Himala: 10th Anniversary (PETA)

March 15, 2013

"Himala" is recognized as one of the best Filipino movies of all time.  This 1982 film, directed by Ishmael Bernal, written by Ricky Lee and starring Ms. Nora Aunor, tells the story of a barrio lass Elsa who was apparently blessed to witness an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It further explores the effects and implications of this visionary experience to Elsa's family, her friends, her neighbors and her hometown of Cupang.  

In 2003, a musical play based on "Himala" was produced, directed by Soxie Topacio, written by Ricky Lee with music by Vincent de Jesus.  It would turn out to be one of the most iconic original Filipino musicals of all time.  To celebrate its 10th anniversary, PETA stages "Himala:  A Celebration of the Musical".  Advanced publicity calls it a concert with the well-loved songs from the 2003 musical.  Upon watching it today, I would not really call it a concert only.  For me, it looked like an actual re-staging of the musical.  The show did not only consist of singing and orchestral accompaniment, but it had a set, props, lighting, choreography, acting, the works!

Elsa was played by Ms. May Bayot-de Castro.  In certain angles, she actually looked like a bigger version of the Superstar.  Her voice was not technically perfect this night, but it perfectly conveyed the tumult of emotion being experienced by her character.  Her dramatic songs were wrought with deep feelings and she delivers.  I confess that I was sort of distracted that Ms. Bayot looked too hefty and mature to be the young innocent visionary.  There was a physical disconnect of sorts which may have diminished my full appreciation of her performance.

All the female supporting characters all performed so well!  Ms. Isay Alvarez-Sena played Nimia, Elsa's childhood friend turned prostitute.  She sang her featured song, the witty "Kami ang Tunay na Birhen" with naughty glee.  Being the only bad girl there set her apart from the rest.  Elsa's best friend and aide Chayong was played by Ms. Cynthia Culig-Guico.  This is the first time I have seen her, and she looked a little mature to be the girlfriend of Myke Salomon.  However, she had that that fragile look and vulnerable nature that made her so realistically tragic.  Her soprano singing was beautifully resonant.  Ms. Dulce played Elsa's mother Aling Saling.  Her amazingly solid full-bodied voice can really project over the amplified piano and the chorus behind her (a problem of many of her cast mates).  

There were also three male supporting characters.  OJ Mariano played Orly, a film maker who wanted to film Elsa's vision and ended up capturing more than what he originally planned.  He had a very good-sounding pop tenor as we know, however many times, his singing would be drowned out by the piano.  We just saw him in "Rivalry".  Next month, he will be in "The Full Monty".  Very hard-working guy.  Myke Salomon played Pilo, the suitor of Chayong.  He can really hit those high notes as well, and his singing has really improved since I saw him first in "Care Divas" and "Aida."  The parish priest was played by Melvin Lee.  Honestly I did not recognize him at all since the only image of Melvin Lee I had was from "Care Divas" and "Sabel" both PETA shows where he dressed in drag.  I also did not know that he had a solid tenor voice!

The singing of the company playing various characters in the town was also remarkably excellent.  Standing out among them were Red Nuestro and Onyl Torres.  The chorus was composed of Viva Voce (led by Glenda Liao and Ivan Nery) and the UST Singers Alumni.  Fantastic singing and harmonies all around!  There was always a solid wall of melodic voices which surrounded the auditorium throughout sung parts of the show.

The musical played exactly as I recalled the highlights of  original film.  If you remember a certain scene of chilling violence in the second half of the film, it is also here in a most nightmarish dance interpretation in the Act 2.  Fans of original Filipino music and theater should catch this very special show as the singing and musical accompaniment led by Jed Balsamo on the piano were all of top-notch quality.  I have always heard Vincent de Jesus songs to be so happy, funny and witty ("Juan Tamad," "Care Divas", etc) , but "Himala" showcases his very serious, solemn side.  Aside from the souvenir program, they are also selling the original sheet music book of the "Himala" songs, as well as a limited edition CD soundtrack.  An event like this would likely take another 10 years to come back.  Do catch it this time!


******************


“Himala  A 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Musical” will be staged at PETA Theater Center on March 15, 17, 22, and 24 at 8 p.m. and March 16 and 23, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are P650 (balcony), P1,000 (orchestra) and P2,000 (elevated orchestra). For ticket inquiries, contact PETA at 725-6244, 0917-5765400, 0918-9005370 or TicketWorld at 891-9999.

