Sam finally meets Godspell star Anna Maria

For the first time in the history of Broadway, a major musical hosted a Filipino Night in honor of its two cast members — Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and George Salazar — and the large Filipino-American community they proudly represent.

Godspell, the Stephen Schwartz smash on Circle in the Square Theater, tied up with the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce headed by Butch Meily (president) and John Howley (director), and the Philippine Consulate General in New York led by Consul General Mario de Leon Jr., to hold a star-studded Filipino party at Manhattan’s famed sushi bar and lounge, Bamboo 52.

In his flash report, Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre said that the bigwigs and cast of Godspell that includes Hunter Parrish, Telly Leung, Wallace Smith, Uzo Aduba, Morgan James, and Lindsay Mendez came in full force and mingled with Fil-Am dignitaries and members of the press.

That was the event where Sam Milby finally met Anna Maria.

“Sam’s presence definitely added luster to the celebration,” added Edmund. “It was Sam’s first public appearance since moving to the Big Apple early February for a three-month stay while auditioning for prospective acting projects. Looking like he just stepped out of the pages of GQ in his ‘suit no tie’ look, Sam was a perfect escort for Anna Maria who was glowing in a sophisticated Oliver Tolentino lavender dress made of piña fabric.”

Sam also got to meet the Godspell cast and the family and friends of Anna Maria, and eagerly posed for photographers while he himself became an added attraction to the gathering.

Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn Perez de Tagle...

Consul Elena Maningat said she was surprised to see that Sam, who she thought was “already gorgeous” on TV and big screen, is even more handsome in person. “Pang-Hollywood na talaga” was how Consul Maningat described Sam.

After the hour-long party overflowing with sushi and drinks, all guests headed to the nearby theater to catch the 8 p.m. run of the high-energy musical based on the parables of Jesus in the Gospel According to Matthew.

Consul Zaldy Patron, who watched with his wife, said the Daniel Goldstein-directed musical did not disappoint in providing great entertainment filled with touching and funny scenes, brilliant singing and acting, and the powerful message Godspell brings every night to hundreds of people. 

Lorenzo Valdes, a New York Fil-Am, said Anna Maria’s Day By Day rendition is for him the “major highlight” of the show. “It’s always the song people are humming as they leave the theater,” Edmund quoted him as saying. “But everything is great in the show like the set, the costumes and props and the music, of course.”

Even Sam couldn’t help but gush about the musical and tweeted it right away:

“Went in not knowing anything about it & I’ve never laughed so much watching a musical. Great job @AnnaMariaPdT & the whole cast of Godspell.”

After the curtain call that received an extended standing ovation, Anna Maria and George addressed the Fil-Am media during a talkback session hosted by the beauteous kababayan, L.A. host Janelle So (an occasional contributor to The STAR).

Edmund noted that of the 10 cast members of Godspell, only Anna Maria hasn’t missed a single performance since the show opened to previews in October 2011, and to the general public the following month.

“Anna Maria is perfection,” remarked George.

The granddaughter of the legendary Filipino actress-singer Sylvia La Torre revealed that doing Godspell, though physically exhausting, is pure fun and joy for her and the whole cast so much so that they feel like they’re just playing on stage.

“I used to bring Anna Maria to my shows,” recalled Sylvia in an interview with Funfare when she came home two years ago. “At age two, aba, kumakanta-kanta na ang batang ‘yan.”

As they’d say, may pinagmanahan. Anna Maria’s father is Sylvia’s son Archie Perez de Tagle who was an actor here before he migrated to the States.

Anna Maria made it clear to Edmund that they’re all taking the show very seriously, with the audiences always in their minds. For her part, she said she makes sure to rest her voice and get enough sleep for the gruelling spectacle every day of the week except Monday. (Edmund said that Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn, who also is her make-up artist, disclosed backstage that Anna Maria taught herself to sleep a minimum of eight hours and take a special vitamin C to maintain her stamina and flawless complexion.)

  “And we warm up our bodies and voices a lot,” seconded George, who is described by Anna Maria as “amazing.”

Both stars said they wish to do more projects in the Great White Way that has taught them a lot about discipline and dedication to their craft. 

  Now that he has met Anna Maria, Sam has a good chance of making the right connections. He has so far showed up for about a dozen auditions. More coming. On that score, I guess Anna Maria can help Sam.

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