'West Side Story' in CAFI Musicals

The Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc., headed by Rep. Eduardo Gullas, sponsored a whole day of Broadway Musicals at SM City Cebu Cinema 1. Cebu's leading universities showcased their students' skills in the performing arts. Performances were categorized into three: musicales with thematic themes, religious and purely song and choreography which were all executed well.

"West Side Story Today" performed by University of San Jose-Recoletos highlighted the feud between two warring groups, the American "Jets" and the Puerto Rican "Sharks." Amidst the fightings, Tony (Jet) and Maria (Sharks) fell in love. But the lovers' attempt to stop the rumble failed, resulting to the tragic death of Tony, Bernardo (Sharks) and Riff (Jets). The story ended in reconciliation.

The play is relevant to current social issues on fraternities and gang wars and may well open the eyes of youth to promote peace and brotherhood.

The masterpiece of Al Evangelio, dubbed "Calamba Joe," was presented as well, evoking the sense of heroism and patriotism as well as calling for a new breed of modern heroes.