PIAF (Atlantis Production)

March 7, 2013

"PIAF", a brutally frank 1978 play written by Pam Gems, is all about French torch singer Madame Edith Piaf.  I did not really know much about her or her life and career, except for her signature song "La Vie en Rose." I know there was a movie about her life which won Marion Cotillard international stardom and an Oscar for Best Actress, but I have not seen that yet (and now I should).

The picture that "PIAF" paints of Edith Piaf is not exactly flattering at all.  We see her very humble beginnings as a street singer and prostitute, her big break to sing at a club, her arrest, her French resistance efforts during World War II, her career rise and fall.  We see her heavily dependent on the company of men, alcohol, and later morphine. We meet the real woman behind the beautiful voice, potty mouth, coarse behavior and all.

This is an ultimate acting piece for the actress who will play her.  It is an awards-baiting role, and indeed it had won a Tony in 1981 for the actress who originally played Piaf on Broadway, Jane Lapotaire. I have no doubts that even if this is only March, we could practically give the Best Actress to Ms. Pinky Amador already.  She was giving this character everything she's got.  It is her powerful, full-bodied smokey singing voice that is front and center in this play.  Even if her spoken voice was already quite strained, her singing was still breath-taking! 

Ms. Amador's rendition of "If You Love Me (Really Love Me)" (originally "Hymne a l'amour", lyrics written by Piaf) was simply ethereal and beautiful.  Good thing that song was rendered in English.  It is too bad I am not familiar with her French songs. The final song "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" was also very powerfully sung, but I wished this last song would have been sung in English too so its message can be understood by more members of the audience.   I was expecting the song "La Vie en Rose" to occupy a more climactic position in the play, but it didn't.  

The hard-working supporting cast consisted of two females and eight males.  They did everything on stage. Aside from acting multiple roles, they also moved props and dressed each other.  The females were Ima Castro (mainly as Toine, Edith's best friend) and G Toengi (mainly as Marlene Dietrich).  The males (Jamie Wilson, Reuben Uy, Altair Alonzo, Hans Eckstein, Mako Alonso, Nel Gomez and Sandino Martin) played the men who went in and out of Edith and her life, from her discoverer Louie Leplee (Wilson), to the love of her life French boxer Marcel Cerdan (Eckstein), to her protege singer Charles Aznavour (Uy), to last husband 20 years her junior Theo Sarapo (Martin).

The stage design by Faust Peneyra was impressive with huge brown walls and doors covering all sides of the stage with lights passing through the slats in the upper sections, which had some surprises in store as the play went on.  The lighting effects by Martin Esteva was very dramatic and vital in the story telling, a star of the show in its own right.  The huge "PIAF" in red lights illuminating the left side of the stage was very striking.

I cannot say this show is for everyone.  The play played like an indie film, graphic and gritty.  The language is uncouth and can be downright dirty.  This is definitely for mature audiences only - Rated R.  However, for people who love serious theater, this is a must-see.  Even if the whole play was already excellent, Ms. Amador's bravura performance alone is already worth the price of admission.  She was fierce and fearless.  This is the best I have seen her.  She is transformed as Piaf.  You do not see Pinky Amador anymore.  This is a worthy showcase for her 30th year in show business.  You would think you are actually watching Piaf herself.  Kudos to Director Bobby Garcia and the rest of the Atlantis crew for this amazing initial offering for this year.

*******

"Piaf" runs from March 8 to 23, 2013 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For information, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.

No Way to Treat A Lady (Repertory Philippines)

March 2, 2013

"No Way to Treat a Lady" is the second offering of Repertory Philippines for its current season.  It bills itself as "A Musical in the Key of Murder."  That got me intrigued because of this interesting mix of genre, just like "Sweeney Todd," which was a personal favorite musical of mine.  So despite my unfamiliarity about its story, music or who the local cast was, and my apprehension about it being a dated piece, I went out of my way and schedule to see it.

This story of this play was first a 1968 novel by William Goldman, inspired by the Boston Strangler.  It had a movie version also in 1968 starring Rod Steiger, George Segal, Lee Remick and Eileen Heckart.  In 1987, Douglas J. Cohen adapted the story and wrote the book and music for a dark comedy-musical done Off-Broadway.

