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• February 3, 2012

  Sam, Anna Maria set for dinner date in NY

  

  When Sam Milby goes to New York anytime this week, he will be the special guest of Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, star of the Broadway musical Godspell (in which she gets to sing Day By Day, the musical’s most popular song), who will treat Sam to a dinner with, of course, Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn as chaperon.

  It has been reported that Sam is taking a three-month (or longer) leave from local showbiz to pursue an acting career in the USA, a period much too short for him to prove his worth by maybe first attending auditions presumably in Hollywood.

  “Anna Maria has reserved a ticket to Godspell exclusively for Sam,” reported Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

  Anna Maria has taken after her grandmother Sylvia La Torre who is so conservative that she was noted for her “no touch, no kiss” policy in her heyday when she was appearing in movies and TV shows. Anna Maria’s father is Sylvia’s son Artie Perez de Tagle.

  Anna Maria backstage in the Circle In The Square Theater on Broadway with (from left) Angela Lansbury and Nick Jonas (who recently watched the musical)

  “That’s why Anna Maria will be chaperoned by her mom to her dinner date with Sam,” explained Edmund, “even if Anna Maria is already of legal age at 21.”

  Actually, Anna Maria’s mom has no reason to worry. Like Anna Maria, Sam is wholesome and, besides a gentleman, he’s harmless.

  Unknown to many, Sam and Anna Maria are friends. They first met in the Big Apple two years ago when Sam was there for a Kapamilya show. Anna Maria is updated on Filipino stars because she watches shows on GMA Pinoy TV and TFC (The Filipino Channel). Since then, the two have been keeping in touch via Twitter.

  For sure, Anna Maria will introduce Sam to her Godspell co-stars from whom he can get tips on how to go about and make it in the US, which is a real tough challenge considering the thousands of aspirants. Sam can even ask Anna Maria for some “connections,” you know.

  “With Sam’s Amerasian charm and warmth,” assured Edmund, “the Godspell cast will surely fall under his spell. The cast will be delighted to find out that Sam is a popular actor in the Philippines who has appeared in several TV shows, concerts and movies. One of the dramas he starred in was Impostor which was a finalist at the recent International Emmy Awards.”

  Asked about Sam’s chances of, well, getting noticed in Hollywood (or anywhere in the US), Anna Maria told Edmund, “I’ll always keep my fingers crossed for him. He’s very nice and I wish him the best because he deserves the best.”

  Meanwhile, Anna Maria and the entire Godspell cast have never run out of celebrity well-wishers who catch the nightly show (and double the audience’s fun with their mere presence) at the Circle in the Square in New York City. The latest A-lister to see the critically-acclaimed show and greet the grateful cast backstage was the legendary Angela Lansbury, the five-time Tony winner who is herself a Broadway baby. She’s best known worldwide as mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher in the highly-acclaimed and top-rated series Murder She Wrote which aired on CBS from 1984 to 1996.

  Anna Maria said she and the whole cast were on Cloud 9 while exchanging pleasantries with the acting icon who is also the honorary chairman of the American Theater Wing, which created and sponsors the Tony Awards in theatrical arts. 

  “Everyone of us was in awe of her,” a thrilled Anna Maria was quoted by Edmund as saying. “Who wouldn’t be when everyone in Broadway dreams of achieving even a fraction of what she has accomplished as a stage actor. She’s very warm and sweet and very down-to-earth. No wonder she’s an icon.”

  mom Evelyn Perez de Tagle (who feeds Anna Maria and the Godspell cast Filipino food)

  Edmund recalled that just two weeks ago, Anna Maria was also visited by close pal and former fellow Disney artist Nick Jonas, who is currently starring in the another Broadway blockbuster revival How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Nick took over from Glee star Darren Criss, who, as we all know by now, is half-Filipino (his mother is Cebuana). The handsome 19-year-old musician/actor, who is also part of the Jonas Brothers, came with his stunning girlfriend, Australia’s pop superstar Delta Goodrem who later tweeted Anna Maria, “You were amazing! the whole show was fantastic @bwaygodspell all that talent on one stage ha! see you soon!” Anna Maria replied, “@delta_goodrem Thank you! We’re thrilled, honored that you came to watch @BwayGodspell. We’re all watching @nickjonas in HTSIB! :) xoxo <3”

  Last week, it was Anna Maria’s turn to throw her support behind Nick when he opened for How to Succeed at the nearby Hirshfeld Theater. Nick’s dad, popularly known in the industry as Papa Jonas, is Anna Maria’s manager and “second dad.”

  Incidentally, did you know that the Godspell cast is going gaga over Filipino food, thanks to Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn? At times when Godspell has to stage two performances in one day, Evelyn makes it a point to cook Pinoy dishes so that Anna Maria and the cast won’t have to leave theater premises especially during winter.

  Said Edmund, “Evelyn brings the home-made food to Circle in the Square which the cast (that includes Hunter Parrish, Telly Leung, Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Wallace Smith, Lindsay Mendez and the half-Pinoy George Salazar) would partake at Anna Maria’s dressing room. But what Evelyn didn’t expect was that they would all fall in love with her Adobo, Bistek (beef steak), Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit, Sinigang and even her spaghetti Pinoy style.”

   

   

  Source: PhilStar

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• January 23, 2012

  Anna Maria Perez De Tagle Enjoys The Snow In New York City

   

  

  snow!

  “Camp Rock” actress Anna Maria Perez De Tagle is used to the beautiful weather in California, but this winter she is enjoying the snow in New York City! Anna is in New York currently because she is starring in the hit Broadway show “Godspell.”

   

  Source: Zimbio

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• January 21, 2012

  Anna Maria Perez De Tagle Goes Bowling In New York January 19, 2012

  

   

  Anna Maria Perez De Tagle, from “Camp Rock,” is currently living in New York City because she is acting in Broadway’s “Godspell” show. Anna met up with two of her friends on January 19, 2012 to go bowling – fun! Here’s what Anna posted along with the pictures here:

  Bowling with my girls @A_Naija_Gal @JuliaMat! We’re cool! Haha @A_Naija_Gal @JuliaMat

   

   

  

  Source: Disney Dreaming

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• January 14, 2012

  GODSPELL to Launch Cast 'Talk Back' Series Beginning 1/17

  Producer Ken Davenport is pleased to launch a new 11-week post-show talkback series at Broadway's hit new revival of Stephen Schwartz's legendary rock musical GODSPELL. The new "Tuesday Night Talkbacks" series will commence immediately after the 7 p.m. performance on Tuesday, January 17.

  Hosted by Julie James of Sirius XM Satellite Radio's "On Broadway" channel, each Tuesday night, the audience at Circle in the Square Theatre will meet a new cast member and hear about their personal journey with GODSPELL, including their audition story, their nightly routine at the theatre, their most memorable on-stage experiences, what other projects they are working on and much more.

  "Each one of the ten stars of our show -- plus our four understudies -- are all monster talents," said Ken Davenport."We wanted to give our audiences and our fans a chance to meet each one of them face-to-face. I fully expect that this new series, hosted by the incredible Julie James of Sirius XM Radio, will continue to build the ever-growing fan bases of each one of our cast members, because they deserve it!"

