Saturday, March 2, 2024

TP: Review of PINGKIAN: A Writer's Worth

March 2, 2024



In 1898, Emilio Jacinto (Vic Robinson) led his troop of revolutionary fighters on a mission in Majayjay, Laguna. They were ambushed by Spanish troops, and Emilio was severely injured in his right leg. He was captured and held prisoner by Spanish soldiers (led by Jonathan Tadioan). A sympathetic doctor (Marco Viana) was called in to treat his injuries. A young Katipunan scout Isyo (Joshua Cadelina) found him, but he was too weak to escape.

As Emilio's life lay precariously on the balance, he had bleak nightmares about dark moments in his past, and rosy dreams about the bright future ahead.  He had fever-induced visions about his best friend Andres Bonifacio (Paw Castillo), his fellow revolutionary Dr. Pio Valenzuela (Almond Bolante), his mother Josefa Dizon (Bituin Escalante), his wife Catalina de Jesus (Gab Pangilinan) and his hero Dr. Jose Rizal (Kakki Teodoro). 

In a time where the jukebox musical seems to be the easier formula to success for a new musical production, featuring songs by known acts, like Aegis and the Eraserheads previously. Three more of the same are premiering this year, featuring songs by Ben & Ben, Parokya ni Edgar and Jose Mari Chan. It is always a more formidable challenge to compose an all-original song score, so this one is a winner for me, even for that fact alone.

Many songs were powerful anthems, like "Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban," "Nasa Loob ang Himagsikan' and "Pangarap Ko'y Kalayaan" in Act 1 ("Dilim"), and "Liwanag at Dilim," "Katapusan" and "Kalayaan" in Act 2 ("Liwanag"). The highlights of Act 1 were Jacinto's masterpiece, "Ang Kartilya" ingeniously set into a rapping rhythm; and "Pahayag," showing the initiation rites of Katipunan members. "Ikaw ang Liwanag," a love duet between Emilio and Catalina, was a refreshing breath of fresh air in Act 2. The choreography by Jomelle Era brought these songs into vibrant motion, ending in dramatic tableaux. These songs, with catchy tunes and stirring lyrics, are all going to be released on Spotify soon, and we will be ready to play them on repeat by then.

Emilio Jacinto was onstage practically for the entire 2-hour length of the show, a most exhausting role for Vic Robinson. I do not remember seeing him tackle such a big important role before, and with such impressive conviction and passion. With every song, Robinson aced various genres, from the punishing belts of "Ang Kasalanan ni Cain" (in the style of "Jesus Christ Superstar") to the rapid-fire rapping of "Kartilya" (in the style of "Hamilton"). As early as now, he seems to be a lock for the Best Actor in a Musical award next year.

Gab Pangilinan played two very different characters -- the Judas Iscariot-type traitor Florencio Reyes and the ever-smiling better half Catalina de Jesus.  Bituin Escalante only came out in Act 2, and still she owned the stage with her singular presence and rich vocals. I do not know why they chose to cast a female actor Kakki Teodoro as Dr. Jose Rizal (and I'm not sure I'm totally on board), but, as always, she rocked the role, especially in her featured song "Ang Ating Pinaglalaban." But then again, Apolinario Mabini had been played by a female actor in multiple runs of "Mabining Madirigma," so gender-swapping icons is not new to TP.

Almond Bolante looked totally manly here as a Pio Valenzuela with a rockstar vibe, totally different from the very gay Didi with a soaring counter-tenor in "ZsaZsa Zaturrnah the Musical" (2023). As Bonifacio, Paw Castillo had a strong singing voice that was perfect for inspiring nationalistic fervor. As the idealistic aspiring lawyer Isyo, Joshua Cadelina got to lead the ensemble in two songs -- "1898" and "Liwanag sa Dilim (Reprise)". 

Roby Malubay, VJ Orejotse, and Chan Rabutazo played three priests clad in black. You may think they were Gomburza, but they were actually Frs. Agapito Echegoyen, Domingo Cadenas and Antonio Piernavieja, who were executed for being whistle-blowers against the clergy. Jude Hinumdum had a solo spot number "Narito Na Ba ang Liwanag," as a townsperson named Cirilo Javier. Jam Binay  played Emilio and Catalina's daughter Laya, who sang with her parents in "Ikaw ang Liwanag (Reprise)."

