From screen to stage, Himala, a 1982 critically acclaimed
film by the late National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal still reflects,
replicates and resonates today. Thanks to the creative, collective and
collaborative production effort of The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works
Theatrical for bringing back HIMALA: Isang Musikal, their first co-produced
full-length musical in Filipino. An original musical with book and lyrics by
Ricky Lee, music and lyrics by Vince de Jesus and with direction and set design
by Ed Lacson Jr. is now playing at the Power MAC Center Spotlight, Circuit
Makati from 10th of February to 4th of March. "Walang Himala" debuted
at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Tanghalang Pilipino's 20th theater
season and returned on its 21st season due to popular demand. This new
production with new cast took three years to reinvent. It became a rare iconic
evening as the original and current cast and creative gathered during the
invitational press and VIP night, in attendance of course is Nora Aunor, the
original Elsa in the film, hailed as Superstar of Philippine cinema.
The very excited and scared Aicelle Santos stepping into the
classic shoes of Elsa, considered the hardest role she have ever played. Her
recent performance in "Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag" was a
thrilling and moving scene but in Himala everything was all about her. Santos
tenacity, clarity and maturity was undeniably and unbelievably a signature. The
creative process and motivation to discover the inner anguish of Elsa was
definitively convincing, an act of moving silence. The vivacious and voluptuous
singer turned theater actress Bituin Escalante playing the loving and caring
Saling who adopted Elsa deserve highly recognition. Seated on a very good
sightline and saw her very up close and personal made my watching experience
moving and mesmerizing. A favorite of mine ever since she turned pro, I can't
wait to see her vicious in the upcoming production of Rapunzel later this year.
I like her because she's always a monster onstage regardless of the role. Pilo
former lover of Chayong is Sandino Martin, a follow-up from his featured
performance as Bitoy in the screen adaptation of Ang Larawan. The moment he
entered the stage, it became statement already. The innocent looking face
turning into a lunatic freak is hard to be missed, effectively insane.
Regular
and seasoned actor David Ezra, son of Dulce who originated the role of Saling,
is playing filmmaker Orly who came to Cupang to document as the story unfold
until the bitter end. It's not surprising that you will catch Ezra in full
swing of his character, as always he never fails to amaze and surprise. For him
to look mature, he had trimmed moustache, that's a pro. Everyone in the cast
made a remarkable and notable improvisation and impersonation whether nonverbal
or verbal, hauntingly beautiful and strikingly deep.
This new experimental staging has both minimal and permanent
set to achieve realistic approach combined and complemented with mood dimmed
lighting designed by Barbie Tan Tiongco. The idea of having patrons seated in
theatre-in-the-round is suitably perfect for the actor-audience interaction.
Authenticity is required for props and scenery because of the close proximity
to the patrons. Lacson, responsible for stage businesses, blockings and
movements was impressive. He created quite stunning placements of these actors
specifically the ensemble, with proper emphasis on both symmetrical and asymmetrical
balance despite the limited space as the story takes place.
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| The Cast and crew of Himala:Isang Musikal with Superstar Nora Aunor and Master writer Rickey Lee. |
Himala: Isang
Musikal is a story about faith and truth, miracles and curses, morality and
immorality, love and friendship depicted in the eyes of Elsa and the people of
Cupang. A must see musical mirroring and lamenting Filipino values, cultures
and traditions narratively and symbolically expressed in different forms and
genres.
Text and Photos by Gilbert Kim Sancha.
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