Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang by DUP

Gilda Cordero-Fernando is one of my favorite authors of all time. If I chance upon her  featured article on Philippine Daily Inquirer or book at UP PRESS, I always make sure I won't miss reading it.  When I learned that DUP is staging a play adapted from one of her works, I immediately marked my calendar to watch this play entitled "Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang" showing from Nov. 23 to Dec. 11.

Good news for U.P. Students:  

Buy a ticket in advance at DUP Office (Palma Hall 136) and show your U.P. ID 
you will pay only  P150 
but if you buy a ticket at the gate it will cost P250.

PLAYDATES First Week November 23, 2011 / Wednesday November 24, 2011 / Thursday November 25, 2011 / Friday November 26, 2011 / Saturday November 27, 2011 / Sunday Second Week November 30, 2011 / Wednesday December 1, 2011 / Thursday December 2, 2011 / Friday December 3, 2011 / Saturday December 4, 2011 / Sunday Third Week December 7, 2011 / Wednesday December 8, 2011 / Thursday December 9, 2011 / Friday December 10, 2011 / Saturday December 11, 2011 / Sunday

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM  For ticket inquiries, contact Cherry Bong Edralin 0917-7500107 or the DUP Office 9261349.

For its mid-season production, Dulaang UP stages "Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang," a children’s play adapted from Gilda Cordero-Fernando's children’s short story "The Magic Circle," written by Rody Vera and directed by José Estrella. 

The play runs November 23-December 11, 2011 at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan (THY), Faculty Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

The story chronicles the adventures of a young boy named Jepoy Baybayin and his pet dog Galis as they go on a magical journey bursting with fantastic characters and strange happenings. 

Jepoy and Galis are invited to a wedding underneath a balete tree, in the middle of a dark forest. No exact wedding date. They only have to wait for a sign: when it rains while the sun is shining, that's the time to go and witness the vows of the tikbalang couple. Jepoy and Galis meet the Tatlong Maria: Makiling, Sinukuan and Cacao of the mountains, the enormous Doña Geronima with her clean and shiny plates, the Spanish-speaking dwarf maitre d' Pacqui, talking pythons and frogs, tiyanak debutantes, ballroom dancing aswangs, the four musicians of San Roque and a woeful kapre named Kap. 

Yet this wondrous banquet is not just frolic and festivity. It is also an urgent plea to the only human guest, Jepoy, no matter how young and poor he is, to tell his world to change things before it's too late.

 

"Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang" is a gentle reminder for children of all ages of the responsibility to care for our environment. It also serves to refresh our memory on the richness of our folk literature with its repertoire of fascinating stories and characters that are rendered nearly forgotten by American popular culture.

Award-winning sculptor Leeroy New’s designs the sculptural costume pieces, while another multi-awarded artist, Don Salubayba, lends his talent through unique shadow puppetry that adds yet another exciting dimension to the show. Complementing these are Lex Marcos’ set and lights and Tj Ramos’ sound design. 

NAMCYA National Champion: The Samiweng Singers of Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte despite its rich heritage is known as a provincial rustic place with slow development in many aspects relatively to other provinces. I am still proud of my homeprovince though which is still my favourite place in the world and one of the reasons other than food for my Ilocano palette is - it is not dearth of talented Ilocanos, who will travel anywhere and spend every penny they have to share their passion in the arts.

One of them is The SAMIWENG SINGERS - a Choral Group founded by Robert Caluya in year 2001. It has been a champion in several choral competitions including the National Level of the prestigious NAMCYA in 2002 (National Music Competition for Young Artists) as a TREBLE-SSAA Choir in the Youth Choir category, besting highschool choirs even from popular schools in Manila.

 Allow me to share this well-written piece by Maestro Robert Caluya - the founder and conductor of this choir, who was once a coach/mentor in my singing in my younger years.