The rest of the ensemble include: EJ Pepito, Paula Paguio, Roxy Aldiosa, Laui Guico, and Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company members Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Erick Alcontado and Llorvie Nuevo-Tadioan. Anchored by the solid bass-baritone voice of Roby Malubay, the impressive choral singing by the Ensemble provided an ethereal musical curtain that enveloped the action onstage, immersing the audience in what felt like a religious experience. 

It is only March 2024 now, but I believe I just watched the musical which will sweep all the theater awards to be given out next year. It is a shoo-in for nominations and, very likely, wins in Outstanding Musical, Book of a Musical (Juan Ekis), Stage Direction (Jenny Jamora), Musical Direction (Ejay Yatco), and all its outstanding technicals (sets by Carlo Pagunaling, sound by TJ Ramos, lighting by D Cortezano, and projections design by GA Fallarme). 

Most of us only knew Emilio Jacinto as the Brains of the Katipunan, and nothing much more beyond that monicker. This musical allowed us to enter the mind of this young man who loved his country, who used his talent in writing to inspire people to do the same. His codename "Pingkian" referred to a small stone which can produce a spark when struck to create a fire. That was exactly what his patriotic writing did to the hearts and spirits of his fellow Katipuneros. It was very sad to know that he only lived 23 short years, yet he was able to bequeath a valuable legacy in his writings. Thankfully, we now have this musical to highlight and celebrate that legacy.

*********

"Pingkian: Isang Musikal" runs from March 1 - 24, 2024, FRI (8PM) | SAT (3PM and 8PM) | SUN (3PM), at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.

Get your tickets from the following: LINK1 or LINK2. Price for Regular Tickets is P1,500 only.




Friday, March 1, 2024

REP: Review of BETRAYAL: Anatomy of an Affair

March 1, 2024



One day, visual artist Emma (Vanessa White) was inaugurating an art installation in her own gallery in London. After the event, she got together to talk with Jerry (James Cooney), her husband Robert's (James Bradwell) best friend. It turned out that two years ago, Emma and Jerry just ended an illicit relationship which had lasted for seven years. Jerry thought no one knew about it, but Emma told him that she had already told Robert about their affair. 

Repertory Philippines had been regularly staging English language plays and musicals every year since 1967. But after "Stage Kiss" had its run in February 2020, the next show "Anna in the Tropics" was shut down by the pandemic. They only had one show a year from 2021 to 2023. Rep comes back strong this year with its 87th season -- 4 new shows (with 2 of them original Filipino works) in a new venue -- the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza.

Rep's opens this season is "Betrayal," a classic 1978 three-hander play by Nobel Prize-winning British playwright Harold Pinter. This is Rep's first time to tackle a Pinter play. For the first time in Rep's history, three West End British actors, all with Filipino blood, were cast in the lead roles. New York and London-based actor-director Victor Lirio, also of Filipino descent, also makes his theater directorial debut in the Philippines with this project.

Pinter wrote this play with 9 scenes depicting episodes of Emma and Jerry's affair behind Robert's back, presented in reverse chronological order. The first scene was a reunion of Emma and Jerry in the present day after two years of no contact, while the final scene was the start of their affair at a party 9 years prior. Younger theatergoers will recognize this was the same style used by Jason Robert Brown in "The Last Five Years" (2001). 

Since the three main actors are actually based in London's West End, their Britishness lent more authenticity to the play. Their English accents were, of course, the real thing, with none of the inconsistent or overwrought artificiality some local actors tend to affect when playing British characters. Also, the whole play had a different feel from previous Rep plays -- everything felt toned-done and restrained, even the humor and the arguments. 

Also in the cast are Philippine-based actors Jef Flores and Regina de Vera. During the play, you'd mostly see them moving furniture and set pieces around between the scenes. Flores would also play a bit part as the Italian maître d' at a restaurant Jerry and Robert had lunch in. However, more than that, Flores is ready to cover for either Jerry or Robert in case the actors are unable to play, while de Vera is the cover for Emma. 

The set designed by Miguel Urbino was elegantly white, sparse but efficient. The centerpiece of the backdrop was a large Pacita Abad painting, which Emma had brought in from the Philippines to exhibit in her London gallery, framed by a huge rectangular arch. The lights of John Batalla were bright and glaring, to further emphasize the whiteness of the set. The resulting atmosphere in the gallery felt bleak, sterile and clinical. 