The story was about two adult men who were both held under the thumbs of their domineering mothers.  Detective Morris Brummell (Joel Trinidad) still lives with his stereotypical Jewish mother Flora (Sheila Francisco).  Unemployed theater actor Kit Gill (Audie Gemora) still lives under the big shadow of his recently departed mother, celebrated Broadway actress, Alexandra Gill (Pinky Marquez).  Kit's sick mind hatches a plan to murder senior women who reminded him of his mother, leaving a signature of lips using red lipstick on his victims.  Brummell's investigation leads him to meet a lovely art gallery hostess Sarah Stone (Carla Guevara-Laforteza), sparking a romantic side plot.  How will Detective Brummell nail the serial killer and still get the girl, in light of his mother's overbearing ways?

Ok, I had to admit, the story is not too exciting.  As I feared, like Rep's first show this season "Boeing Boeing," this show's material was hopelessly dated, 1970-ish.  (Actually, Rep's next and most hihgly-anticipated show will also be set in the 1960s, "The Graduate." SCOOP!  Replacing Cherie Gil as Mrs. Robinson will be Ms. Pinky Marquez!)   The side plot about Brummell and his mother was really a tired cliche already.  The music and songs were mildly funny and not entirely memorable.  There were some flashes of smart wit here and there, but these were few, especially in this day and age where wit in comedy scripts demands to be more complex and rapid-fire. Most attempts at humor can tend to be groan-worthy because of its simplicity and familiarity.

However, it is a testament to the talent of the Filipino cast that we still are able to appreciate this play as a whole.  There were only five persons in the cast and they all did remarkably well, in their roles (multiple roles for two of them).

Director and lead actor Audie Gemora, fresh from his last Rep role as "Sweeney Todd" plays another serial killer here, Kit Gill.  He had to wear various costumes and play the various characters Gill had to assume in order to gain the trust of his victims before he killed them. He played a priest, a dance instructor, a waiter, a cop, and to top it all off, a FEMALE bar-goer (the dress! the legs! the shoes!)! Of course, his strong singing voice remains top-notch despite the unmemorable songs.  

Joel Trinidad effectively had that foolish naive mama's boy vibe playing Detective Brummell.  He plays it so successfully charming such that the audience will root for him to both catch the killer and get the girl. 

Carla Guevara was so right for the role of Sarah Stone.  She positively shone in two featured song numbers of hers, one funny delightful one with Morris' mother Flora entitled "So Much in Common", and one sad contemplative one, the lyrically dramatic "One of the Beautiful People".  Her voice is really one of the best in local musical theater.  She can make any song sound soulful and heartfelt.

Sheila Francisco had the scene-stealing role of Morris' mom Flora Brummell. Her happy song with Carla Guevara about having lots of things in common was her highlight.  You got that domineering Jewish mom stereotype from her garish costume and awful wig.  But Ms. Sheila was able to make us sympathize with her as well.

Pinky Marquez not only played the Norma Desmond-like diva Alexandra Gill, she obviously had a lot of fun playing all the other various victims of Kit Gill.  She was very cute as the first victim Mrs. Sullivan.  That was a precious little scene at the head of the stairs with her precarious wobbling.  She was most memorable as the lusty Spanish lady dancer Carmella.  You won't forget how she laid down on the divan!  She was also hilarious as the drunk actress/bar-goer Sadie who had illusions that she was Blanche duBois.  I enjoyed her very witty conversation with Kit in that part before he went for the kill.

It was just disappointing that the material seemed below the massive talents of the cast involved. They gave it their all and made the whole play more interesting and funnier than it really was.  I can  honestly say though that this stellar cast is more than enough reason for you to make that trip to Onstage to see this show.  These special actors definitely rose over and above the limitations of the material they had to work with to give it that extra spark and life. Congratulations!

The Cast :  Carla Guevara, Shiela Francisco, Joel Trinidad, Audie Gemora and Pinky Marquez

"No Way to Treat a Lady" opened yesterday March 1, and will play March 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m.; and March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 3:30 p.m. at the Onstage in Greenbelt 1 in Makati City.  Tickets are at P1200 for Center Orchestra, P800 for Side Orchestra and P500 for Balcony.

Collection (Dulaang UP)

February 23, 2013

"Collection" is a piece of original Filipino theater originating from the fertile imagination of multi-awarded playwright Floy Quintos and directed by Dexter Santos. I did not read the synopsis of the play before I watched it.  I did not even know who was in the cast.  Now that I have seen it, I have to say I was totally blown away by it.  I do not think I had ever watched a play quite the same as it.

