Getting a different high on stage acting

As one of the stellar voices in Philippine musical theater, it should come as no surprise that Jett Pangan joins Atlantis Productions’ 10th anniversary production of the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening.

Jett was immediately impressed by the material. “It’s a perfect menage-a-trois of alternative rock, folk and pop,” he says enthusiastically of music star and Tony winner Duncan Sheik’s Tony Award-winning score. That, and the discipline of working in theater itself, which he describes as “a workout for your artistic skill and confidence,” made it an easy decision to accept the Spring Awakening offer.

For Jett there will be the challenge of portraying his role of the Adult Male Figure in all its various forms: From a loving and supportive father in one scene to a forbidding and abusive schoolmaster the next. It is a substantial role he says that reflects in society today.

“In as much as we’re living in modern times, there still exists a communication gap between the young and old in certain homes and communities. This promotes unnecessary tensions,” he points out.

For all his seriousness about the role, Jett has not lost his sense of whimsy. Having heard about Spring from director Chari Arespacochaga, he recalls “Chari asked me to name possible young leads for the show. I volunteered as a young lead, which disturbed her a little bit,” he smiles.

Whimsy notwithstanding, Jett is committed in sharing the message of Spring. “The musical is about adolescents yearning to learn about their sexuality, and generally, about themselves.”

He elaborates, contrasting the setting of Spring Awakening to present day. “Back then, there was a shortage of objective literature and information as regards to things like sex. Now, due to a slew of information on just about anything, both child and senior can learn touchy stuff in pro-active ways like the play itself.”

Jett points out, “As it turns out, I try to do one musical a year.” Philippine audiences are fortunate that this year‘s musical is Spring Awakening.

Tackling another important role in the musical play is bossa nova singer Sitti who will be setting aside her music as she plays Martha, who she describes as “simple at first, but really there is a lot of depth and character to her. She’s ultra conservative, obedient yet very brave and resilient.” It is a character Sitti sees in young people today and hopes to share with the greater public.

Sitti has followed the siren call of the stage before, having done a turn as Mary Walter in the one-night-only staging of Katy the Musical. This, coupled with acting work in various TV programs has prepared the singer for the substantial material of the Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening. From all accounts, another chance at the stage is something she more than relishes.

“I have always wanted to do theatre. I’m fascinated by the raw emotions of stage acting, which is very different from TV acting. I am looking forward to being Martha, first and foremost, and when the stage lights go on, to lose myself completely in a role, to be coached, to be a better actor, to meet and bond with the cast and crew,” she enthuses.

Local audiences have reason to gleefully anticipate the results of Sitti’s work in Spring Awakening, the reward even greater proof that bossa nova singers can blossom into musical stage actresses.

Based on one of the most controversial pieces of literature that was banned for one hundred years in Germany, Spring Awakening is the tale of teenagers on the road to self-discovery. Written by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, Spring Awakening is the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Spring Awakening runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187. Due to Explicit Content and some nudity, Parental Discretion is advised.