Lirio added a prologue scene at the beginning of the play set in Emma's gallery inaugurating a Filipino painting. Aside from the Filipino reference, this was supposed to set the story in Emma's point of view while staying faithful to Pinter's text. According to the post-show Q and A, Lirio also added an epilogue scene of Emma and Jerry with no dialogue, set in a darkened bar or club, to establish the attraction between them, before Robert came into the scene.


******

"Betrayal" runs from March 1 to 17 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza. Shows start promptly at 3:30 pm (matinees Saturdays and Sundays) and 8 pm (evenings Fridays and Saturdays). They close the gate promptly at start time (even when there are still people lining up at the door), so do not be late!

The play runtime is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission. You can buy tickets through Ticketworld on this LINK. Ticket prices: P2,500 (Orchestra Center and Loge Center), 2,000 (Orchestra Sides) and 1500 (Balcony). 

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Sandbox: Review of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: Tournament Techniques

 February 29, 2024


For the past 25 years, Putnam County had been holding a prestigious spelling bee featuring kids who had won (or at least placed) in their respective local competitions. The master of ceremonies this year is Rona Lisa Peretti, who had been a grand champion speller herself. The actual word pronouncer was ill, so Vice Principal Panch pinch-hit.  Ex-con on parole Mitch Mahoney was the comfort counsellor, giving juice boxes to kids who get eliminated.

The contestants this year include:  the lovestruck defending champ Chip Tolentino, the pig-tailed lisping daughter of a gay couple Loggaine SchwartzAndGrubennierre, the childish kid who thought he was "not-so-smart" Leaf Coneybear, the no-nonsense over-achiever Marcy Park, "Magic Foot" technique speller with peanut allergy William Barfee, and the shy girl often left on her own by her parents and whose best friend was her dictionary Olive Ostrovsky. 

In the matinee show I watched, Star Magic talents AC Bonifacio played Marcy, as Angela Ken played Olive. Becca Coates played Loggaine, Luis Marcelo as Chip,  Ron Balgos as Barfée, and Elian Dominguez as Leaf. Among the adults, Robbie Guevara played Panch, while Jordan Andrews played Mitch. (Their alternates are: Shanaia Gomez, Krystal Brimner, Justine Narciso, Diego Aranda, Joshy Ramirez, Shaun Ocrisma, Audie Gemora and Nyoy Volante respectively in order.) The only actor without an alternate was Liesl Batucan as Peretti.

Director Missy Maramara made sure the show was filled to the brim with youthful energy and nerdy glee, from the yellow color motif of the stage to the frenetic pacing of the contest. In the show I watched, AC Bonifacio and Angela Ken stood out among the girls, and Ron Balgos and Elian Dominguez among the guys. The performances of Becca Coates and Luis Marcelo were affected by the muffled sound system of the venue so I barely understood their songs. 

One of the interactive gimmicks of this show was the calling of four members of the audience to come up the stage to become contestants of the Spelling Bee. During the show I watched, Nicki Gil was one of the guest spellers, but the other three were regular Joes, which can be boring to watch when they took a very long time spelling. One of the guests actually misspelled a word, but this error was not caught by Robbie Guevara, so she stayed on longer. 

The original 2005 Broadway show was directed by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin. I had seen this show before, staged by Atlantis at the RCBC Theater back in 2009. In my memory, I remember the show being very funny, so I enjoyed it a lot. However, I did not recall that there were some squirmy moments, like a boy's member getting excited, or that irreverent cameo by a supposedly Jesus character. 


********

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs from February 24 to March 17, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets can be bought from Ticket2Me (LINK), with prices ranging from P3300 (Premium), P2700 (Regular) and P1900 (with obstructed views).

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

My Yearend Roundup: THE BEST OF PHILIPPINE THEATER 2023

December 20, 2023

Since the pandemic was declared in 2020, the theater industry was one of the worst hit. The experience of theater required people to gather in one venue to watch a live performance of actors and singers on a stage. However, these were the very things which were discouraged by the quarantine precautions set by health authorities. 

By March 15, 2020, all running productions at that time ground to a halt, including Black Box "Dekada 70," Trumpets "Joseph the Dreamer," TP's "Batang Mujahideen" and Blue Rep's "Next to Normal." Kapamilya Theater's "Tabing Ilog," Atlantis' "The Band's Visit" and Rep's "Anna of the Tropics" did not even get a chance to start their run at all. 

