The first time I got involved into theater I was 12. I attended
a workshop facilitated by PETA, but didn't landed on the role I auditioned for,
my cousin was casted. The consolation for not being on the lead role was, the
play that I was part on won and my cousin and I became a member of PETA. The
very first musical that I watched was Miss Saigon with Lea Salonga playing Kim
and Leo Valdez playing the Engineer. I became fascinated and amazed after
watching it. The very first play I saw with REPertory Philippines was "
Miong, " a musical based on the life of Emilio Aguinaldo with book and
lyrics by Joy Virata. Long before Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main
Theater), the FEU Auditorium was the preferred stage pre and post war era.
Being a member of the FEU Theater Guild and the resident stage manager, I had
the opportunity to experience and encounter Zenaida Amador during the touring
production of Miong. I was scared and thrilled with Bibot seriously. Strict and
perfectionist she was. Thankfully all the greatest actors that we have today
came from REP.
For the past 50 years of REP's 80th season, 443 Broadway and
West End productions, both straight plays and musicals has been staged. What a
beautiful and appropriate way to celebrate its milestone in Philippine Theater,
a grand musical gathering of all REPpers at The Theatre in Solaire on June 11,
2017. To fit for the 50 years of telling stories, lyrics were rewritten and
music were rearranged. The one night sold out grand musical show were performed
in two acts:
Act 1
Prologue was directed by Jaime del Mundo and choreographed
by Dexter Santos. The scene unfolded how REPertory started. A rainy evening in
March 1967, they performed " Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolfe?" to an
audience of sixteen. Fifty years of telling stories as the cast and REP 50th
core ensemble sung and danced to the tune of " We Tell The Story "
from the Caribbean musical Once On This Island. I anticipated that and I felt
ecstatic about it for it was the first musical I stage managed, back when I was
still in college which was staged at Concert Of The Park in Luneta.
Suite 1 wrote and directed by Miguel Faustmann and
choreographed by Rose Borromeo. A scene that honored the dreamers of REPertory,
Zenaida Amador, Baby Barredo, Leo Martinez, Toni and Monina Mercado and Buddy
Paez. They started the " Impossible Dream" ( from the musical Man Of
La Mancha, sung by Audie Gemora and Michael Williams) and since then became
a" Tradition " ( Fiddler On The Roof). I was amazed, astounded and
awed to see Leo Martinez assisted Baby Barredo in a wheelchair onstage. The
show must go on as they say.
Suite 2 directed by Audie Gemora and choreographed by Anna
Marie Aragon, Deanna Aquino, Paulo Infante and PJ Rebullida were dedicated to
the tellers - actors and dancers. For me it was the best suite of the night and
the highlight of the evening. Songs from " A Chorus Line " (I Hope I
Get It, Ballet and One), " Camp Rock" (We Rock) and" West Side
Story " (America) were the winning performance especially past
choreographers joined onstage in " One " unforgettable moment.
Act 2
Suite 3 directed by Raymond Launchengco, choreographed by
Deanna Aquino and narrated by Menchu Launchengco Yulo, to honor the artisan who
contributed their creatives in REP stage. These are the designers from lights,
costume, makeup and production design whose expertise made " Magic To Do
" (Pippin).
Suite 4 wrote and directed by Freddie Santos and
choreographed by Deanna Aquino paid tribute to the hands of the unsung heroes
of stage. Stage manager, Property Master, Dresser, Stagehand, Chief Of The Fly
among others and by " Putting It Together " (Putting It Together) a
" Comedy Tonight " (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum)
was polished. Audience were delighted as Mitch Valdez returned onstage
accompanied by Franco Laurel, JM Rodriguez, Jack Salud and Red Nuestro.
Suite 5 directed by Michael Williams dignified the works of
the interpreters - the director, musical director and technical director.
" Finishing The Hat " (Sunday In The Park With George) has been
extraordinary and exemplary over the years on how these individuals motivated
the finest and rarest thespians what we have today.
Suite 6 directed by Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and choreographed
by Deanna Aquino to realize the storytelling on how REP impacted theater for
young audience. With the narration from the Artistic Director Joy Virata, this
scene focused on " Oh, The Things That You Think " (Suessical) as
being told by the prolific playwright through its regular season for Children's
Theater.
Suite 7 historically , respectfully and theatrically gave so
much pride and honor in memory of the REPpers onstage and offstage who had left
their craftmanship and showmanship. I can't help myself to be overwhelmed as
their names and pictures were projected.
Miss Saigon and REPertory alumni Monique Wilson came up on
the stage during the finale with the song from the musical Baby. As " The
Story Goes On, " REPertory Philippines will continue its mission and
vision showcasing and discovering the best cast and crew what the Philippines
has to offer to the world stage.
Another song that I anticipated to be sung was the iconic and signature repertoire " One Day More " from the musical Les Miserables. Original cast, new REP blood and the entire REP 50th cast belted this powerful song. For the final bow, all REPpers were invited onstage to sing the anthem, " Come Home To Rep " written by Ejay Yatco, musical director and arranger of the 13 piece orchestra of the night.
Text and photos by Gilbert Kim Sancha.
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