WillowBend Productions & El Ring reach for the stars,
Dec 1, 2006

Starting Here, Starting Now December 12-21, 7:30pm, December 17, matinee only, 5:30pm 150 pesos

WillowBend Productions and El Ring disco have just sealed a deal launching a new era in San Miguel entertainment. El Ring, a historic downtown building with a colorful past, began life many decades ago as a cock pit and prize-fighting arena. Currently, with its high roof, intimate gallery seating and modern sound and light system, El Ring is one of the hottest discos in San Miguel. In addition, with its happy combination of energy and elegance it has also played host through the years to special events ranging from country and western evenings to salsa classes and tango competitions.

Michael Whaley, executive producer of WillowBend Productions, happened to be walking down Hidalgo past number 27 when he noticed the doors were open and stepped in to see what the space was like. In his own words, Mr. Whaley was “bowled over.” He immediately recognized it as one of the premier theater in-the-round sites he’d ever had the pleasure to discover. 

The design is perfect for what he calls “environmental theater,” where productions can be played not only on the stage but at various locations throughout the entire space. In other words, the audience becomes an integral and involved part of the production. Another advantage to El Ring as a theater venue is the availability of complete bar service, allowing audience members to enjoy their favorite drink before the show or during intermission, creating the perfect ambiance of a cabaret theater. 

Working with the staff and management of El Ring, WillowBend Productions is pleased to announce Whaley’s production of the sparkling revue Starting Here, Starting Now. The show was a huge hit in both New York and London and will be the first theatrical musical to be performed in this exciting space since the highly popular production of Guys and Dolls in 1980. 

The brainchild of lyrist Richard Maltby, Jr., one of the creators of the hugely successful Miss Saigon, along with his partner, composer David Shire, Starting Here, Starting Now is a revue based on songs from their catalog of shows. The evening is a tuneful, satiric and affectionate tour through all the comic, hopeless and hopeful faces of love in its full range of guises and disguises. Many of the songs became standards in the 1970s and ’80s. “What About Today?” is one of their most famous pieces; it was recorded by Barbra Streisand and became a major hit.

Starting Here, Starting Now stars Judy Marzulli, Michael Sudheer and Peggy Powell. Don’t miss this dazzling performance at a new venue for theatre in San Miguel. The doors open at 6:30pm for those wishing to order their favorite cocktail before the show. 

Due to the time of year and the high-volume tourist season, seating is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are available at the box-office at El Ring from 10am until 4pm every day.