The industry tried to adjust by resorting to online streaming of videos of plays and musicals, from June 2020 (the Virgin Labfest 2020 on CCP's Vimeo channel) to July 2022 (Benilde Theater Arts' "Doc Anna... Let's Kill This Lab!" on ticket2me.net). But of course, these did not have the same impact for true-blue theater fans. 

Beginning August of 2022 as the populace had been vaccinated and the precautions eased up, theater production companies thankfully began to stage live face-to-face plays and musicals once again. The first shows to hit the stage were all excellent -- Barefoot's "Mula Sa Buwan," TP's "Anak Datu," DUP's "The Reconciliation Dinner" and Rep's "Carousel." 

For the year 2023, I had seen and written about 25 theater productions: 10 musicals, 5 full-length plays, and 11 one-act plays. Philippine theater is very much alive and well again, selling out better than Philippine cinema, it seems. Broadway behemoth "Hamilton" even made its Asian debut at the Solaire in October this year, to quickly sold-out dates. 

There were several shows re-staged this year -- Sandbox's "Every Brilliant Thing" (2019) RWM's "Ang Huling El Bimbo" (2018), TP's "Ang Pag-Uusig" (2017) -- which I was not able to watch again. Due to schedule conflicts, I was only able to catch two sets of the Virgin Labfest. I also unable to watch some college productions, like TA's "Ang Mga Pag-ibig Nina Elias at Salome" or DUP’s "Rosang Taba" and "Sidhi’t Silakbo."

I will list here what I feel were the best among those theater shows I had seen and written about for 2023:

I. ORIGINAL FILIPINO MUSICALS


Best: WALANG ARAY (PETA)

Book: Rody Vera

Music and Songs: Vince Lim

Director: Ian Segarra

Julia was a famous sarsuela performer and Tenyong was her patient true love. Julia had to keep their affair a secret from her demanding mother Juana, who wanted her to marry Miguel, the son of Don Tadeo. When the abuse of clergy led by Padre Alfaro led to his parents deaths, a furious Tenyong decided to leave town and join the rebels. 

Other Notable Productions:

"Rama, Hari" (Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)

"Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah" (Ateneo Blue Rep)

"Tabing-Ilog" (Teatro Kapamilya)

"Hero Z" (PhilStagers) 

Notable Performances:

Alexa Ilacad, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Johnnie Moran, and Gerald Dy (Walang Aray). Arman Ferrer, Karylle, Miah Canton, Katrine Sunga, and Poppert Bernadas (Rama Hari), Kim Molina, Phi Palmos, Almond Bolante, and Kakki Teodoro (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah), Miah Canton and Vino Mabalot (Tabing Ilog), Wincess Jem Yana and Marynor Madamesila (Sandosenang Sapatos)

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, witty book, catchy songs and music, and elaborate set and costume designs of "Walang Aray." The costumes of "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah." The nostalgic set design of "Tabing- Ilog." The futuristic costumes and the anti-zombie antidote machine of "Hero Z."  The whimsical set design of "Sandosenang Sapatos."


II. NON-FILIPINO MUSICALS



Best: TICK, TICK... BOOM! (9 Works)

Book, Music and Songs: Jonathan Larson

Director: Robbie Guevara

New York City,1990. Jon is turning 30 years old in a few days but he is still waiting tables at a diner, yet unable to stage a show on Broadway as he planned. His best friend Michael was making serious money as a marketing executive, already owning a BMW. His girlfriend Susan, a dancer, had serious intentions of settling down and moving to Cape Cod. The pressure clock is loudly ticking, ready to explode inside Jon's head as his birthday drew nearer.

Other Notable Productions: 

"The Last Five Years" (Barefoot)

"Snow White and the Prince" (Repertory Phils.)

Notable Performances: Khalil Ramos, Reb Atadero and Tanya Manalang-Atadero (Tick Tick Boom), Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon (The Last Five Years), Jill Ita-as and Carla Laforteza-Guevara (Snow White)

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The "breaking-up" set design of "Tick Tick Boom". The "walkalator" set design of "The Last Five Years." 


