up' afterparty bar where the celebrations will continue.
