In just few weeks and the hearts month is just waiting around the corner. It is the season where all lovers come together celebrating God's most precious gift to man: Love. Since you are tired of the usual movie date, dinner, stroll in the park or even a night on "you know where". Why don't you guys try watching a musical? February alone has tons of shows to choose from and I've got a suggestion that perfectly fits the occasion.

Upstart Productions, a new Theater company invited me last year for party of their official launch. It was an intimate night at The Establishment in The Fort joined by bloggers, sponsors, PRs and of course the theater community itself. Together with the company's official launch is the introduction of their premiere production titled Breakups and Breakdown.

Synopsis:

Mark (Joel Trinidad) is a young play wright putting his finishing touches on his play about a bitter sweet retelling of his own failed relationship with Nina (Carla Guevara-Laforteza). Concerned with his friend's emotional condition, Derek (Reuben Uy) convinced Mark to go out and meet girls so that he will stop thriving on his past experience.

One stormy night while Derek is out on a date with Sandy (Emerita Alcid-Trinidad), Mark stays at home still perfecting his play. Suddenly, he is interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Outside the door is Nina, soaking wet after her car stalled on a nearby street because of the storm. As everything is almost going back in to place between Mark and Nina, Derek and Sandy arrived earlier than expected. In an unexpected turn of event, a surprising revelation shocked everybody and complicates the predicament of the four.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Nina) and Joel Trinidad (Mark and show Creator.Director)

Breakups and Breakdowns is an original story and Lyrics written by Joel Trinidad (Avenue Q, Defending the Caveman) with music from Hong Kong Disneyland music director Rony Fortich. Joining him on the cast is Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Avenue Q, Spelling Bee) as Nina, Emerita Alcid-Trinidad (Legally Blonde, KAOS) as Sandy and Reuben Uy (Orosman at Zafira, Mary Stuart) as Derek.

Reuben Uy (Derek) and Emerita Alcid-Trinidad (Sandy)

According to Joel himself, the musical is written loosely based on his own love story that is why it has this incredible bond between him and the material.  The musical first premiered in Ateneo under the production of Blue Repertory under Joel's direction. This February is his first attempt to open the show to public and mainstream theater scene. As Joel also noticed the growing popularity of stage musicals in Manila, he grabbed the chance to stage his first original musical for people to witness on a bigger production scale.

Breakups and Breakdowns 2011 Cast

So mark your calendars love struck and theater fanatics. Starting February 18 to March 12, 2011, in Theatrino, Greenhills. Upstart Productions presents to you their maiden offering, Breakups and Breakdowns: an original musical comedy to be directed by Joel Trinidad. For ticket reservations email upstarttickets@gmail.com or call (0949)7917270 and (02)9646562.  For more information log on to www.upstartproductionsinc.com.