III. FILIPINO PLAYS

A. One-Act: 


Best: 
THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (Kumprontasyon)

Writer: Guelan Luarca

Director: Melvin Lee

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos summoned Sen. Benigno Aquino from his prison cell to coerce the senator to confess to the crimes he was accused of. The two exchange views about their perceptions about the nature of the Filipino people and politics in the country.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Lakambini" (Kumprontasyon)

"Hukay" (Virgin Labfest Set C)

"Room 209" (Virgin Labfest Set C)

Notable Performances: 

Ron Capinding and Romnick Sarmenta ("The Impossible Dream"), Sherry Lara and Teroy Guzman ("Lakambini"), Missy Maramara ("A Color for Tomorrow"), Andoy Ranay and Floyd Tena ("Hukay"),  Eshai Mesina ("O'Donnell")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, script and set design of "The Impossible Dream." 


B. Full-Length: Original Filipino Material or Filipino Adaptation: 


Best: L
ARO (Barefoot)

Writer: Floy Quintos

Director: John Mark Yap

A Call Boy was accosted by a Policeman, who later met a Drag Queen, who later met a User, who later met a random online Lover, who went home to his Ideal, who then met up with a Student, who then confessed to a cousin Writer, who then interviewed a Model, who then met his Philosopher boss, who later hired a Call Boy.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Ardor" (Tanghalang Ateneo)

"Nekropolis" (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Notable Performances: 

Gio Gahol, Al Gatmaitan and Jojo Cayabyab ("Laro"), Jon Santos ("Bawa't Bonggang Bagay" - Filipino translation of "Every Brilliant Thing")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction and lighting design of "Laro."


IV. NON-FILIPINO PLAYS:


Best: RED (The Necessary Theater)

Writer: John Logan

Director: Bart Guingona

In 1958, abstract expressionistic artist Mark Rothko had just signed a contract to paint murals for the walls of the swanky Four Seasons Restaurant in the Seagram's Building. Because of the extensive scope of this job, he hired a young aspiring artist Ken (JC Santos) to be his work assistant at his studio in New York City. While working on the project for two years, the two discuss and argue about their clashing philosophies about art and legacy.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Lungs" (Sandbox)

Notable Performances: 

Bart Guingona and JC Santos ("Red"), Reb Atadero and Sab Jose ("Lungs")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction, set design and musical score of "Red"


Friday, November 10, 2023

Review of TABING-ILOG THE MUSICAL (2023): Hassles at the Homecoming

November 10, 2023



After their high school graduation, a group of friends from San Juan E got separated as they pursued their respective courses in different colleges. It was only four years later at the funeral of their favorite homeroom teacher, Ma'am Ciriaca, that they got together again at their favorite riverside spot where they played as children. 

Rovic (Akira Morishita) was the boyfriend of Eds, and was already very close with her parents, but he seems to be distracted by his cellphone lately. Eds (Sheena Belarmino) was studying to become a teacher, but her mother had other plans in mind. James (Jordan Andrews) could not get along with his mother, who kept on nagging at him.

Badong (Jude Servilla), who still had a problem with his English, was going for a career in local politics.  Fonzy (Vino Mabalot) was dealing with his depression, made worse by the promiscuous reputation of his bisexual sister Corrinne (Miah Canton), and the avoidance of his New Age devotee ex-girlfriend George (Kiara Takahashi).

The reunited gang takes their first selfie together.

In the 1990s, there was a very popular ABS-CBN teen drama series called "Tabing-Ilog" (likely based on the American TV series of the same genre "Dawson's Creek"). The characters' names in the play were the original character names from the TV series. Rovic was John Lloyd Cruz. Eds was Kaye Abad. James was Patrick Garcia. Badong was Paolo Contis.  Fonzy was Baron Geisler. Corrine was Desiree del Valle. George was Jodie Sta. Maria. 

In March 2020, a musical version of "Tabing-Ilog" was produced as the maiden project of Teatro Kapamilya, staged at the Dolphy Theater. It was directed by Topper Fabregas, witha book by Jade Castro, and music and songs by Vincent de Jesus.  Unfortunately, within a week of its opening, the pandemic lockdown was enforced and cut the run short before it gathered any steam. My review of that original show is posted HERE.

This year, Teatro Kapamilya revived the project in cooperation with PETA. It now has a new director Phil Noble, a new book by Eljay Castro Deldoc, and new songs also by Vincent de Jesus. This new show was focused mainly on the young people and their relationships -- about speaking up, mental health, platonic friendship and LGBT issues. To be updated with current topics, a subplot about dummy social media accounts was also included.