The SAMIWENG SINGERS of Ilocos Norte National High School, Laoag City: A Decade of Choral Adventure

by Robert Caluya

After working with the INNHS Youth Choir as Conductor for seven years in 2000,I thought of starting a new choir called the INNHS Samiweng Singers.  Officially established in 2001. The main reason was, I could not hear a basso profundo and there was a dearth of choral pieces for high school students. So, the first treble choir was born...

I formally started recruiting members of the 1st Batch of the Samiweng Singers in 2001 with a few number of Special Science Class students left who were members of the Youth Choir.  There were about more than 100 students who auditioned mostly students from the Special Program in the Arts (SPA). The first performance was during the 1st Quarterf Recita of l  SPA music students (First week of August). Since then, a strong number of more than 50 students became members on its first year. The choir performed in small, local programs.

I left the country for the US Concert Tour of the Sagibsib Performing Arts Troupe in 2002 (April-July) . I thought then of staying in the US for good- but one night, the Samiweng Singers just pop out into my mind- then everything changed. I came home .

On August 2002, the official number of the Samiweng Singers became 26.Joined the Regional NAMCYA FInals at the Teatro Ilocandia and was awarded First Prize. The NAMCYA Finals was not too far, the choir won 1st Prize in the  NAMCYA FInals at the CCP. The following year, the choir participated in the Samu't -Saring Tinig V- A concert of Best High School Choirs in the Philippines, the NAMCYA National Youth Music Festival at the CCP and the Province of Bulacan, and the fiisrt recording debut in 2003 and released in the Summer of 2004.Also the choir sang in most of the Province and Laoag City affairs. They also sang in the welcoming program of Ms Earth Pageant Candidates.

In 2004, I started mentoring Mr. Sherberk Cabrales, a former student and choir member who became my assistant conductor. In 2005, the choir was handed over to him officially-several odds and issues. Trial periods as they say...

In 2006, I was assigned as Officer in Charge of the MAPEH and SPA Departments and so Mr. Cabrales experimented on both the Youth Choir and the Samiweng Singers.

Several years came after and in March 2011, the Samiweng Singers embarked on its first international choral competition in Hoi An, Quang Nam Viet Nam. It emerged Over-all winner in the Children, Youth and Sacred Choir Categories. Mr. Cabrales and I conducted the same choir in different categories and were Category winners .

Now on its tenth year, The Samiweng Singers will surely continue to sing to the world...
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If the LOBOC CHILDREN'S CHOIR became popular due to good marketing skills of their promoters/managers, I think it is about time that the SIMAWENG SINGERS must also be treated of the same level of marketing and support.  More so that we have a new Governor Imee Marcos who is more of an art advocate than any Governor of Ilocos Norte I know.  I only hope she includes you in supporting your endeavors as a chorale group in allocating her budget during her tenure.

It is about time Manong Robert. It is about time ;)

Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece. 

To the SIMAWENG SINGERS - keep on singing! Bravo!
Visit and Like Samiweng's Facebook Page


Here are  video clips of the choir group:

 

This clip was taken during the Samu't Saring Tinig Concert V at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on February 2003 featuring the best high school choirs in the Philippines.

1. Ilocos Norte National High School Choir  - who sang "O Naraniag a Bulan"
2. De La Salle High School Glee Club (1999 NAMCYA Youth Choir Category Champion)
3. Isabel National High School Youth Choir (2002 NAMCYA Youth Choir CAtegory, 2nd place)
4. St. Scholastica High SChool Glee Club
5. Ramon Magsaysay High School Choir, Cubao
6. Paref Southridge School Male Choir

with guest performance by the Kundirana Singers

INNHS Samiweng Singers' conductor: Mr. Robert Caluya

Naraniag A Bulan: Arranged by Mr. Robert Delgado

(Source: rhearmie )

 

 The INNHS Samiweng Singers goes pop singing I'M YOURS by JASON MRAZ. I'm yours arranged by Sherberk Cabrales for duet,violin,guitar,beatbox,and chorus.

