ManilaMailDC.Net - Class Act

In 1969, when best friends Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Buboy Garrovillo were students at the Ateneo de Manila High School, they formed the APO(Apolinario Mabini) Hiking Society. The group became an instant hit in 1973 after their first professional gig. Since then,these musical legends have recorded countless albums and performed in successful concerts both at home and abroad. Weeks before their May 6 concert at the GWU Lisner Auditorium, their many fans in the Washington D.C. metro area were just excited that their idols were coming back here to perform. After all, it had been three years since they last performed here. On the evening of their show, thoser fans came in droves at the Lisner Auditorium.

The APO’s music is timeless and it was evident that night when they performed most of their hit songs- the love ballads and the catchy, breezy pop tunes they are famous for. Their vocals were melodious and pitch-perfect. Also, the stylish arrangements on the musical medleys provided the audience with a new, refreshing take on their familar songs.

Their signature humor was also on display that night as they engaged in witty banter with each other, and in a particularly hilarious number that brought down the house. And even they said that they were now seniors, they projected a youthful vibe and energy throughout the evening. They still look young after all these years.

Special guest Nanette Inventor had everyone in stitches with her riotous “Tita Munding” act and another special guest Heart Evangelista was charming. Hats off to Jim Paredes, Danny Javier, and Buboy Garrovillo, Nanette and Heart. And congratulations to Robert Dizon of On-Stage Productions for another successful production. Ever since Robert formed On-Stage, he has brought only top-notch entertainment to the Washington D.C. metro area.

At Arena Stage( 1101 Sixth St. NW, Washington D.C), with the visually stunning “Peter And Wendy” enchanting audiences at the Kreeger Theatre, a new show, “Ennio” will make its regional premier at the Fichlander Theatre on May 22 and will play till June 10. Known as the “human paper doll,” Italian clown Ennio Marchetto makes the art of origami into theatrical magic. He races through 50 life-size costumes in only 70 minutes-lampooning politicians, celebrities and historical figures-in a presentation that is part commedia, dell’ arte, part Disney and fun for all ages. Accompanied by non-stop music, Marchetto creates caricatures of pop-culture icons ranging from Marilyn Monroe to Marilyn Manson, stopping along the way to parody Snow White, Celine Dion and more.

“Ennio” launches the “Arena Presents” series, a new line of programming designes to expand the theater’s reach to new artists and audiences. A native of Venice, Ennio Marchetto worked in the family business repairing espresso machines until the annual Carnival inspired him to explore his talent for creating costumes and masks, His award-winning show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has toured the globe amazing audiences in more than 60 countries including China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, The United Kingdom and the United States. “Ennio” has been nominated for the New York Drama Desk Award and the Laurence Olivier for Best Entertainment.

Tickets for “Ennio” are 38.00 plus applicable fees for students, groups, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Performance times are, Wed.,Thurs., Fri., Sat., at 8:00 p.m.(Exception: 5/26 at 5 p.m.). And Sundays at 3 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., there’s no evening performance on 5/27.For tickets and info, call Arena Stage at 202- 488-8300 or visit their website at www.arenastage.org ttp://www.arenastage.org. E- mail your comments to: Dino.62@hotmail.com