Eds with her parents, Rovic with his grandmother

The highlight of Ohm David's set was one huge tree with a makeshift ladder, benches, and platforms, surrounded by a ring-like stage representing the river. The effect of flowing water was done through lighting effects. Of course, the trademark wheel swing was hanging from one of the bigger branches. The backdrop represented scraps of paper from high school student's notebook on which were scribblings and doodles. 

There was also a fun interactive element introduced in this show. You can scan the QR code in posters outside the auditorium to join the chat group of the gang onstage. Whenever they send or receive group messages, you will also receive them, so you will feel in the loop. 

Eds' father Panyong (Red Nuestro) was still there, and this time around, his wife Azon (Neomi Gonzales) was still around. Rovic's grandmother Juling (Joann Co) likewise made a comeback. However, these veteran stage actors only stuck with one character this time. This was unlike the previous staging, when these supporting actors had multiple minor roles. 

There were also the three owners of a neighborhood cafe called "Coffee-ratiba." Collectively called "Maritres," they were: Anchang (Teetin Villanueva), Toots (Vyen Villanueva) and Meow (Lance Reblando). It was not entirely clear what their relationship to the main characters were, but I assumed they were older neighborhood friends of the gang. A new LGBT character was introduced in the person of James' gay college classmate, Andoy (Benedix Ramos). 

The Cast Takes Its Curtain Call

The acting and singing of the neophyte cast were very promising, and will improve more during the run of this show. In the acting front, Vino Mabalot was heartbreaking in Fonzy's moment of dark despair. For singing, Miah Canton stood out, belting Corrinne's songs out of the park. Morishita, Belarmino, and Takahashi also shone in their solo songs. The experience and singing prowess of stage veterans Nuestro, Gonzales, Villanueva and Reblando were undeniable. 

There are several combination of actors expected, promising a new feel for the show every time. Alternating as Rovic are JL Toreliza and Benedix Ramos. Alternating as Eds are Jhoanna Robles and Vivoree Esclito. Alternating as James is Kobie Brown. Alternating as Badong is Earvin Estioko. Alternating as Fonzie is Drei Sugay. Alternating as Corrinne is Anji Salvacion. Alternating as George are Andi Abaya and Chaye Mogg. Alternating as Andoy is Omar Udin.

**********

Under the leadership of stage director Phil Noble, the artistic team of "Tabing-Ilog the Musical 2023" is composed of writer Eljay Deldoc, composer and musical director Vincent de Jesus, choreographer Stephen Viñas, set designer Ohm David, costume designer Tata Tuviera, lighting designer David Esguerra and video designer Bene Manaois. 

Show runs from November 10 to December 17, 2023 at the PETA Theater Center. Showtimes: Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Ticket can be purchased online on KTX. Prices: P2000 for Orchestra Center and Balcony Center and P1800 for Orchestra Side. 

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Review of PSF's HERO-Z: Patriotic Parallels

October 28, 2023


100 years into the future, a country called Town-Z is ruled by corrupt dictator Boss Tsip (JP Lopez) and his wife (OJ Arci). Town-Z was hit by a dangerous virus that turned infected people into zombies. The residents of Town-Z were demanding relief goods as Boss Tsip ordered a lockdown, allegedly to curtail the spread of the virus. In reality, this virus had been invented by scientists under instructions from Boss Tsip with the aim of eradicating the poor.

Four friends who lived in Town-Z -- Andy (Vince Tanada), Jayriz (Johnrey Rivas), Kudz (Gerald Magallanes) and Pol (Fidel Redado) -- decided to lead their neighbors in their demand for food and supplies, as well as equality and justice. When labor leader Ding Silang (Chris Lim) was captured and executed even before he did anything, his wife Ella (Adelle Ibarrientos) boldly took over his cause, with the help of elderly mentor Tata Selo (Chin Ortega).

Clockwise: Vince Tanada (Andy), Gerald Magallanes (Kudz), 
Johnrey Rivas (Jayriz) and Fidel Redado (Pol)

Tanada gave his four central characters a love interest. Randy Andy had flirty rag seller Aya (Vean Olmedo), with whom he can trade naughty jokes. Jayriz had his one true love Lei Nora (Renee Escurel), whom her mother wanted to marry off with someone else. Kudz had Asti (Yvonne Ensomo), the feisty daughter of the local imam. As for Pol, Tanada snuck in a BL reference, letting him fall for his guard Emil (Awin Valencia).