The title is nondescript, does not say much.  The ticket simply billed it as a "very dark comedy."  I totally did not expect what would come out on stage.  The very first scene was an auction with no less than the Banaue Rice Terraces as a piece of real estate up on the block.  This shocking opening already sets the over-the-top, bombastic mood, pace and scope that would characterize the next three hours of complex, witty and mesmerizing theater.  The play would go from the mystic 17th century to the electric future, with a vivid script in both English and Filipino, on an impressive and innovative set that looked like it had doubled the size of the old Wilfrido Ms. Guerrero Theater stage miraculously.  

The story was set in the Philippines, in a year when there is nothing sacred anymore except money.  Everything is for sale already.  A government agency called the National Council for the Disposal of Patrimony (NCDP) cooperates with a private auctioning firm to sell pieces of Philippine culture and history in order to raise funds to give measly dole-outs to the masses in the form of a national raffle.  The next item up for bids would be an icon of the Virgin Mary with a back story most melodramatic that it would capture the intense materialistic fancy of even the most hedonistic of billionaires.  To whose collection of treasures would this coveted ivory statue go to?

If the script by Floy Quintos was mind-blowing and the direction by Dexter Santos was inspired, the actors in the cast were more than capable to embody and bring to life the challenging and larger-than-life characters of "Collection."

Jeremy Domingo plays Carlo Vibal, the celebrity auctioneer.  This actor I have seen in many roles before, but this one is the very best I have seen him in.  Domingo effectively essays the public arrogance and the private guilt of his complex character.  His best scenes were his "conversation" with a ghost from centuries past, all the way up to the shattering climax of the final auction.  That stage moment is so triumphant,  I would already end the race for Best Actor in a Play for 2013 right here this early with this flawless characterization and performance.

I do not think I have seen Stella Canete before, but her portrayal of the jewelry magnate Tatiana is a favorite of mine.  Her scene in the second half where she extols her own plans for a basilica for the Marian icon was pure comedy, striking brutally at the hypocritically "religious" Catholics.  I was in stitches during this wildly funny number.  Her partner in that scene was Jules de la Paz, who was simply hilariously irreverent, as a gay social climber who had supposedly reformed.

Alexander Cortez was clearly enjoying himself in the character of the flamboyant homosexual film director Alphonse.  He had a lot of naughty one-liners throughout the play.  His notable dig to the idealism of the student protest leader Gus (Red Concepcion) was very memorably funny.  

Talking about enjoying oneself, I would say the same about Jean Judith Javier who positively went to town playing the NCDP head Helena with utmost glee.  She would neurotically vacillate from Madame's Imeldific-isms to Miriam's Brenda-isms to the delight to the audience.  She has come a long way since I first saw her as Sisa in "Noli Me Tangere, the Opera."

Leo Rialp played aristocratic Spanish industrialist Don Manolo Estancio, while Roeder Camanag played Chinese beauty taipan Dr. Stephen Yan.  These two actors had a particularly memorable scene doing their usual "routines" as they discuss about their business philosophies, side by side .

Young Teetin Villanueva will move you and shock you with her courageous performance.  Her portrayal of the tragic Hermana Augusta Beata is haunting and heart-rending.  Her performance was a bit marred by some sound issues where we cannot hear some of what she was saying, but good thing her body language could already convey them effectively.  Her singing though is definitely strong and beautiful.

This is most definitely must-watch theater!!!   It succeeds in so many levels: as religious satire, as political satire, as social satire.  Simply and seriously amazing.  After seeing this play,  I now regret that I have missed many of Floy Quintos plays recently, like "Fake" or "Isang Panaginip na Fili". I know I will have to watch his future works, definitely looking forward to the next one.

After this weekend, "Collection" will only run one more weekend next week.  The final shows will be on March 1 at 7pm and March 2-3 at 10am and 3pm at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman.  Do not miss this very original, provocative and timely play. This closing production of Dulaang UP's 37th season will definitely make you think, as it also effectively entertains you.

Boeing Boeing (Repertory Philippines)

February 9, 2013

This straight comedy play is the first offering of Repertory Philippines 76th season.  I have not heard anything about this title before.  Furthermore, except for the veteran Ms. Baby Barredo, this play was incredible in that there were NO real star actors in any of the lead roles, which I found quite brave.  Honestly, it did not really cross my mind to watch this play, however I was tempted when the initial reviews all were very enthusiastic.  Therefore when I won a raffle for tickets on herworld.com (again), my wife and I grabbed the chance to check out what the fuss was all about.