  The schedule for GODSPELL's "Tuesday Night Talkbacks" series is as follows:

  January 17 - Lindsay Mendez
  January 24 - George Salazar 
  January 31 - Morgan James
  February 7 - Celisse Henderson
  February 14 - Wallace Smith
  February 21 - Nick Blaemire
  February 28 - Anna Maria Perez de Tagle
  March 6 - Uzo Aduba
  March 13 - Telly Leung
  March 20 - Hunter Parrish
  March 27 - Understudies Hannah Elless, Eric Michael Krop, Corey Mach and Julia Mattison

  Directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific), GODSPELL stars an incredible and diverse company of 10 young actors, starring Hunter Parrish as Jesus and Wallace Smith as Judas, and co-starring Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Celisse Henderson, Morgan James, Telly Leung, Lindsay Mendez, George Salazar and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.

  This first-ever Broadway revival of GODSPELL features all the good gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time in a brand-new, updated and one-of-a-kind production, complete with Stephen Schwartz's (Wicked, Pippin) Tony-nominated score filled with popular hits including "Day by Day," "Light of the World," "Turn Back, O Man" and many more.

  Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, GODSPELL originally ran for more than 2,600 performances in New York and spawned successful touring productions in major U.S. cities, a 1973 motion picture adaptation and countless international engagements for the past 40 years.

  GODSPELL features scenic design by David Korins (Passing Strange), costume design by Miranda Hoffman (Well), lighting design by David Weiner (The Normal Heart), sound design by Andrew Keister (Company), orchestrations by Michael Holland (Hurricane) and musical direction by Charlie Alterman (Next to Normal).

  Visit GODSPELL online at www.godspell.com.

  TICKETING AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE *

  GODSPELL plays at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway at 50th St.). The regular weekly performance schedule is as follows:

  Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.
  Wednesday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
  Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m.
  Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  Tickets are $79.50 - $135.00 for all performances (all prices include a $2.00 facility fee) and are available by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com/godspell.

  Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Circle in the Square Theatre Box Office. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

  Group sales (10+ tickets) are available by calling toll-free 1-855-DAY-BY-DAY (1-855-329-2932).

  [* Performance schedule and pricing are subject to change at any time.]

  ABOUT "TUESDAY NIGHT TALKBACKS" HOST JULIE JAMES

  Julie James is an award-winning vocalist, theatre performer, voiceover artist and radio personality. Julie is the Program Director of Sirius XM Radio's On Broadway and Metropolitan Opera Radio stations and hosts "Broadway Names with Julie James" where she takes her listeners on the town, backstage and into the studio for fun, lively conversations with the biggest and best of Broadway, including Hugh Jackman, Julie Andrews, Joel Grey, Kristin Chenoweth, Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, the Cast of "Glee," Harry Connick, Jr. and many others.

  Source: Broadway World

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• January 10, 2012

  Nick Jonas Visits Anna Maria Perez de Tagle at 'Godspell'

  
  

  

  Nick Jonas packs himself into a group shot with the cast of Godspell at The Circle in The Square Theater on Saturday night (January 7) in New York City.

  The 19-year-old musician/actor and his girlfriend Delta Goodrem came out to see good pal Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.

  Delta tweeted to Anna, “You were amazing! the whole show was fantastic @bwaygodspell all that talent on one stage ha! see you soon!”

  Anna replied, “@delta_goodrem Thank you! We’re thrilled, honored that you came to watch @BwayGodspell. We’re all watching @nickjonas in HTSIB! :) xoxo <3"

   

  Source: JustJaredJr.

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• January 6, 2012

  Spellbound by 'Godspell'

  
  

  NEW YORK — When a script of the show is bottled up inside an alien’s satchel in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, or when Ben Stiller recites Day by Day while saying grace over meals in Meet the Parents, you just know that the influence of a certain Christ-centric musical has successfully penetrated the mainstream. I am of course referring to Godspell — a show currently enjoying its biggest revival on Broadway since it first opened over 30 years ago.

  Watching the two-act piece, there was a charm and profundity to it that drew my attention to the otherwise canonical and borderline antiquated Gospel of Matthew. Godspell, which hails from the same composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz, proved a theatrical tour de force — making use of devices such as improv, audience participation and “theater in the round.” For all intents and purposes, it was S.P.I.T. with a touch of Victory Church — which is pretty amazing.

  Among those who brought the house down the night I saw the production several months ago were Hunter Parrish from Weeds, Glee’s head warbler Telly Leung, and our woman-of-the-hour, Filipina Anna Maria Perez de Tagle who is kin to Kundiman Queen Sylvia La Torre.

  For this Young Star exclusive, we get to know Perez de Tagle who, from Hannah Montana to Camp Rock, has been making joyous waves abroad and doing her Lola Sylvia and her kababayans mighty proud.

  YOUNG STAR: Three words that best describe you.

  ANNA MARIA PEREZ DE TAGLE: God-fearing, observant, respectful.

  Do you think this has a lot to do with your being Filipino?

  Of course, I guess I was raised well. I’m the youngest. I’m the only girl. I have two older brothers. So I grew up in a very Filipino household.

  So there was adobo and…

  Oh, I eat all the Filipino food. My favorite is sinigang.

  Did you always want to be a performer?

  I grew up watching my grandmother Sylvia La Torre perform onstage. I got the acting and singing bug from her.

  Did you ever feel pressure from your family?

  My mom and my dad were trying to get me to do something other than acting. They didn’t want me to feel the rejection and the pressure. As soon as I booked Hannah Montana, and more jobs, then (they thought) maybe I made the right decision. (Laughs)

  What are three things we don’t know about you?

  I’m related to Enrique Iglesias. His mother’s maiden name is Perez de Tagle and my grandfather is a cousin of hers. We haven’t met, though. Also, there’s a sports side to me as well. I grew up skiing in Tahoe all the time. And I didn’t experience my debut when I was 18. But this time, since I’m in New York, and I’m turning 21, I made sure to have a party. We’re renting a yacht to go around Staten Island.

  What was it like being cast as a mean girl in Hannah Montana?

  I was surprised. That’s completely the opposite of me. I didn’t know where to pull inspiration from other than the girls in my school when I was 14.

  What made you audition for the show?

  I was always a fan of the Disney Channel. I grew up watching Lizzie McGuire, Even Stevens, That’s So Raven. So when I was given the opportunity, I just did it.

  Was it difficult getting in?

  I’d say there were about two to three callbacks. My last callback was with the producers, the director, and the head of Disney.

  How’d you feel when you stepped into the audition room?

  I was so nervous. I’ve never auditioned in my life. And for it to be Disney channel, it was a huge opportunity. But I was very excited.

  How has the show changed your life?

  It opened many doors. I also did Camp Rock for Disney. I got to meet a lot of people like Miley and Demi, the Jonas Brothers.

  What are the Jonas Brothers like in person?

  I love them. They’ve adopted me, actually. I’m like the Jonas sister. They’re so sweet. I also love their bodyguard Big Rob.