The main antagonists were a husband-and-wife tag-team of political corruption and excess, the historical reference of their identities was not exactly well-hidden. There were even little dips into current events, which audiences easily caught.  Lopez and Arci played the notorious Tsips with sinister glee. Their main henchman was an intimidating goon sporting a multi-spiked mohawk named Kuhol, energetically played by Rotsen Etolle. 

JP Lopez and OJ Arci (Boss and Madame Tsip)

The material of Tanada's musicals over the years had often been culled from the pages of Philippine history. The stories of Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio had been tackled several times before in his previous shows, and again this one. Jayriz's storyline was quite faithful to Rizal's history -- his further studies in Europe, accusations for his alleged treachery, his advocacy for education as the best solution and his execution by firing squad.

However, for the other heroes, the parallels can be confusing. While true to Andres Bonifacio's advocacy for revolution, Andy repeatedly called himself dimwitted and implied that he was illiterate -- which the real Bonifacio was not.  Kudz was there to represent for the Moslem sector, but not much was told about the real Sultan Kudarat, who was 200 years older than the other three. The absence of a quotable quote from him was even a punchline.  

Renee Escurel (Lei), Vean Olmedo (Aya) 
and Yvonne Ensomo (Asti)

Lest they misunderstand, younger viewers should be guided by their elders that the story of Pol here should not be taken as a historically-accurate retelling of Apolinario Mabini's life and heroism. Pol was portrayed here not only as a gay man, but also as HIV-positive, which later led to him being wheelchair-bound. Also, Mabini never wrote for La Solidaridad, but Pol wore its name on his shirt and held up a copy of the paper at the finale.

Other heroes of the Philippine Revolution against Spain were also included in the story, like Diego and Gabriela Silang (in the characters of Ding and Ella Silang), and Melchora Aquino (gender-swapped in the character of Tata Selo). The martyrdom of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were mirrored in a scene about the senseless execution of three priests, Fathers Gumabao (Lloyd Relatado), Borromeo (Renz Saavedra) and Zaragoza (Jason Chan). 

The whole cast at the curtain call

Anyhow, Hero-Z still possessed the same energy and humor that made Tanada's musicals a hit with the high school and college crowd it targets. The acting, particularly Tanada and Rivas, was as over-the-top as ever, as young people liked it. Their costumes were all crazy colorful, outrageous and attention-getting. The zombies looked ghoulish and grotesque, but Jayriz's cool antidote-machine in action was something you've got to see to believe. Pipo Cifra's rousing songs pushed the belting powers of the singers to their limits, and they nail them.

Like many PSF musicals in the past, the grand finale of this entertaining 2-hour show (no intermission) was again a fervent flag-waving call for revolution. This ending was historically-appropriate for shows like "Bonifacio: Isang Sarswela" (2014), "Katips" (2016) or "Supremo Redux" (2018). For this play with a futuristic setting, it reminds Generation Z that, as there will always be politicians who will try to oppress them, they need to strive to educate themselves, and be ready to fight back if ever the direness of the situation calls for it. 






Sunday, October 15, 2023

Rep: Review of SNOW WHITE AND THE PRINCE: Virtue Vs. Vanity

October 15, 2023



The story of Snow White was written by the Brothers Grimm, and published in their collection of German fairy tales in the year 1812. However when Walt Disney released his full-length animated classic "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" in 1939, this maiden whose "skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood and hair as black as ebony" became a beloved character for children all over the world. 

The truthful magic mirror revealed that to the vain Queen that her step-daughter Snow White is the fairest woman in the kingdom. To escape the Queen's plot to kill her, Snow White ran off into the woods where she sought shelter in the house of seven dwarves. The Queen disguised as an old peasant and put Snow White into an enchanted sleep with a magic apple. A Prince woke her up with true love's first kiss.

This stage musical version of the Snow White fairy tale is current production of the Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA), now on its 31st year as the children's theater arm of Repertory Philippines. It is also the only production Rep mounted this year. The delightful book, music & lyrics were by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the same team behind another hit children's play RTYA staged in 2018, "Rapunzel! Rapunzel!" (MY REVIEW).  

With their rhyming lines and lyrics keyed for younger audiences, Vogt and Friedman made some major tweaks to the familiar story of the Disney classic. Perhaps to address the controversial issue of the Prince randomly planting a kiss of an unconscious Snow White without her consent, it was shown here that they've met in a ball and were actually falling in love at first sight with each other even before that kiss. After Snow White was revived, there was an additional scene where the heroes and the evil Queen have a showdown. 