(Source: winnlavqglenn)

 This time under Maestro Sherberk Cabrales (Source: apiong2007)

Darkest Night Horror Film Premiere Cancelled at UP Film Institute on Nov. 10, 2011.

Morning news of Nov. 9 greeted me with a smile as I read Yahoo News on Darkest Night, a horror film written by Russ Williams which says will premiere near my college building, that is at UP Film Center/Institute on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011.

However contrary to what some blogs say and to what Yahoo News reported which says in part: “Darkest Night” will have its premiere night on Thursday, Nov. 10 at the U.P. Film Institute in U.P. Diliman" is actually false.

After my class was dismissed at 5pm today (Nov. 9), my driver drop me off at UP Film Institute (UPFI) which is a few blocks from our building so I can buy tickets for the film only to learn from a UPFI staff personnel that it is was cancelled because there are movies reserved showing for November 11, 2011.  (One UPFI staff was not even aware what Darkest Night is about but I explained that I read about it in Yahoo news and blogs that there will be a premiere tomorrow). I also did not see any single poster of the film at UPFI and yes, expectedly, no tickets are being sold.    

To anyone who will find out when it is actually premiering, I'd appreciate if you could leave the info by posting it in the comment.

I suggest that people behind the publicity of this film must immediately correct and inform the media that there is NO PREMIERE of Darkest Night on Thursday, November 10, 2011.  As far as I know, they have not because the Yahoo News I just mentioned is still up with such wrong information, and the same goes with some blogs who posted about this premiere date.

The film's Facebook Fanpage  posted on its wall (9 hours ago as of this time I am writing this): To all of our cast, crew, friends and the media: Unfortunately, we must announce that our premiere will be delayed by about a week, due to circumstances beyond our control. Please bear with us, and we apologize for any inconvenience. Thanks so very much for your patience! - but this can only do very little for it was posted only in the fanpage. And even with 461 fans, not all can read it at once and premiere date announced (in Yahoo news and blogs) is already tomorrow.  

People might flock to the UPFI just to see this premiere of Darkest Night only to learn that there is no such premiere.  If that happens to me, I might be irked and would really be disappointed for it consumed my time and effort going there and ruined my sched. 

To digress... 

This Gothic horror film boasts an almost all Filipino cast except for the lead American Actor DJ Perry.  It is directed also by a Filipino, Noel Tan and the screenplay written by Russ Williams.  It is produced by Gothic Productions International, a Philippine company funded by U.S. independent resources.  Well-written articles have been made about it and what it entailed, such as shooting most scenes in Pampanga.  

As one blogger puts it:
American Independent Film producer, Russ Williams brings to Manila a hybrid horror film that is set to appeal to both Western and Asian audiences. Shot in Pampanga, Darkest Night takes the audience to a path of discovery as Jonas Gruet (Taksikab, Private Nights) finds a videotape at the site of the a gruesome murder. 

The film stars American actor, DJ Perry (The 8th Plague, Ghost Town: The Movie) and French-Filipina actress Anne Gauthier. The film also features Filipino actors Issa Litton, Nic Campos, Jill Palencia, international actress Marife Necesito (Mammoth, Taksikab), Zeny Sevilla and Kevin Vitug (Pendong, Taksikab). Also in the cast is Malaysian actor Justin Hoong Fai Chan. (Source: Bum Spot).

For more information about the movie, visit

http://www.horrorsociety.com/2011/02/11/new-horror-thriller-darkest-night/

http://www.horrorsociety.com/2011/07/06/darkest-night-news-and-poster-released/

http://www.horrorsociety.com/2011/08/20/horror-film-darkest-night-announces-official-website/

official website: http://www.darkestnightmovie.com/

Tanghalang Pilipino Showcases Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao?

Source: Tanghalang Pilipino

PINOCCHIO, GUSTO MO BANG MAGING TAO?

