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RISING STARS IN "INTO THE WOODS"

The New Voice Company, headed by its' founder and artistic director Monique Wilson, is proud to announce their 2007 musical - Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS. The musical goes onstage at the Music Museum from November 9 to December 8.

The Tony-award winning musical combines the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, with the story of the Baker and his wife, who desperately want a child, but must fulfill various missions to break a spell cast by a Witch. The internationally acclaimed musical is a must-see family show that speaks about the power of wishes and dreams.

INTO THE WOODS which stars theatre veterans Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Michael Williams, Lynn Sherman, Jamie Wilson and Tommy Abuel - also features two of the country's next musical theatre stars - JULIA ABUEVA and JOAQUI VALDES. Julia stars as Little Red Riding Hood, while Joaqui stars as Jack.

Child wonder Julia is no stranger to the stage. At just 11 years old she has several theatre credits under her belt. She recently starred in the Singapore and Manila productions of Children's Letters To God, a musical (2007 and 2006). She also played the role of young Jenny in both the Manila and Singapore productions of New Voice Company's Aspects of Love (2006 and 2005). Her first stage performance was as a child fairy in Peter Pan the Musical at the Esplanade, Singapore (2005). As a singer, she has done many solo performances around Asia, most notably, singing the opening theme song at the 2005 South East Asian Games in Manila. She was a member of the singing group "Jazz Kids" in Singapore from 2004 - 2005, and has also guested in the solo concerts of Monique Wilson, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera and River Maya. In Singapore, where she is based, Julia has guested in many shows, including Firecrackers New Years Eve concert (Esplanade), Singapore Community Chest (Royal Plaza), National Arts Council Medallion Awards (The Istana), 18th ISO International Assembly, Pfizer Launch, 250 Years Anniversary of Vacheron Constantin, among many others. Her most notable solo performance in Singapore was for the Singapore Street Festival attended by Ministers of State. In Manila she has guested in the following shows: Globe Telecoms Launch, On the Wings of Song (Meralco Theatre), 19th Anniversary of the Philippines President Investiture (UP), among many others. Julia has also recorded a song for the United Nations Millennium Album, and is currently the voice of the animated character "Jo Jo" in an ednovation animated software project for the National University of Singapore. She is also completing her first solo album in Singapore, which will be released around Asia.

Joaqui is fast becoming a music heartthrob. He first impressed theatre goers with lead performances in The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, The Young King and Joseph the Dreamer (for Trumpets). For Repertory Philippines he has appeared in the lead role of Pinocchio. More recently he appeared in Dulaang UP's St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos. Joaqui is also a TV host, regularly appearing on Breakfast 23 and One Cubed (CBN Asia). He has also appeared in various TV musical specials and commercials. Joaqui is also a popular singer, having been part of the 17:28 vocal group which popularized the song "Sukob Na" under Star Records. Joaqui is also a talented composer and wrote the songs - "Come Breathe Me" and "Cozy" for the group. He has recently embarked on a solo singing career and has just launched his debut solo album - Joaqui: The Jazzanova Project under Vicor Records. He has recently become a sparring partner of Bossa Nova Queen Sitti in her gigs at Hardrock Café, Music Museum, Eastwood City and Mandarin Oriental Captain's Bar. The album will give listeners a taste of jazz and bossa nova and includes songs like "There Will Never Be Another You" and "Englishman in New York", popularized by Sting. Aside from a being a talented singer, musical theatre actor and composer, Joaqui is also a popular host and commercial model.

INTO THE WOODS features a 21-strong stellar cast and the country's top creative team. The musical is generously supported by Aquabest, Revlon, Sound Design, NU 107, Dream FM 106.1, Crossover 105.7, X-FM, Energizer, Teriyaki Boy, Burger King, Crescent Moon Café, Jaime Unson and Lanelle Abueva-Fernando Studio Pottery.

INTO THE WOODS is directed by NVC Associate Artistic Director Rito Asilo, with Monique Wilson and Rossana Abueva as the show's Executive Producers. Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets (891-9999). For more tickets and information call the New Voice Company at 896-6695, 896-5497 and 899-0630, email nvc@pldtdsl.net or visit www.newvoicecompany.com.