  So you had the chance to tour with them internationally?

  We toured South and Latin America. And every country was amazing. We performed in front of 60,000 or 65,000 people every night.

  How does one make it in America as a young actress?

  I owe it a lot to my musical theater background. It’s nice to go to your local community theater and experience what it’s like. Also, taking a lot of acting classes. Singing lessons, dance lessons.

  You’re now in Godspell. Did you have to audition for the role?

  At the time, I was in New York for another Disney project. And I was told that Godspell was doing an audition. I went. I prepared a song and a parable of my own. And then I got a callback two days later. I sang Day By Day and On My Own. Then I sang I Enjoy Being a Girl for another callback.

  Your callback songs are very Lea Salonga.

  I love Lea Salonga! We’re good friends now. She knows my grandmother. We met via Twitter.

  You want to be Kim in Miss Saigon someday?

  That’s my dream role!

   Last words for Filipinos all over the world?

  Dream big. Show business is not all glamour. It’s a lot of sacrifice. Determination. Patience. It’s all about believing in yourself. If you’re Filipino, be proud to be Filipino. We’re world-class. Charice, Lea, Manny Pacquiao — it’s being proud of who you are.

   

   

  Source: PhilStar

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• January 4, 2012

  Anna Maria Perez De Tagle Record "Day By Day" With The Godspell Cast (VIDEO)

  
  

  Anna Maria Perez De Tagle is currently earning good buzz for her performance in Godspell on Broadway with Hunter Parrish and now Playbill has posted a behind-the-scenes look into the cast's recording session.
  
  Because of legal issues, the group had to record the album in one session -- must have been a long day!
  
  In the show, Anna plays Anna Maria (the cast got to keep their own names), a disciple of Jesus Christ. She sings the song Day By Day to Jesus, played by Hunter, about her devotion and is one of the most famous songs from the show.
  
  Watch Anna perform Day By Day, which is available on iTunes below, plus a clip from her performance in the show. Have plans to see Anna in Godspell? If so, go see her and Nick Jonas, who starts in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying on January 24th.

   

  Day By Day from Davenport Theatrical on Vimeo.

  Source: Cambio

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• January 3, 2012

  Godspell Cast Takes It "Day By Day" in the Recording Studio

  
  

  Playbill found composer Stephen Schwartz in the studio leading the Broadway revival troupe of Godpsell in the recording of their cast album, complete with lyrical tweaks and new arrangements. With Anna Maria Perez de Tagle performing the signature song "Day By Day," the cast had their work cut out for them: Equity regulations dictated the entire album be completed in only one recording session! It was a long day, indeed. For more on the album click here.

   

  Source: Playbill

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• December 28, 2011

  Anna Maria marks 21st B-day with private cruise party

   

  Former Disney artist Anna Maria Perez de Tagle has a lot to be thankful for. She’s the latest Filipino talent to conquer the world stage, cast in the Broadway Godspell where she gets to sing Day By Day, the most popular song from the musical.

  The daughter of Artie Perez de Tagle and granddaughter of Sylvia La Torre, Anna Maria had a good reason to celebrate her 21st birthday in style — a private cruise party along Hudson River in New York and New Jersey no less in the wee hours of the cold winter night of Dec. 23.

  “Showcasing her svelte frame in a floor-length blue gown, Anna welcomed the revelers who were dressed to the nines, mostly Anna Maria’s co-stars and colleagues from Godspell,” reported Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

  Her well-wishers, including Korina Sanchez, wined and dined aboard U.S.S. Respect (by Statue Cruises) with unlimited alcohol beverages and buffet (from baked salmon stuffed with shrimp, and roast beef cooked to perfection, to out-of-this-world cakes and pastries by the famous Sugar and Plumm NYC).

  Added Edmund (who interviewed Anna Maria for Funfare), “And with the glistening lights of Manhattan skyline in the background, everyone was treated to a Philippine-style debut bash, usually reserved for girls who turn 18.”

  The night’s emcee, Anna Maria’s lovely aunt Gertrudes “Tutut” Guiang, explained that Anna Maria wasn’t able to experience the coming-of-age traditional party when she reached 18 because she was simultaneously working for the Hollywood film Fame and the TV-movie Camp Rock.

  Just the same, perhaps to make up for lost time, although there was no grand Cotillion, Anna Maria had a “21 Roses Dance” with 21 of the most special men in her life, including her dad Artie and Kuya King (both dapper that night), and her Camp Rock co-star Justin Deanda who is reportedly courting Anna Maria.

  As she hit the legal drinking age, Anna Maria had her first official sip of wine courtesy of actor Hunter Parrish (who plays Jesus in Godspell), who handed the celebrator a wine glass amid the crowd’s cheers.

  “I’ve tried wine before at some functions, but it’s a lot cool knowing that you can now do it openly without wondering if you’re doing something illegal,” a laughing Anna Maria later told Funfare.

  But just because she’s of legal age doesn’t mean she’ll turn wild or do anything her heart desires.

  Said Edmund, “Ask anyone in her Disney family and they’ll tell you the girl has a squeaky-clean personality, both on and off cam, that sets her apart from other young stars.”

  Unknown to many, Anna Maria never talks back to her parents (never!) and Disney insiders can attest to this. She never fails to attend Sunday Mass except for Godspell performances that force her to take Saturday service at St. Malachy’s Church (a.k.a. The Actor’s Chapel) near her Manhattan penthouse pad.

  “If there’s one last remaining ‘perfect’ girl on the planet, it could be Anna Maria,” her friends told Funfare.

  Good thing Anna Maria is her own watchdog, said her parents who provided their three children solid moral foundation as kids. No wonder Anna Maria’s two role models, aside from her adorable mom Evelyn, are also two of the most wholesome figures in Philippine showbiz — her legendary Lola Sylvia La Torre (known for her “Filipino custom, no touch” rule) and Lea Salonga who was chaperoned by her mom Ligaya until she was 29.

  “Wengky (Anna Maria’s nickname) is still our baby,” said her dad, “and nothing’s gonna change that.”

  “She’s so focused at her craft and career,” said her mom. “I can tell you she has no time for matters of the heart, at least for now. It’s her choice and she knows it can wait.”

  When it comes to work, Anna Maria’s “a pro,” according to Glee actor and Godspell co-star Telly Leung.

  Telly, who probably owns the most magnificent singing voice among Asian American actors, told Funfare that Anna Maria is “hard working” and “dedicated” and genuinely enjoys what she’s doing.

  “I should know because we were there before her,” said Telly. “We were ‘her’ when we were starting on Broadway and I know that she was born to do what she’s doing.”

  Speaking of Korina, she joined the cruise with Girlie Rodis. Korina is in New York (for the nth time) with husband DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas for a two-week “second honeymoon.” They’ve watched several Broadway shows and tried New York’s new fancy restaurants.

  Noted Edmund, “The ageless and popular journalist sat quietly with Girlie and family members of the celebrator, and gamely posed for photos with star-struck guests who follow her on The Filipino Channel. As the yacht passed by the majestic Statue of Liberty, Korina joined the others who stood up near the windows to marvel at the famous lady. “How nice,” Korina uttered.

