We Will Rock You, inspired by the rock & roll music of Queen and the book by Ben Elton, is a musical set in a Metaverse-gone wrong future where kids are controlled like robots, stripped of their individuality, creative spirit, and musical instruments. The story is anchored on two bohemian revolutionaries who journey to free the world by fulfilling the prophecy of rediscovering rock & roll music.
It was awesome to watch the global premier here in Manila and here’s what we think.
ABOUT
A brand new re-imagined production of the iconic Ben Elton & Queen musical We Will Rock You finally opened at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Manila. This production directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Nick Winston, is launching a multi-year international tour and audiences across the world will be sure to enjoy this dynamic new interpretation
We Will Rock You follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock’n’roll music in a post-apocalyptic world. In an age where algorithms predict our every preference, We Will Rock You is a musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality. This brand-new international rock-powered production features 24 of Queen’s biggest hits,
including Killer Queen, Under Pressure, We Are the Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free, Don’t Stop Me Now Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, and, of course, the inimitable We Will Rock You. With a futuristic styled set by Tom Rogers, video backdrop by Douglas O’Connell and fabulous new costumes from Sarah Mercade, this is sure to be an absolute smash hit.
WE WILL ROCK YOU GLOBAL
📍Samsung Performing Arts Theater @ Circuit Makati
Limited Season from October 28 – November 20, 2022
⏱ Tuesday to Friday: 8:00pm
⏱ Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 pm and 7:00pm
🌐 ticketworld.com.ph
📞: +632 8891-9999
✉️: Group and corporate bookings: groups@gmg-productions.com
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
Ground Floor, Circuit Makati
10am – 7pm
🎫 Tuesday Ticket Special
Special ticket prices are offered on Tuesday Performances.
Get a huge discount on all price categories!
Level 1 – PhP 4,000
Level 2 – PhP 2,500
Level 3 – PhP 1,000
REVIEW
I watched the original musical in London’s West End which ended its run in 2014. This global musical version is rebooted with a dystopian vibe, making it the perfect musical to watch after the pandemic. Most people’s reaction after the show was that it was super fun to watch.
If this is the first time you are watching the musical, the story is not about Freddie Mercury nor the journey of Queen. The plot is about the young generation now controlled by the internet and how they were inspired to break free using rock & roll music to escape from the control of Global Soft (the villain metaverse company).
The first act was fun and was able to establish the apocalyptic world, the bohemian characters, and the rock & roll prophecy. The second act though had dragging parts and was rushed to the ending. There was a dramatic focus on the sex-scene which was not necessary.
The dance sequences were fun but not synchronized. I originally thought there would be Filipinos in the cast but there were only foreign performers in this traveling production. The costumes were so mesmerizing to watch they make you forget about the pandemic.
The Killer Queen sequences performed by Londiwe Dhlomo were the best. You’d rekindle your love and excitement for musical theatre—world-class voice and electrifying choreography.
I did not know what to expect when I got invited to watch the premier. On hindsight, I should have brought my sons to watch this rebooted version of We Will Rock You for new post-pandemic theatre audiences. Make sure to bring your kids when you watch this.
CAST
Nicolette Fernandes is thrilled to be playing Scaramouche in We Will Rock You after a long pandemic. Graduating from Waterfront Theatre College, Nicolette holds Advanced ISTD training in modern and tap dance, a Trinity LTCL in Musical Theatre and ISTD teaching associates in modern, tap and hip hop. Her theatre credits include Dance Captain and Ulla understudy for Pieter Toerien’s The Producers, Ilse in Spring Awakening, Penelope Pennywise in URINETOWN! and Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act. Nicolette has also performed in various tribute shows and played Rainbow Dash in the My Little Pony International Friendship Tour. Most recently, she had the pleasure of choreographing Our House the Musical at the Artscape Theatre. In addition to theatre, Nicolette continues to work as a dance teacher, voice artist and has appeared in commercials and films such as The Power and Netflix’s Good Life.
Instagram: @nicoletta_neofernandes
Tiktok: @nicolettefernande
Facebook: Nicolette Fernandes
Stuart Brown graduated from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in 2021 and has since featured in The Tales of The Big Bad Wolf (Wolf) at the Kalk Bay Theatre, How To Date Like A F*@#&%! Grownup – A Musical Comedy (Workshop Version) in various theatres, and most recently Defending The Gay Man at 69 Theatre.Pre-covid, Stuart was involved in Snow White and The Seven Dwarves (2015) and Peter Pan (2017) at Canal Walk (Abrahamse & Meyer).
