N.O.A.H. returns after the flood

MANILA, Philippines - “Did I hear you right? N.O.A.H. got canceled due to floods?” a US-based friend humorously asked on Facebook minutes after I posted that the last weekend of Trumpets’ musical N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) had to be canceled because of Ondoy.  

It was a highly ironic cause for amusement and deserving of sarcasm. But that was early on Sept. 26, 2009 and neither of us had any idea what kind of devastation Ondoy would wreak throughout the day.  Our make-up artist, Johann dela Fuente, recounted how he and his father had to swim to a building under construction to escape the raging waters that had engulfed their house. Our dance captain, Rizza Ribo, braved floods to get to Meralco Theater only to find the show had been canceled.  

Then there was Mr. Noah himself, Carlo Orosa. His 70-year-old mother and infant nieces were trapped in neck deep murky waters in Cainta, Rizal and were saved by a resourceful nephew who floated them to safety on a bed mattress.  

Yet each distressing tale was capped with how God had given them the strength to get through their ordeals, sent strangers — like angels — to help and protect them in their time of need and, afterwards, provided an outpouring of love and assistance through caring friends. Despite their traumatic experiences, they were all one in acknowledging that God had indeed saved them and their loved ones from even greater harm. 

Through the tears and — yes — laughter, the cast and crew were even more convinced that Trumpets needed to perform N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) so more people could hear its timely message of hope in the face of disaster.  

Trumpets will bring back N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) to Meralco Theater tomorrow, Jan. 16, 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Jan. 17, 3:30 p.m. Tickets of canceled shows last Sept. 26 and 27, 2009 will be honored on the corresponding days of this special run.  Those interested may buy their tickets at Ticketworld (632) 891-9999 or Trumpets (632) 631-7252.