  Edmund: “Others like Hunter Parrish, Terry Leung, Uzo Aduba and the half-Pinoy George Salazar, rushed to the cruise deck outside and braved the biting cold weather to have their photographs taken with the famous statue in the backdrop. Inside, guests continued to hit the dance floor to tunes like Moves Like Jagger and Teach Me How To Dougie, until U.S.S. Respect returned to Manhattan’s Battery Park before 4 a.m.

  “Anna Maria and the entire Godspell team, led by its director Daniel Goldstein (the only one who was not able to join the cruise party due to pressing family matters), are in for another celebration as their cast album released last Dec. 20 for digital download reached the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ soundtrack chart with a strong boost, of course, from Anna Maria’s dazzling rendition of the hit musical’s most popular song Day By Day.”

   

   

  Source: PhilStar

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• December 18, 2011

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle - GODSPELL opening

  
  

  GODSPELL and Disney's CAMP ROCK star, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, chats with our MTIShowSpace correspondent at GODSPELL's opening!

   

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• December 16, 2011

  Godspell's Anna Maria Perez de Tagle Plans to Give Up an Addiction Cold Turkey in 2012

  

  As the curtain goes down on 2011, Broadway.com is looking ahead to the new year. We’ve asked the brightest stars on Broadway to reflect on their personal highlights from the past year and to reveal their hopes for 2012. Check out what they had to say, and have a Happy New Year!
  
  ANNA MARIA PEREZ DE TAGLE (Godspell)
  
  Highlight of 2011: “My number one highlight of 2011 was definitely being cast in Godspell. I've gained a new Broadway family, invaluable friends and experiences, and ultimately, the joy of entertaining great New York audiences. Having this dream come true and carrying it on through the holidays makes the experience extra special as it's the first time my family will spend Christmas (and my 21st birthday!) together in New York City!”
  
  Resolution for 2012: “I can't promise anything, but this year's candy addiction hits pretty hard. Skittles are the ‘official’ snack of the Godspell cast and crew. I'll have to brace myself for January 1 when I attempt to go cold turkey!”

   

  Source: Broadway.com

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• December 13, 2011

  Cast Recording Of GODSPELL Revival Gets 12/20 Release

  

  The New Broadway Cast Recording of the revival of GODSPELL will be released digitally on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 on Ghostlight Records. Produced by Stephen Schwartz, Michael Holland and Kurt Deutsch with Executive Producer Ken Davenport, the CD will be available in stores on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

  GODSPELL's Tony nominated score features music and lyrics by Academy and Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz., and features instantly recognizable hits including "Day by Day," "Turn Back, O Man," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "Prepare Ye," "Light of the World" and many more.

  "I'm so happy with this recording," said Stephen Schwartz. "Not only do I love the new arrangements by Michael Holland, but this may be the best-singing cast in the history of GODSPELL!"

  To hear song previews and to pre-order the CD, visit www.godspell.com or http://sh-k-boom.com/godspell.shtml.

  In advance of the Tuesday, December 20 digital release date, GODSPELL fans can hear full streaming audio of the song "Prepare Ye" beginning Monday, December 12 by visiting www.facebook.com/godspell.

  The also CD includes a bonus track of "Beautiful City" as performed by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.

  The complete listing for the New Broadway Cast Recording of GODSPELL is as follows:

  1. Tower of Babble -- Company
  2. Prepare Ye -- Wallace Smith and Company
  3. Save the People -- Hunter Parrish and Company
  4. Day by Day -- Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and Company
  5. Learn Your Lessons Well -- Celisse Henderson and Company
  6. Bless the Lord -- Lindsay Mendez and Company
  7. All for the Best -- Hunter Parrish, Wallace Smith and Company
  8. All Good Gifts -- Telly Leung and Company
  9. Light of the World -- George Salazar and Company
  10. Turn Back, O Man -- Morgan James and Company
  11. Alas for You -- Hunter Parrish
  12. By My Side -- Uzo Aduba and Company
  13. We Beseech Thee -- Nick Blaemire and Company
  14. Beautiful City -- Hunter Parrish
  15. On the Willows -- Wallace Smith and the Band
  16. Finale -- Hunter Parrish and Company

  Bonus Tracks:

  Beautiful City -- Performed by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting
  Learn Your Lessons Well (After Hours) -- Performed by Telly Leung,
  Lindsay Mendez and Wallace Smith

  The CD booklet contains full lyrics and liner notes from composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and from Paul Shaffer of "The Late Show with David Letterman," who served as the musical director of the original Broadway production of GODSPELL 40 years ago.

  
  

  Source: Broadway World

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• December 12, 2011

  Prepare Ye/Day By Day/Light of the World - GODSPELL - The View (2011-Dec-01)

  
  

  The cast of the 2011 Broadway revival of Godspell perform a medley including Prepare Ye (Wallace Smith), Day by Day (Anna Maria Perez de Tagle) and Light of the World ABC's THE VIEW December 1, 2011,
  
  The revival cast of Godspell is led by Hunter Parish as Jesus and also includes Uzo Abuda, Nick Blaemire, Celisse Henderson, Moran James, Telly Leung, Lindsay Mendez, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, George Salazar, Wallace Smith, Joaquina Kalukango, Eric Michael Krop, Corey Mach and Julia Mattison.
  
  With Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Direction by Daniel Goldstein and Choreography by Christopher Gattelli, Godspell opened Nov 7, 2011 at the Circle in the Square Theatre in NYC.

   

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• December 11, 2011

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle steals the spotlight in Broadway debut

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is slowly but surely becoming a truly gifted thespian. 

  The former Disney star’s Broadway debut in the 40-year-old rock musical "Godspell" has received rave reviews from critics 

  The Associated Press’ Mark Kennedy wrote, “...Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from ‘Hannah Montana,’ is tiny and beautiful and yet seems game for anything, and delivers a stirring ‘Day By Day.’”

  Kennedy also described Anna’s rendition of the most popular song in Stephen Schwartz’s musical as “gorgeous.”

  New York Times’ Charles Isherwood noted, “The show’s hit tune, ‘Day by Day,’ is led effectively by Anna Maria Perez de Tagle…”

  The Epoch Times’ Judd Hollander, said, “The rest of the cast all have at least one song in which they have a chance to shine, from De Tagle’s haunting ‘Day by Day’…”

  New Jersey Newsroom.com’s Lori Sender also lauded, “Especially noteworthy was Anna Maria Perez de Tagle donning an adorable second-hand-store find of powder blue tutu, singing an ethereal version of ‘Day by Day’; Lindsay Mendez with her belting voice and cowboy boots; and Telly Leung, who when sitting at the piano and quietly singing, made me long for a soulful night just of this.”

  Clearly, the young actress is making a name for herself in the theater scene.

  In an interview with Broadway.com on Dec. 1 [US Time], the 20-year-old actress dished about what her role calls her to do.