Instagram: @stuart.nicholas.brown
Londiwe Dhlomo was born and raised in Durban, Kwazulu Natal. Skilled in dance, singing and acting, she pursued a career in the performing arts industry and quickly proved to be a diverse artist. She has performed in musicals such as Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors. After receiving a ‘Durban Theatre Award’ for ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ for her appearance in the hit show Sing it, Sista! and her supporting role in Little Shop of Horrors, Londiwe played Maid Marion in the Kickstart Panto Robinhood and the Babes in the Wood and later played Princess Miranda in their production of Puss in Boots. She went on to perform in Dreamgirls understudying the role of Deena Jones and received a Fleur du Cap Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as ‘Texas’ in Cabaret. She excelled as one of the three Divas in Priscilla Queen of the Desert earning another Fleur du Cap nomination. She understudied and played the role of Mrs Phelps in the international tour of Matilda the Musical. Beyond her extensive work on stage, Londiwe has been successful on screen in the tele novella Ring of Lies and her most recent role as Liyana in the new Netflix series The Brave One. She has lent her voice to various products and shows worldwide. Londiwe has been a leading female vocalist in shows such as African Footprint , 24hrs on Broadway, Blondes on Deck, Time Warp, Dolphins by Starlight, Bidvest and many more. Gracing stages and screens world-wide, Londiwe is always been an enchanting performer to watch.
Instagram: @justlonds
Tiktok: @justlonds
Multi awarding winning actor, singer and dancer received his BA Drama at Rhodes University. Musical Theatre: The Buddy Holly Story, Grease, Fame, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, Contact, Kiss Me Kate, Morecambe, Sound of Music, West Side Story, Rock of Ages, Music of the Night, Rocky Horror Show. Television: Shado’s, Isidingo, Binnelanders, The Wild, Ashes to Ashes, Scandal, Makhoti, Warrior Season 1, Generations, The Queen, Legacy. Film: Woman of Desire, Blitzpatrollie, Triggered, Looking for Love, The Construct, Last Days of American Crime. Music Credits: The South African and West End cast recordings of Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, Could’ve Been Love, I might Like It, I’m a Sax. Other: Two Royal Variety Performances, Host of Miss South Africa 2007, Women of the Year Awards 2008, MC Wedding Expo, Starlight Classics, Radio presenter on Mix 93.8. AWARDS: Naledi nominations for Annie, Chicago, Peter Pan, Morecambe, Naledi win for Rock Of Ages. Fleur du Cap nominations for Chicago and Rocky Horror, Green Room Award for Buddy Holly Story, Laurence Olivier Nomination for Contact.
Facebook: Craig Urbani
Instagram: @craigurbani
Twitter: @craigurbani
Tiaan Rautenbach received his BA(Hons.) degree in Drama from the University of Pretoria in 1999 and made his debut performance that year as Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar. He went on to perform in numerous stage musicals including Fame, The Full Monty and Footloose. He has also been seen on many South African television series such as Sokhulu and Partners, Generations and most recently as George Bester on Binnelanders and Pinkie Poggenpoel on 7de Laan. His proudest moment on screen was the sketch comedy show Kompleks which he co-wrote and starred in. Kompleks was nominated for two SAFTA awards for best comedy ensemble and best comedy writing. In 2016 Tiaan also received a Naledi award nomination for best supporting actor in a musical for the pantomime Aspoestertjie. He spent 15 years traveling the country with touring productions for the Barnyard Theatre and in 2017 he furthered those travels to the Mediterranean on TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 2. During the 2020 lockdown he started an ongoing online project, Rooftop Tune/Dagdakdeuntjie with long-time friend and collaborator Eloise Clasen. Apart from his theatrical and television endeavors, Tiaan spends his time strumming his ukulele and rocking out with his band Mamba Pistol.