As an early Christmas offering, TANGHALANG PILIPINO, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is proud to bring back Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), from November 18 to 20, 2011. Filled with songs, fantasy, humor and colorful costumes, this adaptation by George de Jesus of the well-loved classic tale of Carlo Collodi will surely delight the whole family. Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? features Tanghalang Pilipino’s very own Actors Company; a creative team of multi-talented theater artists.

Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? is about the magical adventures of a wooden puppet whose quest to become a real boy leads him to learn about life, love and honesty.

Responsive to the needs of the times, this production is also socially-relevant because it tackles environmental awareness and addresses the urgent need to teach our children to be active participants in environmental protection. This it does through a fun-filled interactive staging.

TANGHALANG PILIPINO is now accepting reservations for Show Buyers and Block House Buyers of Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao?. The option for the show buyer is to have the play serve as a fundraiser for his/her chosen cause or as an opportunity to sponsor the viewing of the play by a special audience of his/her choice.

Give your friends and loved ones an early Christmas treat! Bring your kids to the CCP and let your holidays be filled with spectacle, music and merriment as you enter the magical world of Pinocchio.

For more information on booking and show rates, please call Tanghalang Pilipino at 8323661 or contact the following officers:

Lorelei Celestino: 0908-8941384

Paulo Perez: 0928-2754747

CALL US NOW AND AVAIL OF BIG DISCOUNTS!

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PLAYDATES FOR PINOCCHIO, GUSTO MO BANG MAGING TAO? To be staged at The CCP Little Theater. Buy your tickets now for this special performances:

NOV. 18 FRIDAY @3:00PM
NOV. 19 SATURDAY @ 3:00PM
NOV. 20 SUNDAY @ 3:00PM

For Smart Users, text/call: 0928-27547474 and for Globe/talk n' text: 0915-6072275

You may also call us directly at Tel. Nos. 832.3661 And 832.1125 local 1620 & 1621

Source: Tanghalang Pilipino courtesy of Lorelei Celestino

Aliw Awards 2011 Announces Winners

Aliw Awards 2011 announces winners last Nov. 8, 2011 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

I am happy to know that my first professor in theater (Theater 100: Introduction to Theater) as my free elective, whom I have learned so much from despite his ferocious temper.  Professor Emeritus Tony Mabesa of College of Arts and Letters, of UP Diliman has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award other than winning Best Director for FAKE.  

Here are winners in BOLD FONT and list of nominees:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (THEATER)
Tony Mabesa

BEST ACTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Joel Lamangan - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Chase Cervera - Lam-ang (Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University)
Teroy Guzman - Screen: Macbeth (College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines)
Mario O'Hara - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Cris Pasturan - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Bembol Roco - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)

BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Vince Tanada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Redgie Jimenez - Alibugha (Pro.Pro)
Jett Pangan - Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Gerald Santos - Sino ka ba Jose Rizal (Gantimpala Theater)
Nyoy Volante - In the Heights (Atlantis Productions)


BEST ACTRESS (NON-MUSICAL)
Frances Makil Ignacio - Joy Luck Club (Repertory Philippines)
Ana Abad Santos - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Shamaine Buencamino - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Gina Pareno - American Hwangap (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Joanne Salazar - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)

BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo- Next to Normal (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Xanadu (Atlantis Productions)
Nikki Gil - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)
Pinky Marquez - Little Women (Repertory Philippines)
K La Rivera - In the Heights (Atlantis Productions)
Cris Villongco - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)

BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE
Joel Trinidad - Kaos (Resorts World Manila)
Bodgie Pascua - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Jerald Napoles - Caredivas (Philippine Educational Theater Association)
Joe Gruta - El Filibusterismo
Romnick Sarmenta - Screen:Macbeth (College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines)
Note: Sarmenta and Gruta are listed in the program but their names were not called during the show and were not included in the list of nominees flashed on the screen.

BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE
Jay Valencia Glorioso - In the Heights/ A Little Night of Music (Atlantis Productions)
Rachel Alejandro - Aida (Atlantis Productions)
Cindy Maree Liper - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Tanya Manalang - Kaos (Resorts World Manila)
Glory Ann Nacional - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)
Sheree - Sweet Charity (9 Works Theatrical)


BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Note: This category was listed in the program but not included in the show.
In the Heights - Atlantis Productions
Sino ka ba Jose Rizal? - Gantimpala Theater
Hinilawod - Hiyas Kayumanggi
Cory ng Edsa - Philippine Stagers Foundation
Noli Me Tangere - Tanghalang Pilipino


BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (NON-MUSICAL)
Tony Mabesa - Fake (UP Playwrights Theater)
Ronaldo Bertubin - Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo (Pro.Pro)
Jomari Jose - Evening at the Opera (Virgin Labfest 7)
Paolo O'Hara - Kawala (Virgin Labfest 7)
Dan Rommel Riopay - Florante at Laura/ Lam Ang (Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University)
Pepito Sumayan - Rajah Indarapatra (Mindanao State University)

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)
Audie Gemora - Noli Me Tangere (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Arthur Casanova - Once on this Island (Brent School)
Bobby Garcia - Next to Normal (Atlantis Production)
Menchu Lauchengco - Little Woman (Repertory Philippines)
Robert Sena - Magsimula Ka (Spotlight Artist Center)
Vince Tandada - Cory ng Edsa (Philippine Stagers Foundation)


BEST NON-MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Rajah Indarapata - Mindanao State University
Tatlong Tao sa Isang Libo - Pro.Pro
Joy Luck Club - Repertory Philippines
American Hwangap - Tanghalang Pilipino
Kagilagilalas na Buhay ni Lam Ang - Tanghalang SLU, St. Louis University
Fake - UP Playwrights Theater

BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Cory the Musical - Philippines Stagers Foundation
Next to Normal - Atlantis Productions
Hinilawod- Hiyas Kayumanggi
Magsimula Ka- Spotlight Artist Center

Winners for the following categories to follow:
BEST CLASSICAL PERFORMER (MALE AND FEMALE)
BEST DANCE COMPANY (CLASSICAL/FOLK)
BEST DANCE COMPANY (CONTEMPORARY/MODERN)

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Source: Walter Ang and Joriben Zaballa- thanks Guys!

Dulaang Kalay Offers its First

Dulaang Kalay Offers its First Project: 

“Series Finale: Saan Hahantong Ang Tagpong Ito?!” 

Two girls slapping each other's faces. Two boys fighting over one girl. Hidden love. Hidden desire. Hidden diaries and/or necklaces. If these situations sound familiar to you, you probably have watched more than one of our Filipino soap operas, or 'teleseryes' as what our major TV networks call it today. 

This December, Dulaang Kalay, a theater organization founded by a young breed of theater actors and enthusiasts, launches their first offering, presenting a satirical look on the Filipino's obsession with the 'telenovelas' and their stars in 'Series Finale'. The play centers around the last episode of a soap opera, with all its melodrama and cliches, aired in the midst of national scandals and big news stories.

The play is written by two of Philippine Theatre's most promising young artists Katte Sabate (dramaturg/headwriter, Rizal X)  and William Elvin Manzano (music and lyrics, Rizal X and Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela).