  “Our director [Daniel Goldstein] told us to act how we think we would be like as a follower of Jesus, so I play the innocent, pure one, which is very true to heart. I’m definitely a big girly girl!” Anna Maria shared.

  The granddaughter of kundiman singer Sylvia la Torre, de Tagle is said to have honed her dancing and singing prowess in the 2009 remake of the 1980 musical film “Fame.” She also played Ashley Dewitt to the hilt in the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana” starring Miley Cyrus. 

  The revival of the show on Broadway marks the musical's 40th Anniversary. “Godspell” is a fun, modern-day retelling of the New Testament parables from The Gospel According to Matthew. Regular performances of the show began on Nov. 15 and will run until January 2012.

  Since its restaging last month, a lot of Hollywood stars have already flocked at the Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre, New York to see the performance of the entire ensemble. Among them were Jesse Eisenberg, Zach Braff, Martin Short, John Lithgow, Tom Wilkinson, Angela Bassett and Rita Wilson. Also present were the Jonas Brothers, Victor Garber, who played Jesus in “Godspell’s” film version and Philippine Broadway pride, Lea Salonga. 

  The "Godspell" ensemble includes Hunter Parrish, Telly Leung, Wallace Smith, Celisse Henderson, and the half-Filipino, half-Ecuadorian George Salazar, who also have all been heaping praises.

   

  Source: BE Online

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• December 8, 2011

  Critics, audiences are all praises for Anna Maria Perez de Tagle

  

  With theater critics and audiences alike heaping praises on Anna Maria Perez de Tagle for her mesmerizing debut in the new Broadway musical Godspell, the former Disney star has morphed into a certified thespian.

  “And she’s loving every minute of it,” reports Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

  It doesn’t hurt that Anna Maria — who is marking her 21st birthday this month with a big bash — gets to sing Godspell’s most recognized tune, Day By Day. It’s the same song, featuring Anna Maria’s voice, that this Stephen Schwartz musical has been using in many of its publicity and promo that helps pack the intimate Circle in the Square Theatre night after night.

  Edmund said that discriminating critics — including those from the New York Times, the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal — have singled out Anna Maria’s exceptional voice that is crisp and crystal clear, and closely resembles Lea Salonga’s who, incidentally, caught Godspell and enthusiastically declared her love for Anna Maria and the exuberant cast. The ensemble includes Hunter Parrish, Telly Leung, Wallace Smith, Celisse Henderson, and the half-Filipino, half-Ecuadorian George Salazar, who also have all been receiving rave reviews.

  As the youngest and shortest in the bunch of fresh-faced cast, Anna Maria — the baby of the group — is hard to miss.

  Anna Maria acknowledges cheers from the crowd.

  The Associated Press, whose stories are used by various publications worldwide, writes: “...Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from Hannah Montana, is tiny and beautiful and yet seems game for anything, and delivers a stirring Day By Day.”

  The New York Times says, “The show’s hit tune, Day By Day, is led effectively by Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.”

  It isn’t actually much of a stretch for the triple-threat Fil-Am granddaughter of Philippine showbiz icon Sylvia La Torre, who began singing, dancing and acting on stage at an early age until she joined Disney’s staple of young talents.

  “She was only two years old when I would bring her to my shows,” Sylvia told Funfare during her Philippine visit last year. “Maliit pa ‘yan, mahilig na kumanta, performer na.”

  The Disney TV movie Camp Rock (1 and 2) and her first Hollywood feature film Fame further boosted Anna Maria’s confidence and prowess in singing and dancing, while her perfect timing in comedy is owed, no doubt, to the hit series Hannah Montana where she played the mean (but funny) girl Ashley Dewitt.

  “She just finished a grueling US concert tour with the Jonas Brothers when Godspell came along,” said Edmund. “In Godspell, Anna Maria has hilarious scenes, one of them requires her to deliver a dialogue in Tagalog that caught us off guard and left us chuckling. Anna Maria, we were told, got some pointers from Lea Salonga to nail the Pinoy accent.”

  Anna Maria (center, in black) with the cast of Godspell...

  Since the show, helmed by Daniel Goldstein in his Broadway directorial debut, opened Nov. 7 (with previews that began in October), celebrities have been flocking to the Circle in the Square in Midtown Manhattan to see the much-talked about “colorful” and “lively” show that is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.

  Among the stars who have met Anna Maria and the cast backstage were Martin Short, John Lithgow, Angela Bassett, Mary Louise Parker, Zach Braff, Jesse Eisenberg, Tom Wilkinson, Eugene Levy, Rita Wilson, the Jonas Brothers, and even Victor Garber, who played Jesus in Godspell’s film version. The movie is available on YouTube, featuring the former World Trade Center, where the cast is shown performing at the top of one of the towers that was then nearing completion.

  Although Godspell’s first ever Broadway revival generally got mixed reviews — USA Today calls it a “cause to rejoice,” giving it 3.5 stars out of 4 and the Associated Press declares it “a lively affair,” while the New York Daily News calls it “too hip” and “pushy,” and Bloomberg Businessweek describes it as “creepy” and “sounds off-key,” — majority of the critics applauded the entire cast’s performance.

  Godspell was a smash hit when it opened four decades ago off-Broadway and later became a motion picture. If memory serves me right, when Godspell was staged here years ago, a newcomer named Christopher de Leon played one of the major roles.

  The latest Broadway version may be too draining or exhausting for the not-so-young-at-heart as the 10 cast members alternately and collectively unleash magnificent talent and contagious energy on an intimate theater-in-the-round arena.

  ...and with (from left) Martin Short, Victor Garber, Wallace Smith (Judas) and Eugene Levy

  Aside from the catchy songs, Godspell also showcases some visual spectacles worthy of seeing such as when Jesus walks on the water, and his heart-wrenching crucifixion, among others.

  Anna Maria’s Mamita Sylvia, who is forever young at heart, will definitely be proud to see her heir apparent in a new chapter in her entertainment career, if and when the kundiman queen decides to fly to the Big Apple from Los Angeles.

  (Trivia: Godspell director Daniel Goldstein (photo) is said to have a “huge crush” on Lea Salonga since he was a ninth grader in NYC. Lea, who was only 18 at the time, was starring on Broadway’s Miss Saigon. Using lunch money and cash gifts he kept over a period of time, Daniel reportedly bought a pricey ticket to catch Lea in her Tony-winning performance as Kim. A few weeks ago, when Lea, now 40, saw Godspell, Daniel, was said to be “thrilled” to finally have met his crush.)

  ...with Kevin Jonas Jr. and Danielle Jonas who were among the celebrities present during the opening...

   

  Source: PhilStar

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• December 5, 2011

  GODSPELL - THE NEW BROADWAY CAST RECORDING

   

  COMING SOON! Pre-order now and be the first to get the new Godspell cast album from the Broadway Revival Cast!

  Place your order now for the release of Godspell's New Broadway Cast Recording. CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!!
  
