After the press preview at the CCP on August 28, we had a chance to have a one-on-one interview with the Producer James Cundall, Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.
James Cundall shared that he’s been in the Philippines for over decades now. his company (Lunchbox) brought the second longest-running musical in Broadway history titled “Cats” two years ago.
“Well I think, the number of years ago, we came here in Manila and my company Lunchbox was lucky enough to meet and greet great partners here in Manila and they shared my dream that Manila should be no different than any other capital city in the world where we should bring the first run of musical western shows to Manila and so we started with ‘Cats,’ and we went on with the ‘Stomp,’ the ‘Mama Mia!’ and we’re doing ‘Potted Potter’ tonight and we’re now bringing ‘Phantom.’ So today, since part of its journey, a road we gain on this wonderful city, wonderful country to bring the best shows.”
So after ‘Phantom,’ what are the next theater plays that we should expect?
“As soon as we do, we’ll be telling you. We’ll be hopefully announce it before the end of ‘Pahnton’ what we’re bringing next.”
Why here in the Philippines?
“I love coming to the Philippines! I am coming here for over 22 years. The audience here are really appreciative. Everybody loves music and everyone has great sense of humor and speaks wonderfully in English.”
On issues of bringing the ‘Phantom’ in the Philippines.
“What are we doing is we are trying to add, we are not trying to replace the local scene. What we are trying to do is what we’ve done in Asia many times over the last 20 years is we bring shows once or twice a year – the big shows.”
“I want more so the local entertainment industry supplies more and we bring it here and it goes on and on,” he added.
It was also quite interesting to note that 14 out of the 17 orchestra members were Filipinos. They were particularly hand-picked by musical director and supervisor Guy Simpson from a recent audition for the Phantom run in Manila.
“The Phantom of the Opera” runs August 25-September 30 at CCP Main Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
Tickets are P7,280; P6,032; P4,680; P3,640; P2,340; and P1,820. Family packages are available.
“The Phantom of the Opera” in Manila is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio, Inc. and Concertus, in association with The Really Useful Group. Tickets are available at TicketWorld, with telephone number 891-9999 or website www.ticketworld.com.ph.