Facebook: Tiaan Rautenbach
Instagram: @tiaan667
Twitter: @tiaanbach
Richard Gau has performed in numerous musicals in South Africa and internationally including Dirty Dancing (Robbie Gould /Johnny Castle alternate), Singin’ In The Rain (Don Lockwood & Cosmo Brown alternate), Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dan/Joseph alternate), Calling Us Home (Raphael) and finishing just months before the COVID-19 pandemic in Evita (Magaldi alternate). His stage work includes Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike(Spike) and The Vertical Hour (Phillip). Since the global pandemic Richard made a shift to the film and television industry and has played roles in both respectively; Aya, Nandi & Olivia – Feature films (Director Khalid El – Jelailati), Verified – Feature film (Director Waleed M. Al -Yamani), Legacy – Telenovela (Andre Odendaal, Krijay Govender), Baile De La Muerte & WAR – Feature film (Director Anthony Oseyemi), Do Your Worst – Feature film (Samantha Nell) & PRIME – Netflix Original Feature film (Director Thabiso Christopher). He is so excited to be a part of this incredible production of We Will Rock You.
Danelle Cronje completed her National Diploma in Musical Theatre at Oakfields College where she appeared in Carrie, The Cradle Will Rock, Songs for a New World (in partnership with the University of Oklahoma) and Passing Strange. She has a versatile voice and can sing various genres ranging from pop/rock to classical. She performed in corporate events such as 67 Blankets, Bidvest on Broadway, Tiger Brands Function and Back to School. She was in Add-Life’s pantomime Doringrosie: Die Slapende Skone. She was also part of &Co’s Seussical, Barely Legal Showtunes and Polkadots: the Cool Kids Musical. She had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the workshop cast for Genting and 20th Century Fox at Genting Theme park in Malaysia. Danelle also worked on contract as a singer for TUI’s Mein Schiff 3. She is also part of a vintage singing trio The PolkaDollz.
Facebook: Danelle Cronje
Twitter: @CronjeDanelle
Instagram: @danellecronje
Darren Greeff branched out into the world of musical theatre where he performed in the South African tour of ‘Cats’& the international tour of ‘Grease the Musical’. He re-joined Bovim Ballet as a principal dancer in the production of ‘Romeo’s Kiss’. He went on to choreograph & direct ‘Doll Domination – a tribute to the Pussycat Dolls’ at Grandwest casino as well as the UK film titled ‘The Prisoner’. Darren then joined the international touring cast of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, where he performed in almost 900 performances in ten different international cities. Darren left Phantom to join the world touring cast of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. He then joined the international touring cast of ‘Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ as the resident director & resident choreographer after which he went on to join the international touring cast of ‘Evita’ as Resident Choreographer. Most recently, Darren was the resident director & choreographer of the international tour of ‘Chicago the Musical’
THEATER
Catch We Will Rock You at the new Samsung Performance Arts Theatre in Circuit Makati.
There is adequate parking in the basement and there is a nearby theatre entrance on the G/F.
This is the orchestra section, the best place to experience the musical.
Go around 5pm to the Circuit Makati mall for early dinner before watching the 7:00pm show. Even water is not allowed inside during the break.
Go in your rock & roll glam outfit—leather jacket, Doc Martens and R&R shirt.
Don’t be surprised that most people don’t wear face masks anymore when watching the musical.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, We Will Rock You is a super fun show, the perfect musical to watch after the long hiatus of musical theatre performances in Manila. We are honored to have watched a rebooted West End Musical Show that globally premiered in Manila with its new storyline and theme. The entire audience erupted into rock & roll frenzy with the encore performances of We Will Rock You and Bohemian Rhapsody. Don’t miss this limited run in Manila!
Congratulations to We Will Rock You and GMG Productions for a successful Manila run!
WE WILL ROCK YOU GLOBAL
📍Samsung Performing Arts Theater @ Circuit Makati
Limited Season from October 28 – November 20, 2022
⏱ Tuesday to Friday: 8:00pm
⏱ Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 pm and 7:00pm
🌐 ticketworld.com.ph
📞: +632 8891-9999
✉️: Group and corporate bookings: groups@gmg-productions.com
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
Ground Floor, Circuit Makati
10am – 7pm
🎫 Tuesday Ticket Special
Special ticket prices are offered on Tuesday Performances.
Get a huge discount on all price categories!
Level 1 – PhP 4,000
Level 2 – PhP 2,500
Level 3 – PhP 1,000
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thank you to GMG Productions for the media invitation. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.