Several aspects of that 2018 production were also found in this new show. The director is still RTYA's founder Ms. Joy Virata. The very colorful and fanciful costumes were also designed by Raven Ong. The dramatic lighting design was still by John Batalla. New members of the artistic team were: Stephen Vinas for the choreography (which went from ballet to tap), and London-based Kayla Teodoro for the set design (from the pastel-colored forest to the cute dollhouse-like dwarves' cottage). 

In the "Rapunzel" show I watched, the antagonist Lady Zaza was played with glee by Carla Guevara-Laforteza. This time around I again catch Laforteza playing the evil Queen. She had a short bob hairstyle and severe make-up so I did not recognize her at first. However, she certainly knew how to work this villainous role for the kids in the audience. She could be dark and scary, yet balanced with a tongue-in-cheek delivery of her lines and wicked laughter. (Pinky Marquez and Julia Serad alternate as Queen.)

Jillian Ita-as still looked like a pre-teen when I first saw and heard her sing a "Frozen" song on the CCP stage in "Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time" in 2014 (MY REVIEW). Now almost ten years later, she is playing the title role in a Rep production. Her diminutive height may make her look much, much younger than her actual age, but her cherubic face, natural charisma and crystal-clear singing made her a good fit as pure-hearted Snow White. (Kiara Dario, Ashlee Factor a.k.a. Pappel, and Fil-Am talent Anyah alternate as Snow White.) 

Neo Rivera first caught attention of theater critics when he took on the challenging title role in the 2022 restaging of Trumpets' "Joseph the Dreamer". Now, he is taking on the role of the Prince Alexander Emmanuel Heinrich Nicholas Philippe Augustus, and he brings to the role a lovesick charm, which seemed to delight the little girls in the audience, especially when he went up and down the aisle stairs in certain parts of the play. (Rapah Manalo and MC dela Cruz alternate as the Prince.)

Sebastian Katigbak played the key role of the Magic Mirror a tad too much swish, but his solo number "I Got the Queen" with tap dancing was a showstopper.  (Franco Ramos and Chino Veguillas alternate as the Mirror.) Chesko Rodriguez also played the Prince's butler Rupert a tad too prissily, so his "shipping" with Snow's more mature nursemaid (Cara Barredo) was rather unconvincing. (Diego Aranda and Dingdong Rosales alternate as Rupert. Abi Sulit and Ring Antonio alternate as the Nursemaid.)  

Vogt and Friedman departed from Disney's depiction of dwarves as little people, instead going for the current norm of inclusivity, specifying that they should be of all "sizes, shapes, ages and sexes."  And diverse they were in the show I watched -- stage veteran Nelson Caruncho, Ralph Oliva, Barbara Jance, 16 year-old StarMagic artist Omar Uddin, ensemble member Liway Perez, dwarf swing Czar Decena, and, most remarkably, the very cute Sophie Banaag, the youngest member of the cast -- telling us to “just call us friends” instead.

However, the definition and image of how "dwarves" should look like are simply too deeply ingrained in us, so it may take some time for kids and parents to accept Vogt and Friedman's definition, despite their noble intention. In fact, I thought  the two actors who played the palace guards in that show I watched looked more like dwarves than the actual "dwarves." (Also alternating as Dwarves are Kenny Isidro, Jay Barrameda, Basti Santos, Reese dela Vega Iso, Tiago Santos, and Mica Fajardo.)

Watching this hour and a half (with an intermission) was a rollicking fun time, especially with the kids in the audience all engaged and interacting with the colorful and wacky characters and their silly antics. It was heartening to hear the excited chatter and laughter of future theater lovers, which is certainly always an additional bonus when we watched these delightful RTYA productions over the years since 1992.

******

"SNOW WHITE AND THE PRINCE" runs weekends from September 16 to December 17, 2023 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1 in Makati City.  Tickets can be booked at the Ticket2Me or Ticketworld websites, with prices ranging from P2000 (orchestra center) to P800 (balcony). 

Greenbelt 1 is scheduled to be demolished and rebuilt by January 2024, so this will be the final production staged at Onstage. (RTYA's first play at Onstage was "Beauty and the Beast" in 2003.) In the meantime, the upcoming 2024 season of REP (with four exciting productions) will be staged at the RCBC Theater.