  

   

  Tracks include:
  
  Tower of Babble
  Prepare Ye
  Save the People
  Day by Day
  Learn Your Lessons Well
  Bless the Lord
  All for the Best
  All Good Gifts
  Light of the World
  Turn Back, O Man
  Alas for You
  By My Side
  We Beseech Thee
  Beautiful City
  On the Willows
  Finale

   

  Exclusive Bonus Tracks, include Beautiful City sung by
  John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.

   

  

   

  

   

  THE LEGENDARY ROCK MUSICAL IS BACK ON BROADWAY. Prepare ye for GODSPELL, the beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning composer of WICKED and PIPPIN. Enjoy all the good gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time as it comes to Broadway in a brand new, intimately staged, one-of-a-kind production. Raise your spirit with the Tony®-nominated score filled with the popular hits Day By Day, Learn Your Lessons Well and Turn Back, O Man.
  
  This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world--and now you can join the celebration as a spectacular ensemble of Broadway's best, including Hunter Parrish (Spring Awakening, Showtime's "Weeds"), Telly Leung ("Glee", Wicked), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle ("Hannah Montana", Camp Rock), performs the greatest story ever told. So come sing about love at GODSPELL!

   

  Source: Godspell

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• December 4, 2011

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: Junk Food Thief!

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle sings out as she performs with the cast of Godspell on The View on Thursday morning (December 1).

  Recently chatting with Broadway.com, the 20-year-old actress dished about what her role calls her to do.

  “Our director [Daniel Goldstein] told us to act how we think we would be like as a follower of Jesus, so I play the innocent, pure one, which is very true to heart. I’m definitely a big girly girl!” Anna Maria shared.

  She added, “It just feels like we’re playing every night. They call me the ‘Junk Food Thief’ because I’m all about candy, caffeine and getting super hyped and excited before each show.”

   

  

  

  Source: JustJaredJr.

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• December 2, 2011

  Broadway welcomes Anna Maria

   

   

  

  Anna Maria is flanked backstage by good friends Kevin Jonas and his wife Danielle.  (Filipino Reporter photo)

  
  

  Fil-am actress/singer and former Disney star Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is not only getting rave reviews since “Godspell” opened on Broadway last month, she’s also being watched night after night by famous Hollywood celebs, among them Jesse Eisenberg, Zach Braff, Tom Wilkinson, Angela Bassett, John Lithgow, Rita Wilson and Lea Salonga.

  Anna Maria will have a big 21st birthday bash this December.

  
  

  

  “Godspell” well-wishers. From left, Martin Short, Victor Garber, “Godspell” stars Wallace Smith and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, and Eugene Levy.  (Filipino Reporter photo)

   

  Source: Filipino Reporter

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• November 27, 2011

  Fil-Am star of ‘Godspell’ charms critics

  

  LOS ANGELES—Mark Kennedy, drama critic for Associated Press, summed it up best among those who reviewed the current revival of “Godspell” on Broadway: “Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from ‘Hannah Montana,’ who is tiny and beautiful and yet seems game for anything… delivers a stirring ‘Day by Day.’” Kennedy also described Anna’s rendition of the most popular song in Stephen Schwartz’s musical as “gorgeous.”

  In her Broadway debut, a fulfillment of one of her most cherished dreams, Anna bursts with energy as one of the 10 cast members who take on various characters as they enact Jesus’ parables from the gospel according to St. Matthew.

  We caught the show last Sunday evening at the Circle in the Square.

  Surprise!

  Whether playing the father (using her long hair as mustache) of the prodigal son or portraying one of the Apostles in the Last Supper, Anna holds her own amid the cast, all of whom are talented and command attention. A wonderful surprise unfolds when Anna speaks several Tagalog lines during a Tower of Babel scene.

  Updated to contemporary times and with new lyrics by Stephen, this “Godspell” is a fresh revival of the rock musical that debuted in the 1970s.

  As The Wall Street Journal’s Terry Teachout wrote in his review, “Skeptics be damned: ‘Godspell’ is a joyously noisy romp that goes off like an extra-long string of firecrackers. It took 34 years for Stephen Schwartz’s once-ubiquitous rock musical, in which the gospel according to St. Matthew is enacted as a circus-like vaudeville turn, to make it back to Broadway, and by all rights the results should have been dated beyond hope of resuscitation. But Daniel Goldstein, the director of this revival, has blown all the dust off ‘Godspell,’ and the result is not a stale exercise in boomer nostalgia à la ‘Hair’ but a fizzy, family-friendly show that deserves to run… well, forever.”

  Terry added, “It helps, too, that everyone in the cast is funny, especially George Salazar, and that nearly everyone sings well, especially Celisse Henderson and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.”

  Several critics also cited Anna:

  New York Times’ Charles Isherwood: “The show’s hit tune, ‘Day by Day,’ is led effectively by Anna Maria Perez de Tagle…”

  Backstage’s David Sheward: “Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is button-cute and gives the Top 40 hit ‘Day by Day’ an innocent sweetness.’ ”

  “The Epoch Times, Judd Hollander: “The rest of the cast all have at least one song in which they have a chance to shine, from De Tagle’s haunting ‘Day by Day’…”

  New Jersey Newsroom.com’s Lori Sender: “Especially noteworthy was Anna Maria Perez de Tagle donning an adorable second-hand-store find of powder blue tutu, singing an ethereal version of ‘Day by Day’; Lindsay Mendez with her belting voice and cowboy boots; and Telly Leung, who when sitting at the piano and quietly singing, made me long for a soulful night just of this.”

  While “Godspell” is overall a humor-tinged romp through some of the parables that benefit from David Korins’ simple yet ingenious scenic design and Christopher Gattelli’s choreography, some scenes, including the Last Supper, the crucifixion (where Hunter Parrish, as Jesus, is most effective) and a few others moved some members of the audience to tears. Model turned singer-actress-producer Bessie Badilla, who watched the show with us, admitted to wiping away a few tears, too.

  After grandma

   

  After the performance, which earned a standing ovation, we stayed inside the theater to congratulate Anna who clearly has inherited her grandmother Sylvia La Torre’s talents.

  Shy and quiet as usual, very different from the “game” performer she was just minutes ago (that’s acting for you), Anna said the show’s somber scenes never fail to touch her.

  We also congratulated Telly Leung —who also plays Wes, a Warbler on “Glee”—for his own standout moments, especially on “All Good Gifts,” and when he sang and played the piano on “Learn Your Lessons Well.”

  Incidentally, Asian Journal’s Momar Visaya reported that the mother of another cast member, George Salazar, is a Filipina from Tanay, Rizal while his dad is from Ecuador.

  Last Saturday evening, we also met Anna for dinner in between her matinee and evening performances. It was a fun get-together of Los Angelenos who happened to be in New York, including Oliver Tolentino, who designs most of Anna’s red carpet ensembles, and his business manager, Andrew Caruthers.

  Anna herself is based in LA but she told us that she is enjoying living in the Big Apple during “Godspell’s” run, along with her gracious mom, Evelyn, and brother, King.

   

  Source: Inquirer - Entertainment

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• November 18, 2011

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: In the footsteps of Lea

  
  

  

  Manila, Philippines – IN LEA’S FOOTSTEPS – There’s a Lea Salonga in-the-making on Broadway, the Great White Way.

