Karylle, Christian represent PH in new musical drama
Karylle, Christian Bautista, Thou Reyes and Ikey Canoy are excited to bring the Philippine flag and showcase their talents in the first pan-Asian TV musical drama series, 'The Kitchen Musical,' produced by The Group Entertainment to be launched in the Philippines (via Studio 23) and in 19 other countries across Asia in October.
'The Kitchen Musical' is a 13-episode TV series which is a blend of a musical drama, infused with popular music, dancing sequences and mouth-watering cuisine. This series revolves around the story and life's journey of Maddie, played by Karylle, a young chef working in her father's restaurant, the Avilon. From the preview shown to the press, people can expect to see the cast singing along to popular contemporary music while whipping out gastronomic dishes presented like a pro.
"From the first appearance, you will think it's `Glee. ' But it's so much more than 'Glee.' There's singing and acting, but a big part of what the show really is, is cooking. It's about food," Ikey said in a press conference. Ikey, a theatre actor and member of The Akafellas, plays an eccentric pastry chef.
'We will show you how we make all the dishes we prepare in every episode. It's a cooking show all in one. The show's concept is unique," Ikey added.
Karylle, who is cast in the lead as a sous chef, admitted that she doesn't really cook in real life, but loves to bake. "I love baking cookies. I can also bake cake from scratch. As for restaurants, I started food blogging with my sister Nicole on Yahoo.ph. Please check out my OMG blog," Karylle said.
She describes her role: "As Maddie, I'm trying to prove to my parents that I'm worthy to be a chef because I studied in the best school. But in the world of restaurants, I was not able to prove anything. So there's tension between the head chef and me," Karylle added.
Christian, who acted in 'Westside Story' with Karylle, plays Daniel, Maddie's best friend and another sous chef in one of the restaurants. Is he as good a cook in real life as he is in the show?
"I'm good in popping popcorn and in boiling an egg, I also fry bacon," Christian joked.
Thou Reyes, who is more known for his excellent dancing skills, will be challenging himself in this musical drama. "From what we've heard, one of our choreographers is one of the best. So I said, ako bahala sa sayaw, kayo bahala sa kanta, (I'll take care of the dance, you take care of the singing.)"
Thou plays a dishwasher in the pilot episode but eventually got a bigger role. "We're looking forward to the challenge and we're open to what we can learn from the show."
Another Filipino joining the cast is Arthur Acuna, a New York-based stage and screen actor.
The Filipino actors, who are working with other international actors in Singapore, are excited to showcase their talents to an international audience. The series will be shown in 19 countries.
"We can assure you that the four of us will bring the Philippines out there and show them that we're professional, we're good and we'll do everything we can. So when other countries watch us, they'll ask where we come from.. And we wanna bring the Philippines and its name to the rest of the world," Christian told Yahoo! OMG Philippines.
The Filipino cast shares the same sentiments. "I don't think anyone of us ever dreamed to be part of this. We're so overwhelmed from this experience. This will not only open doors for us, but other artists who want to go out and showcase our talents. That alone is very special. We will be carrying the (Philippine) banner. And Filipino artists will showcase our talents to an international audience." Ikey added.
Are they eyeing an international career since they already gained a foothold on a a pan-Asian series?
"If any opportunities abroad do come along, I'll be happy to do this and accept other things that will come because of this project. When it comes to projects, you're hoping that somehow, you'll do something for your country," Karylle told Yahoo! OMG Philippines.
Christian says, "It's such a great opportunity for all of us. We're just gonna do our best and if the door to international exposure opens for us and the rest of the cast, definitely we'll take it."
Karylle and Christian, who play best friends in the `The Kitchen Musical,' are happy that they are friends in eral life and can work comfortably on their roles. They belong to the same management company, Stages, and have worked together in 'Westside Story.' "We're very open to each other. It's good to be comfortable with whoever you're working with so you can figure out what works for the audience and what doesn't," Karylle said.
The songs from 'The Kitchen Musical' will also be available digitally and online. According to Nelia Molato-Sutrisno, CEO of Singapore's The Group Entertainment, "The digital part of 'The Kitchen Musical' is now being put together. Part of the strategy is how we can actually bring the songs to the mass as soon as possible. There will be an online and mobile component."
The people behind the production are renowned artists such as Jason Coleman of Australia's "So You Think You Can dance," and Gerard Salonga as the musical director.
'The Kitchen Musical' is the first episode to be premiered on ABS-CBN's 'Sunday's Best'.
