The excitement of having a baby

The idea to produce and direct the Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire musical Baby happened in late 2003 when I approached Lea Salonga about doing a musical for our fifth anniversary this year. We went through several musicals and for one reason or another, we didn’t think it was the right choice. Somewhere in our conversation, we simultaneously said, "What about Baby?" And so we found our musical to mark our fifth anniversary of producing theater.

I have always been a fan of the music and lyrics of Baby. But having never seen a production of it, I was unaware at how touching and sweet the book of the musical actually is. When I received the script from the licensing company, I was so impressed at how well developed the characters were for a musical comedy. Here were three couples with very real relationships you could fully understand and connect with.

I was also a fan of how universal the play truly was. Baby is basically about how three couples deal with parenthood at crucial moments in their lives. It’s a story that crosses all cultural boundaries. Sitting in rehearsals, watching the actors go through the musical, it never feels foreign or "American." I guess it’s because there is something in each relationship we can all relate to.

We have gathered a stellar cast for his musical, led by Lea Salonga, who by the sheer nature of who she is, contributes immensely to the musical theater industry in the Philippines whenever she returns to do a show. Everything you have heard about her being the easiest person to direct is all true. She is also the most gracious leading lady one could have in a company. She sets a standard for everyone else to follow. Her performance as Lizzie, the 20-year-old college student who finds herself pregnant is funny, moving and extremely truthful. Joining her are David Shannon (an amazingly gifted performer from England who now lives in the Philippines with his wife, the equally-amazing Ima Castro), Agot Isidro (in her second musical theater outing), Jett Pangan (in his fifth straight in a row musicale with Atlantis Productions) and theater veterans (if not even theater royalty) Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Miguel Faustmann. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect cast than what I have right now. And joining them in the ensemble is a group of theater professionals who in any other production would be in lead or supporting roles. Chari Arespacochaga, Cathy Azanza, Topper Fabregas, Christine Marquez, Jun Ofrasio and Robie Zialcita add color to the musical with their skilled versatility.

I still remember the first time we stumbled through the first act of the musical in the rehearsal hall — many cast members found themselves unexpectedly crying from watching the various relationships unfold before them. And that’s the magic of Baby. It is not a musical that relies on special effects, machinery or hydraulics. Baby’s single special effect comes from an even more powerful source — the heart.

And this production is doubly blessed because a young and brilliant musical director is conducting a 20-piece orchestra (a rarity in Philippine musical theater). Gerard Salonga, in my opinion, is the best musical director this country has. It is always a special treat when he takes time off from concerts to do musical theater. Gerard is excited to be using the Broadway orchestrations of Jonathan Tunick for Baby.

I have also the best creative team anyone could wish for. Lighting designer Gerry Fernandez is my left arm. I fully trust and admire the work he does (but that doesn’t stop me from nagging with him a heck of a lot), Andy Alviz is the ever dependable choreographer who is in a perpetual good mood. Set designer Mio Infante has created a simple yet striking look for the play, Rajo Laurel color-coded costumes highlight the changing seasons. ManMan Angsico’s meticulous vocal coaching has brought out the best in the cast and Bobbit Jacinto’s sound design makes sure the singers sound the way they should. We are so lucky to have an excellent production team led by Liza Camus and Lambert de Jesus as well as an extremely efficient office staff led by Sally Arellano. Who could ask for more when you have the best pulling together as a team?

As I look back at the last five years, a line from the musical stands out. What a journey… what a ride! And that’s exactly what it’s been like producing and directing theater here in the Philippines. And the ride and journey would never have been possible without the support of The Philippine STAR who was there for us since Day 1. Max Soliven, Miguel Belmonte, Ricky Lo, Doreen Yu and Millet Mananquil have all been benefactors of the local theatrical scene by their constant support of theater productions. Creamsilk has been extremely generous with our production of Baby (not to mention giving me my first break "acting" in their commercial), Discovery Suites (which not only has excellent world-class rooms but really yummy buffets), Bayo, MBG, Portfolio, MBC, NBC, Joey 92.3, Goldilocks, Kanin ni Tisay, Play and Display, Mister Donut, KFC, Avon, Applecenter by PowerMac, Hit Productions, Uva, Folded and Hung, Wade, Video Gear, Havin’ a Baby, Carbon, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Waterhealth, Tapa King, Wetzel’s & Pretzels, Thai in a Box/Steak Jack, SM Supermall, Maribago Bluewater, Nike, Bizu, Red Crab, Teriyaki Boy, Shakeys, Audiophile, Fabricare, and PCSO. Words (especially typewritten ones) will never fully express the gratitude I have for all these corporations and individuals who have helped us reach this point of our journey in Atlantis Productions. I figure the best way of expressing my gratitude is tying to put on the best show possible.

And putting Baby together has been full of love and laughter. We have a cast and crew eager and ready to do their job with no extra baggage carried into the rehearsals. Everyone is there, respectful what the other person needs to do. All of us are there loving what we do. And the laughter is constant. Because of that, it never, ever feels like work at all.

Baby the Musical runs from Aug. 18 to Sept. 5 at the Meralco Theater. It is presented in cooperation with The Philippine STAR and Creamsilk. For tickets, call 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.