‘Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’ on a special Christmas run at Star City
The sisters in Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa leave the palace at night and return in the morning with muddy shoes. Where could they be going? Photo courtesy of Joan Emery Sia
Ballet Manila brings back the tales of the beloved storyteller “Lola Basyang” in its production this Christmas season at Star City.
Co-presented by Star City and Manila Broadcasting Company, Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang began its holiday run last December 15 at Aliw Theater and will continue with shows until January 2, 2019.
The free-admission show is a treat to all Star City visitors and is offered on a first come-first served basis. The amusement park is located at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
The show features three vignettes – two from the original Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang that premiered in 2008 (Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon and Mahiwagang Biyulin) and one from the sequel Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang in 2013 (Labingdalawang Masasayang Prinsesa).
Playing his enchanted violin, Rodrigo turns the tables on his unscrupulous boss Ahab in Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
The stories are based on Anvil Publishing’s Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes, as retold by Christine Bellen.
One story is featured in each show, set at 7 p.m., on the following dates: December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.
The stories will then be seen on December 25 and January 1, one each at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Another show on January 2 at 7 p.m. caps the holiday series.
Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa is about twelve sisters, all princesses, who secretly leave the palace at night and return in the morning with muddy shoes, leaving their father, the king, and their governess puzzled as to where they go. It is choreographed by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, with music composed and arranged by Arnold Buena.
Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon is a story about the search for true love, where the princess chooses to transform into a bird to be with her beloved, the prince of the birds. It is choreographed by Osias Barroso with music arranged by Mon Faustino from selected National Artists.
Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin is a local Pied Piper tale with the hero, Rodrigo, showing how good ultimately triumphs over evil with the help of his enchanted violin. It is choreographed by Tony Fabella with music by now National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.
Star City is open daily at these hours: Monday to Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, 2 to 10:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 to 11 p.m.
Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon is a story about the search for true love. Photo by Stan Dela Cruz