  She’s no other than Anna Maria de Tagle, who plays one of the leads in the revival of “Godspell,” currently showing on Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre.

  The granddaughter of coloratura soprano and one-time kundiman queen Sylvia La Torre, Anna Maria previously appeared in “Fame,” “Hannah Montana,” “Camp Rock,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “Cinderella,” “Bugsy Malone,” and “The King and I.”

  Come to think of it, should “Miss Saigon” be revived, Anna Maria will make a perfect Kim, the role originated by Lea on West End (London) and Broadway (New York).

  *
  VANITY FAIR EXPOSURE – Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and three other stars of “Godspell” were featured in the December issue of vanity fair, in the spotlight section, titled “Prepare Ye the Great White Way.”

  It reads:

  Once upon a time—you won’t believe this, but it’s true—hippies and Jesus fought on the same side in the culture wars. This was a period known as the early 1970s, when certain corners of the counterculture traded their dime bags for religion, and so-called Jesus freaks spilled forth across the face of the earth. God hadn’t yet decided that His adherents should vote Republican and follow NASCAR; rather, this was a psychedelicized army of Christ, stoned on Holy Spirit and dressed in fringed vest, peasant blouses, and bell-bottom jeans embroidered with epiphanic sayings such as “a day without Jesus is like a day without sonshine!” One longer-lasting product of the era was the musical “Godspell,” a loose-limbed, “Hair”—inspired revue based on the Gospel according to Matthew, with a joyous pop score by Stephen Schwartz (who went on to write the nominally opposed “Wicked”) and a big, old-fashioned hit song in “Day by Day.” The show opened Off Broadway in 1971, moved to Broadway five years later, and has been keeping the faith in church basements ever since. This month it’s returning home for its first major New York revival, with a cast headed by Hunter Parish, whom you may know from “Weeds” or the original cast of “Spring Awakening”; he will make for the hunkiest Jesus since… Williem Dafoe, the guy in “Ben Hur.” Rounding out the disciples and camp followers are Celisse Henderson, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, and Telly Leung. Their “Godspell” debuts in a very different cultural environment but one just as fraught, polarized, and in need of healing.

   

  Source: Tempo

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• November 18, 2011

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle on Jumping from Hannah Montana Mean Girl to Godspell Sweetheart

   

  

   

  Age & Hometown: 20; San Jose, CA
  
  Current Role: Making her Broadway debut singing “Day By Day” in the first Broadway revival of Godspell.
  
  Disney Days: Perez de Tagle fell in love with performing at the Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose, where a staff member entered the 12-year-old singer on Star Search. (She was defeated by future American Idol runner-up David Archuleta!) Shortly before eighth grade graduation, the young Filipino/Spanish actress landed the role of ditzy mean girl Ashley on Hannah Montana. “I did feel like I was a little out of the loop,” she says of being homeschooled while working on set, “but at the same time [acting] is what I love to do, so I don’t regret it.” Roles in Disney’s popular Camp Rock TV film series followed, as well as an international tour with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. “I absolutely loved traveling,” she says. “Performing in places like Brazil and Argentina was incredible. It’s such a heartwarming feeling to take the stage in front of 65,000 cheering people!”
  
  Day By Day: After playing nasty on TV, Perez de Tagle enjoys embracing her sweet side in her first Broadway gig. “I’m definitely a lot like myself in the show,” she says of her self-titled Godspell alter ego. “Our director [Daniel Goldstein] told us to act how we think we would be like as a follower of Jesus, so I play the innocent, pure one, which is very true to heart. I’m definitely a big girly girl!” Perez De Tagle has grown close with her Godspell castmates, who share the stage for the majority of the show. “It just feels like we’re playing every night,” she says of backstage life. “They call me the ‘Junk Food Thief’ because I’m all about candy, caffeine and getting super hyped and excited before each show.”
  
  Prepare Ye...for the Future : Although she has rocked out in huge venues, Perez de Tagle admits that she was initially wary of the demands of a Broadway musical. “I was nervous about the schedule and if my voice could make eight shows a week.” The answer, she discovered, was yes: “I love it!” she declares. So much so, that she has her eye on an iconic musical role: Kim in Miss Saigon. “That's my ultimate goal. If Miss Saigon ever comes back to Broadway, I have to be Kim. Or anywhere!” In fact, her newfound love of stage acting has put plans to record an album of R&B and pop music on the back burner. “I have a couple of songs stashed away, but right now Broadway is where my heart is,” she says. “I hope to be here for a long time.”
  

   

  Source: Broadway.com

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• November 18, 2011

  Inside GODSPELL's Cast Recording Session!

  

  The 40th Anniversary production and first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's rock musical GODSPELL officially opened at the Circle in the Square Theater last week, November 7. The cast was recently in the studio recording the all new album, and BroadwayWorld brigs you photos from their recording session below!

  
  

  Source: Broadway World

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• November 15, 2011

  Just Dance: Anna Maria Perez de Tagle - Godspell on Broadway

  
  

  Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock, Hannah Montana) chats with us at opening night of Broadway's first revival of Godspell!

   

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• November 14, 2011

  Broadway's 'Godspell' revival a lively affair

   

  MARK KENNEDY,AP Drama Writer 

  NEW YORK (AP) — Here's one revelation from the energetic new revival of "Godspell" on Broadway: Jesus is easily the least interesting character.

  That might seem strange coming from a musical that is based on the New Testament's Gospel of Matthew, but this Christ, played by Hunter Parrish ("Spring Awakening"), is, in a word, milquetoast.

  He's earnest and pretty and wide-eyed, but lacks an ounce of charisma, a dangerous failing for anyone attempting to play the Savior. Fittingly, he passes on wearing the traditional Superman T-shirt in favor of a baseball jersey. (The number on the back? No. 1, of course.)

  Thankfully, the rest of the 10-person cast — scary-talented and many in their Broadway debuts — distract any shortage of magnetism, making this hippy-dippy show funny, infectious and reverent. Blessed indeed are the followers.

  Broadway seems to be getting religion of late — "The Book of Mormon," ''Sister Act" and the upcoming "Jesus Christ Superstar" — and this first-ever Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz's landmark rock musical that opened Monday at the Circle in the Square Theatre fits perfectly.

  Directed by Daniel Goldstein — who has been doodling with a 21st-century update of the 1970-era show since a Paper Mill Playhouse production in 2006 — is aided this time by choreographer Christopher Gattelli and both take full advantage of the theater's in-the-round gift.

  The cast shoot confetti guns, pull up some audience members to share in the fun, bounce on trampolines, splash about in water, make Lindsay Lohan and Steve Jobs jokes, become human beat boxes and offer gorgeous versions of the songs "Day by Day," ''Beautiful City" and "All Good Gifts."

  Multiple parts, quick sketches, jumping into the aisles, the use of props such as ladders, newspapers and cell phones — not to mention the need to clean the stage afterward — and the fact that the orchestra's members are scattered across the theater — would have doomed most creative teams. This one purrs. Have they had divine intervention?

