21 costume changes, 18 characters in Willie Nep's final run

MANILA, Philippines - October 22 marks the final extended run of Willie Nepomuceno’s hit show STOP! In the name of Laugh. The much talked about show began as a fund raiser for the families of media killing victims. Soon word spread about the very funny yet stimulating experience one gets after the performance. “It makes one feel proud of being a Filipino,” said one of the audiences. “Kinilabutan ako sa ending ng show!”

It has attracted quite a number of personalities who have seen the repeat performance last September. Spotted in the audience were Boots Anson-Roa, Dulce,  Sen. Butch Aquino, Lito Atienza, lawyer Romy Macalintal, Ombudsman Rosario Carpio Morales, Dennis Villa Ignacio of the Sandigan Bayan, Ming Ramos, Lenny de Jesus, Judge Conrado Vasquez, Teodulo Topacio, Nonoy Tan, Alex Tinsay, Kata Inocencio, Crispina Belen, Ishko Lopez, Ester Dipasupil, Tintin Bersola, Bibsy Carballo and Neal Cruz.

What caught Willie’s attention though was the heartwarming response of the so-called senior citizens who braved the traffic, the rains and the crowd that trooped to the venue. Some were in wheelchairs and a few who had to be bodily carried up the stairways of the Music Museum. Willie’s first reaction was, “Wow, these are my fans? Ang tanda ko na pala!” but soon tears welled in his eyes as he realized what “his fans” had to go through just to watch him perform live on stage and how much happiness he is able to give them. Some were already in their mid ‘80s that reminded Willie of his  mom, his No. 1 fan, who ironically is a little too weak to watch her own son’s live performance on stage.

The show opens with a presidential forum of past presidents and the present one — from Macoy to PNoy. They are asked controversial questions pointblank by a panel of media personalities that include Karen Davila, Vic de Leon Lima, Julius Babao. Amy Perez, Anthony Taberna, Bernadette Sembrano and Kaye Dacer.

Willie then showcases his not obviously known talent for mimicking musical instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, drums, maracas, violin and harmonica.  He creates believably real sound effects with his vocal cords. A feat he acquired even as a little boy.

A perennial favorite of the audience is his impression of Dolphy where he magically transforms onstage into the King of Comedy right before their very eyes. He then shares his hilarious words of wisdom or tips on how to combat “senior moments.”

The show climaxes into a nostalgic medley of songs from  the musical icons of the rocking ‘50s to the funky ‘80s interspersed with memorable trivia from each decade. Willie is joined by his daughter Frida who herself does the female counterparts of each era’s music legends alternating with her dad’s tribute to Bill Haley, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie.

Frida debuted at the Music Museum where she did a take off on Kris Aquino, acting as host of the reality show inspired Presidentiables’ Gut Talent, another Willie Nep blockbuster staged last year shortly before the Presidential elections . She held the fort sewing the continuity of the gaps as Willie Nep weaves in and out to portray the various presidentiables in their rollickingly hilarious “talent portion.”  She got an overwhelming nod from the audiences of every single playdate.   In STOP! in the name of Laugh, Frida raises the notch higher as she reprises the roles of Tita Cory and GMA. Already some quarters are betting she could be a real chip from the old block, her father’s daughter indeed.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-5634 or Music Museum at 721-0635.