"Boeing Boeing" is set in the pad of American architect Bernard, in the city of Paris.  Bernard had what he thought was the perfect arrangement when it comes to his women.  He was simultaneously juggling three beautiful fiances, all of whom are airline stewardesses.  Bernard depends on their respective route schedules to plan his days with them, and so far everything was going on like clockwork.  His old friend from the province, Robert, who came to visit Bernard, was at the same time shocked and fascinated with this arrangement. Well, that is until one day, a big storm forces all three stewardesses to be in Paris, and in Bernard's flat, all at the same time!  That was when the fun really starts.  How can Bernard extricate himself out this big mess?

The three-timing playboy Bernard was played by a Caucasian guy named David Bianco.  He does pretty well but I thought he lacked that certain dash and debonair spark that would make it believable that this guy could actually snag and handle three gorgeous girls at a time.  Well, maybe that was part of the plan, that he could do it yet remain looking innocent about it.  

Jennifer Blair-Bianco, David Bianco's real life wife, played the vivacious Gloria in fiery red, the American who works for TWA.  Giannina Ocampo plays the passionate Gabriella in royal blue, the Italian who works for Alitalia.  Carla Dunareanu plays the feisty Gretchen in bright yellow, the German girl who works for Lufthansa.  Where have these ladies been before?  They were really spot on as they were all beautiful, sexy, daring and funny as their roles demanded.  Ms. Dunareanu (said to be Christian Bautista's girlfriend) stands out with her character's neuroses and German accent and attitude, which she succeeded to make endearing despite the stereotype.  It was only when Gretchen appeared on stage when the play finally "woke up" for me.  

While Topper Fabregas felt like the odd man out in the cast when it comes to his moreno complexion, he was generally energetic and delightful in his performance as Bernard's provincial friend, Robert.  He projected that naivete his character required, not knowing what he was getting into that day he decided to pay his old friend Bernard a visit.  But in some scenes, his character can be confusing because Topper's acting can be inconsistent.

As the only veteran and most senior member in the cast, Ms. Baby Barredo was quite the effective female curmudgeon as the maid Bertha. This crude, grumpy, ever-complaining character gets to deliver many of the funny one-liner jokes, and of course Ms. Barredo delivers as only she could.   I would have liked to have seen her alternate, Ms. Joy Virata, play Bertha as well.  I can imagine a very different attack on the character.

Read more about BWW Reviews: BOEING-BOEING by Repertory Philippines by philippines.broadwayworld.com

"Boeing Boeing" was originally written in French by Marc Camoletti.  It was translated to English by Beverley Cross, and was first staged in London's West End in 1962, and in Broadway in 1965.  It had a successful Tony Award winning revival on Broadway in 2007.  To be honest, it really felt like the play was written and trapped in the 1960s, with a very dated concept and setting.  The stereotypes of the girls' nationalities are not exactly politically correct and potentially offensive as it was written (especially if you are American or German).  Fortunately though, the effective stage direction by Miguel Faustmann and the energetic performance of the cast, especially the vivacious ladies dressed in those attractive and sexy air hostess uniforms by Raven Ong, make the play somehow feel fresh, fun and light-hearted.  We were actually laughing out loud in many hilarious madcap scenes, and that really felt great, but you still feel something lacking somewhere.


Rep's production of "Boeing Boeing" runs at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Malls for one more weekend until Sunday, February 17.

Review of PETA's D' Wonder Twins of Boac

"D' Wonder Twins of Boac" is the last offering of PETA for its 45th theater season. Writer Rody Vera adapted Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and transported the story to the Philippine movie industry of the late 1960s when the film studio system was already on the decline.  I found that a very interesting concept, and furthermore, it will star one of my favorite stage actresses Cris Villonco in the lead.  This was most certainly a must-watch for me.

Viola (Cris Villonco) and Bastian (Chrome Cosio) are the titular twins from Boac, who were a talented song and dance duo.  On their way to try their luck in the movie industry in Manila, their ship capsizes and the two were separated when they were lost at sea.  We later see Viola in Manila as a sampaguita vendor. When she hears that Campanilla Pictures were holding an audition for an Elvis movie, she gets the idea to dress as a boy named Cesar to try her luck.  