It features an ensemble of the most talented young actors with Janine Santos (Tanghalang Ateneo's Walang Sugat, Dulaang UP's Isang Panaginip na Fili), alternating with Erika Estacio (Dulaang UP’s Rizal X), Jules Dela Paz (Dulaang UP's Shock Value and Rizal X), alternating with Toji Salinas, Roxy Aldiosa (Tanghalang Ateneo’s Walang Sugat, Dulaang UP’s Isang Panaginip na Fili, and Incoming Noli Me Tangere), alternating with  Dreps Tatad (Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Medea), Earle Figuracion (Dulaang UP’s Isang Panaginip na Fili) alternating with Acey Aguilar (Dulaang UP’s Orosman at Zafira, Lulu, and the on-going Tanghalang Pilipino’s Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez), Harry David (Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela, Rody Vera’s Ang Unang Aswang: Isang Pagangkop Sa Teatrong Pisikal ni Delphine Buencamino), JR Macanas (Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela, Rody Vera’s Ang Unang Aswang: Isang Pagangkop Sa Teatrong Pisikal ni Delphine Buencamino, and the recent Dulaang UP’s Titus Andronicus) alternating with Zandrei Merced, Elora Españo (Dulaang UP’s Rizal X, Orosman at Zafira, and Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Pulses) alternating with Japo Parcero  taking the lead with Victoria Mañebo (Rody Vera’s Ang Unang Aswang: Isang Pagangkop Sa Teatrong Pisikal ni Delphine Buencamino), alternating with Leah Galisa (Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela), Nikka Angeles (Dulaang UP’s Shock Value and Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela), alternating with Keann Clemente, Gell-O Conferido (Dulaang Laboratoryo’s Cyrano: Isang Sarsuwela), Lexy Lu alternating with Claricel Estrella, Jake Tanchuling, Tim Villareal. 

Other than Sabate and Manzanzo, making up the promising artistic staff are Jean Tanchuco, Nissi Gatan (Production Designer), Niqi Granados (Costume Designer), Meliton Roxas (Lighting Designer), Dino Dimar (Photography and Graphics Design), Gabe Ongkiko and Timothy Ng (Video Design) and Delphine Buencamino (Choreography). 

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“Series Finale: Saan Hahantong Ang Tagpong Ito?!” runs from December 5 to 18, 2011 at Vision 21, Crossroads 77, #77 Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City.  

Show dates are as follows:

Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 12, 13, 14, 15 at 7 pm
Dec. 11 & 18 at 4pm & 8pm
Dec. 9 at pm and Dec. 16 at 10am 

Original Music, Lyrics, and Direction by William Elvin Manzano.

For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact Nicole Nequinto (09064581711) or Raquel Pascua (09065721157).

Visit Dulaan Kalay's Facebook at this link: http://www.facebook.com/dulaangkalay

Lea Salonga & Brilliant Darren Criss of Glee Stun Alan Menken

Darren Chris (of Glee) here is brilliant and funny as "he ruins" (or so he says) some of Alan Menken's Disney compositions then our very own Lea Salonga comes in on the last part as they serenade Alan Menken as Billboard/THR TV & Film Conferences' Maestro Award recipient last October 24, 2011.

Shorter Clip:

Complete Clip:

Video: Glee's Darren Criss Serenades a Stunned Alan Menken @ Billboard TV & Film Conference

October 25, 2011

By Billboard Staff

Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who wrote the scores for "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and many others, is this year's Billboard/THR TV & Film Conferences' Maestro Award recipient. During a live interview with Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde yesterday (Oct. 24), "Glee" Darren Criss made a surprise appearance acoustic guitar in hand and proceeded to serenade Menken.

Music Supervisors From BET, Sony, More Give Tough Advice to Hopefuls at Billboard Film and TV Music Conference

What shared history do the two have? Well, Menken once handed a hundred dollar tip to a college kid doing an acoustic medley of his songs at a coffee shop. These days that "kid" is better known as Darren Criss.

Billboard Film & TV Music Conference's Early Panels Focus on How To Get Into Business -- and How to Get Paid

Watch the video below as Criss takes some rather radical lyrical liberties with Menken's songs joking about his "handsome royalty checks" and plethora of Oscars before performing a duet with Lea Salonga. And head here for more photos and a complete report on Criss' performance.

Source: http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/tv-film/watch-glee-s-darren-criss-surprise-serenade-1005434152.story