Initial Casting for Atlantis Theatrical’s Side Show Revealed!
Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group has announced the men who will be making their way towards the SIDE SHOW, the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical set to thrill local audiences this August.
With a book by Bill Condon (CHICAGO) and music by Henry Krieger (DREAMGIRLS), SIDE SHOW tells the remarkable story about conjoined twins who try to make a mark in the world by being circus performers and end up finding the meaning of life, love, and companionship along the way. Aiding them in their journey towards stardom and self-actualization are three instrumental characters: Terry, Buddy, and Jake, played by Markki Stroem, David Ezra, and Arman Ferrer respectively.
Markki Stroem, who is playing the determined talent scout Terry Connor, made his debut, in professional musical theater, in Atlantis’ production of “Next to Normal”. He played the character of Henry in 2011. In 2012, he played the role of Shane Gray in “Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical”. In 2013, he played the role of Tommy Ross in “Carrie: The Musical” and in 2015 pioneered the role of Leading Man in Dalanghita Productions “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady”. In 2016 he played the role of Tommy De Vito in “Jersey Boys” and Gabby in Ballet Philippines “Awitin mo at Isasayaw ko” the VST musical, and Claude Hooper Bukowski in Repertory Philippines’ “Hair”. Markki is also under contract with Star Magic of Abs-Cbn and Cornerstone talent management. He was discovered on “Pilipinas Got Talent”, and was part of the recently concluded celebrity edition of “We Love OPM”.
Not to be upstaged is David Ezra, playing aspiring musician Buddy Foster. Unlike his character, David has already won numerous awards under his belt, including Best New Male Artist in the 2015 Aliw Awards, winning Best Actor in a Musical for his title role in “Aurelio Sedisyoso: A Rock Sarswela” in the 2017 Aliw Awards, and 4 other awards he won with his former group, The FORTEnors. David Ezra is lauded for his powerful portrayal of leading roles in musical theater. In mid 2017, he played one of the lead roles in “La Estrella: A Night of Music and Flamenco”. In 2016, he played Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo, the male lead in Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Mabining Mandirigma”. And playing the title role in “Aurelio Sedisyoso” in late 2017. As a soloist, he has performed in various shows and events across the country. Some of his more significant performances include the recently concluded ASEAN Summit where he sang alongside the country’s top artists for world leaders including US President Donald Trump. He is also proud to have performed alongside the country’s most respected musicians, most notable of which is a concert with the Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. Undeniably versatile, he attributes this to his training in the UST Conservatory of Music as well as being the son of Asia’s Diva, Dulce, who herself appeared on stage as Motormouth Maybelle in Atlantis’ hit staging of HAIRSPRAY.
Last but not the least is Arman Ferrer, who will be playing Jake, the twins’ trusty friend. Arman is a classical singer and a musical theater actor. He has played multiple lead roles with Tanghalang Pilipino, Tanghalang Ateneo and Dulaang UP. He has been a featured soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. He originated the role of “Emilio Aguinaldo” in Nicanor Tiongson’s critically acclaimed steampunk musical “Mabining Mandirigma” which won him the Philstage Gawad Buhay 2015 for Best Featured Male in a Musical. Most recently he originated the role of “Julio Madiaga” in “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag the Musical” directed by Joel Lamangan. His performance in the musical earned him an Aliw Awards nomination for 2017 Best Male Actor in a Musical. He is one of the featured artists in the 2017 ASEAN Summit Opening Ceremonies and State Dinner. When he is not in theater, Arman is a also a choir conductor. He led the Pansol Choir in the 6th Bali International Choir Festival where they won numerous awards. He also serves as a Vocal Coach for the Kilyawan Boys’ Choir.
Catch Markki, David, and Arman as SIDE SHOW makes its Manila debut on August 31st at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