The owner of Campanilla Pictures, Don Orsino (Lex Marcos), wants to propose marriage to the recently-widowed Donya Olivia (Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino) of rival BLV Pictures, in order to unite their two studios.  He sends Cesar to be his emissary to Olivia. However, fate has it that Olivia actually takes a fancy to fair Cesar, not knowing that "he" was actually a girl in disguise.  By this time, Viola/Cesar was already falling in love with Don Orsino!

On the other hand, unknown to Viola, Bastian had long been in training as a movie stuntman, so it was inevitable that the twins' paths will cross one day.  However, how will Bastian figure in this already complicated love triangle entangled in a web-like comedy of errors that his cross-dressing sister is now involved in?

This whole absurd situation is hilarious as you can imagine.  The comedy worked back in Shakespeare's time and it works up to now.  The director Maribel Legarda, fresh from her directorial successes in other PETA hit shows "William" and "Care Divas," injected a lot more Pinoy comic touches to tickle the young audiences whom this play targets.  The theater was full-packed to the rafters with high school and college students and they were really howling with laughter in many scenes.

I have never seen Cris Villonco in a role like Viola before.  She was quite "cute" as Cesar.  Of course, she did not really look like a real man, but she looked like she was having a lot of fun doing it.  Her songs were  in a more pop voice and style, rather than the trilling soprano we are more used to hearing her sing in her previous shows like "Walang Sugat" and "Noli Me Tangere." Those scenes of Doc Orsino and Direk Luciano (Roi Calilong) teaching Cesar how to seduce a woman was very laugh-out-loud funny, as with that scene where Donya Olivia turns the tables on Cesar seducing moves.

Chrome Cosio's role as Bastian was not as extensive as Viola's.  His memorable highlight were those scenes with his stunts trainer, the sneaky Antonio (Riki Benedicto), that really brought the house down with laughter!  Chrome was not shy in showing off his physique, to the delight of the high school girls in the audience.  However, since he was showing his body off several times from the first song number to the last, it did look a little too repetitive, thus losing its novelty factor.

This is my first time to see the acclaimed Shamaine Centenera live in action.  She was very fierce, funny and fearless as Dona Olivia.  She had a near wardrobe malfunction during the show I watched, but she survived it with aplomb.  Lex Marcos was debonair as Doc Orsino, but also very funny. I cannot imagine his alternate, the older Bodjie Pascua, to be better fit as Orsino than Lex.

A side plot involved Luciano, a low-brow director of masses-oriented "bakya" movies, and his nemesis Malvolio, who is a snobbish director of quality serious films.  The conflict between these two directors was also very interesting as it was funny.  The Malvolio character took time to warm up to the audience though, as played by Lao Rodriguez.  The supporting characters of Olivia's drunken Uncle Toma (Gie Onida), her foolish suitor Rudy Castelvi (Eric V. dela Cruz) and her secretary Maria (Kat Castillo) also had their funny moments.

The whole play worked out quite rollickingly fun. Well, that is, until the ending when they tried to inject something of a historical perspective as to what happens next in Philippine cinema.  In my opinion, it did not really end the show too well, as it felt like a totally different play.  There was that one moment when the audience fell silent also, so I think maybe they did not get it too.  This is only the first weekend though, and maybe they still tweak the execution of that scene a little in the coming shows.  In any case, after that momentary hiccup, the play recovered when the final song number came on and enlivened the stage again.

(photo credit:  PETA FB page)

When I entered the auditorium and took my seat, the first thing I noted was that the old stage was not there.  Instead there was a beautiful multi-tiered stage with a staircase going up to the balcony on one side.  There were now seats all around this stage.  This new stage made everything more exciting.

Congratulations to PETA, Ms. Maribel Legarda, Mr. Rody Vera and the cast and crew of "D' Wonder Twins of Boac" for this most innovative and originally envisioned Shakespearean play I have seen, after "King Lear" also by PETA just a couple of years ago.  May you continue to succeed in your mission to bring to the Filipino youth original interpretations of the Philippines' and the world's best literature!

"D' Wonder Twins of Boac" runs at the PETA Theater in Quezon City, weekends from February 1 to March 3, 2013, Fridays and Saturdays: 3pm and 8pm; Sundays: 10am and 3pm.