  The cast members have varied experiences. Some are Broadway veterans such as Wallace Smith, who powerfully portrays Judas/John and whose credits include "The Lion King"; a lively Lindsay Mendez, who was in "Grease"; and Uzo Aduba ("Coram Boy") who has a super voice and, perhaps most stunningly, can do a funny Donald Trump impersonation.

  Some have been on TV, such as "Glee" actor Telly Leung who proves so multitalented that it's clear he is being wasted in the background of that show, Hunter Parrish ("Weeds") and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from "Hannah Montana," who is tiny and beautiful and yet seems game for anything, and delivers a stirring "Day by Day."

  Others are making their big stage step and clearly embracing it. Celisse Henderson is fluent in three instruments and has a rich voice, while George Salazar is clearly having fun because he's simply hysterical. One performer, Julie Mattison, shouldn't even be up there: She's an understudy for an injured actress, but belts out a nice "Turn Back, O Man" and jokes about how the audience will be surprised to see her in their Playbill inserts.

  "For the first time, I'm feeling 'Wicked,'" Mattison said during one performance, which, of course, is the name of Schwartz's other massive hit musical which, it turns out, is playing just next door.

  The musical is filled with similar zingers as the cast yanks the show — the original book is by John-Michael Tebelak — into the modern age using their improvisation skills and clever updates. At one performance, the cast joked about Oprah Winfrey, "South Park," Bill Cosby, "Charlie's Angels," Moammar Gadhafi, Charlie Sheen, Occupy Wall Street, the so-called "birthers," L. Ron Hubbard, Facebook, the stimulus package, "Star Wars," Katharine Hepburn and "The Macarena." Jesus turns water in a Poland Spring bottle into wine and does a neat trick of walking on water.

  "Godspell," which has long been a standard show put on in colleges and high schools, captures the best of the old and embraces the new: At intermission, some cast members stay on stage for the traditional boogie with the audience — yes, free wine is handed out — and yet this new version has the parable about Tribute to Caesar illustrated by Jesus putting a coin in a tip jar. Costumes by Miranda Hoffman remain true to that dynamic, with the use of multicolored pants and suspenders as a nod to the hippy past, and prom dresses, sneakers, a bowling shirt and leopard prints a sign of the new.

  It all ends badly, of course — for Jesus, not the show. The second act is a bummer, though Jesus' death is sensitively handled. But as his followers carry his body away — their faces glisten with sweat and they are visibly moved — it's clear that "Godspell" has anointed a new group of Broadway stars and we are the richer for it.

   

  Source: The Daily News

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• November 6, 2011

  Broadway's 'Godspell' is heaven-sent for its cast

  
  

  

  One was waiting tables at a Times Square seafood restaurant. Another was in Disney films and on tour with the Jonas Brothers. A third had performed at Carnegie Hall, but wondered when she'd land theater's biggest prize.

  All three — George Salazar, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and Celisse Henderson — are overjoyed to be making their Broadway debuts this month in a revival of Stephen Schwartz's "Godspell."

  "For me, it's a dream come true," says Perez de Tagle while the others nod.

  The trio is part of a 10-person cast that stars Hunter Parish, whose credits include Showtime's "Weeds" and Broadway's "Spring Awakening," as Jesus but also has plenty of young performers making their first foray onto a Broadway stage. The hip musical retelling of the New Testament's Gospel of Matthew opens Monday at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

  The Tony-nominated score features the songs "Day by Day," ''Turn Back, O Man," ''Prepare Ye the Way" and "Light of the World" and the story — updated with modern jokes, including references to Kanye West and Occupy Wall Street — hits an infectious, hopeful tone.

  "Godspell," which was an off-Broadway and Broadway smash in the 1970s and was made into a film in 1973, has been a mainstay of church groups, high schools and colleges ever since. Performers such as Jeremy Irons, Zach Braff, Gilda Radner, Madonna, Queen Latifah, Alice Ripley and Jon Hamm were in productions as young people.

  In an interview deep below the theater, Salazar, Perez de Tagle and Henderson laugh and joke as they describe how they each took very different paths to end up singing and dancing together.

  "One of the most beautiful things about being in this group is that everyone involved is so unbelievable grateful to be here, for one reason or another," says Salazar, 25.

  The three are also soaking up media attention: They've been on "Late Show With David Letterman," photographed for Vanity Fair and were transformed into cartoons for a recent Broadway-themed episode of "South Park."

  Salazar, who hails from Kissimmee, Fla., was serving drinks and dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Times Square when he got a call this summer about the "Godspell" auditions. No problem, he thought: He had been in the second national tour of "Spring Awakening" and had stored up a few go-to songs.

  But there was a catch. His manager said producers of the musical were also asking performers to prepare their own improvised take on a Bible parable. And Salazar had little time to prepare — his audition was the next day.

  "Here I am with shrimp on trays and drinks in my hands, and I'm going, 'When am I going to do this?'" he recalls.

  Three months and five auditions later — including a nerve-racking one in front of Schwartz, who also composed the music and wrote the lyrics for "Wicked" — Salazar learned he had landed a role when his phone rang.

  "I lost it. I was a sweaty, crying mess in the hallway on the ground. It was a moment I will never forget," he says. In honor of that moment, Salazar says he'll be wearing special Nikes on opening night featuring the number "08-26" — Aug. 26 — the day he was cast.

  Perez de Tagle, the baby of the group at just 20, was flying into New York for a promotional event from her home in Los Angeles when her manager suggested she go to the "Godspell" audition.

  She had begun her career on stage in regional productions of "Cinderella," ''The Wiz" and "The King and I" and lately had appeared on the Disney Channel's series "Hannah Montana," and in such films as "Fame" and "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam." Last year, she toured with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

  But her heart was on stage, even if she wasn't familiar then with "Godspell.". Multiple callbacks — included flights back and forth from Los Angeles — made that dream possible and now she has happily moved to New York and started a new life.

  "This whole journey, with these amazing people, is honestly the best thing that ever happened," she says, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'm different now. And it's all because of them."

  Henderson's route has been the longest and most tortured. She was one of three actors in an earlier production of "Godspell" performed at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse in 2006. It was to make the jump to Broadway two years later, but the economic crash made that impossible.

  A native of Oakland, Calif., 27-year-old Henderson has amassed varied credits: She was seen off-Broadway in "In Transit"; had a recurring role on "The Electric Company"; was in a national touring company of "Wicked"; and released her debut album "Show and Tell" last year. But Broadway was elusive. Until now.

  "It's sort of come in a beautiful time in my life. I've been working in the business since I was 17," she says. "Now it's become the best thing that's ever happened to me."

  The three stress how fun and close the cast has become, a feeling perfectly in tune with a musical that is about 10 people who are reclaiming their joy. "It's not like work for us. It's playing," says Perez de Tagle. "It's just so much fun."

  "There are no egos, there are no personality clashes. Everyone works so well together and we have so much fun," adds Salazar. "We hope that there's a real long healthy run because, I don't want to stop working here."

   

  Source: Yahoo

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