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph For inquiries, contact 725-6244, 0916-5675400, or petatheater@gmail.com

Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical: The 2nd Round (4th Wall Theater Company)

January 24, 2013

"RIVALRY" had been a much buzzed-about show last year during its first run.  However, for some reason I did not have the interest to see it despite the good reviews.  Maybe it was the main topic of the musical, which was about the fabled Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the college basketball league.  I was afraid I could not relate to the story because I am neither from Ateneo nor La Salle.

The original Filipino musical, with music by Ed Gatchalian, lyrics by Joel Trinidad (both Ateneans) and directed by Jaime del Mundo (a La Sallite), went on to win year-end accolades including Best Music for a Filipino Musical for Mr. Ed Gatchalian from the Broadway World PH Awards.    It must be so successful, that there is now a re-staging of this show this month!  Therefore when the opportunity came up for me to watch it, I grabbed the chance this time.

There was no big mystery what the main story is about. The setting is Manila in 1968.  The Valencias are hard-core Ateneans.  The Basilios are hard-core La Sallites.  The moms are sisters, but their husbands are both bitter rivals on and off the basketball court.  Their sons continue this rivalry.  Paco Valencia (OJ Mariano) is the current star player of Ateneo, while Tommy Basilio (Mako Alonso, who is ironically an Atenean) is the star of the La Salle varsity.  Both teams were still members of the NCAA back then, with Mapua and San Beda.

Paco's brother Quito (Red Concepcion) has a crush on a certain Maryknoll girl Rina (Athena Tibi) and asks his cousin Tommy to help introduce him.  As fate would have it, Tommy finds himself falling for the charming Rina. How will this love triangle play out as the college basketball season reaches its heated finale?

The script reminds me of one-act Filipino plays in English that we used to see high school students stage back in the day.  I find the play very amusing when it comes to conversations -- the way they speak with all its "burgis" styling, English with distinct "Filipinisms."   While there were also a number of witty one-liners, but I guess I was expecting more school jokes. The staging and choreography reminded me a lot of "West Side Story" with the rival gangs dancing.  Well to be frank, the story concept is somehow reminiscent of that musical classic too because of its romance in the context of rivalry.

There were two song numbers that really stood out for me.  From Act One, it was the very cute "Boy from La Salle" coquettishly sung by the Maryknoll colegialas.  From Act Two, it was the dramatic "What If" sung by the three corners of the love triangle, Quito, Tommy and Rina.  The songs of Act Two were basically reprises or mash-ups of the songs from the first act.  The director said that this "Second Round" was already streamlined from the first run in terms of its content.  But I feel, some more streamlining could be done to make it a tighter show.  There were certain moments where the momentum would lag.

Mako Alonso, whom I have not seen before, was actually very good as Tommy.  He has a good voice, and he has his "crush ng bayan" character down pat.  He can also do the physically strenuous sit-ups and clap push-ups that Tommy had to do.  OJ Mariano is unfortunately limited by the dour way his serious character had been written.  I am sure there is a way to make his Paco more interesting in future stagings.  As for Red Concepcion, he has this look that does not exactly make him convincing as a romantic lead.  He is quite earnest though and he sings well, but he was not realistic as a boy in love with a girl.

The star of the show for me though was the very pretty Athena Tibi, whom I have also not seen on stage before.  She sings very well, and her stage presence was electric, making her rise above the other Maryknollers on stage with her (which includes known actresses like Cara Barredo and Caisa Borromeo).  I found it interesting when it was revealed that Ms. Tibi actually has an active career in Japan as a pop star, from which she took a break to join this show.  She could make it as well in the local scene, I think.

Overall, whatever they say, I still think you would have to be an Atenean or a La Sallite to get into the groove fully with this musical.  There was still some "inside joke" territory that alumni of other schools cannot completely get.  I personally could not help but burst into applause and cheer when my own alma mater was suddenly mentioned.  So Maroons, there is something for you in this show!  It was not a completely perfect show yet, especially the final resolution, which I found was not too clearly expressed.  I think it could still be improved further because I think this musical will live on as long as there are Ateneans and La Sallites.  But as it is now, it is already a fun, amusing and entertaining show!

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"Rivalry: The Second Round" runs from January 25 to February 17, 2013, weekends at the Meralco Theater.  Ticket Prices: P1,699.50/ P1,339/ P1,030/ P978.50/ P824/ P618. For ticket reservations, call TicketWorld at 891-9999.