Why Jinky is going back to the '80s

Powerhouse performer Jinky Llamanzares made her mark on the international stage playing Gigi in the Canadian production of Miss Saigon and then thrilled audiences as the Acid Queen in the revival of The Who’s Tommy for which she was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award (the Canadian equivalent of a Tony Award). Since returning to Manila, she has dazzled audiences with each role she has played on the musical theater stage, all exclusively with Atlantis Productions.

Jinky played the rigid authoritarian Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, spunky beautician Paulette in Legally Blonde, and in her most acclaimed performance to date, the evil sea witch Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Now Jinky returns to the stage as Justice Charlier, owner of Venus Club, in Rock Of Ages.

The Toronto production of Miss Saigon was the third production to open in the world after London and Broadway. What was the audition process like for Miss Saigon Toronto? How did you find out that you would be playing Gigi?

“I went for auditions, a total of three times. We were asked to sing and dance in front of the Miss Saigon international creative team headed by Mitchell Lemsky (assistant director) and Jodi Moccia (choreographer). And after a year, I received a phone call from the Toronto production, offering me the role of Gigi.”

How was the audition for The Who’s Tommy? How did you find out that you would be playing The Acid Queen?

“They held an ‘open-cast call’ in Toronto. I just went with some friends from Miss Saigon, and auditioned. There were thousands of people auditioning that day, so I didn’t really set my hopes up too high. Just like any other audition, we were asked to perform. And I prepared a Tina Turner, rock ’n roll number.

The following week, I just saw a note addressed to me, with a musical score, posted on the bulletin board of Miss Saigon, asking me to learn the song Gypsy, The Acid Queen. So I did, and came for two more auditions, specifically for the role of the Acid Queen. On the last day of my auditions, Pete Townsend himself was there. I will never forget that day, he said so many heartwarming things, one of them was, ‘You’re my strongest coffee for the day.’”

You were the first Asian to ever play the Acid Queen? How did that feel?

 “Yes, I was. And not too be boastful, but as a Filipino, I’m proud to say I was also the only Asian ever to play the role. I can’t put into words how that felt, it was an indescribable feeling of overwhelming joy and disbelief. It was surreal. And I’m very thankful to God.”

What else did rock legend Pete Townsend say to you?

“He said, ‘I will never forget your audition, you were like a burst of hurricane, you blew me away!’”

You were nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award, the Canadian equivalent of a Tony Award. How did it feel?

“It was of course unexpected. So surreal! I just gave my all every performance and I never imagined or thought to be nominated. Never.”

Since you returned to Manila you have received critical acclaim in every show you have done, all with Atlantis Productions. How is it working with Atlantis for almost 10 years?

“Working with Atlantis is truly inspiring! It brings back that feeling of euphoria of performing on stage under a production whose standards are at par with international productions. It has always been a pleasurable experience.”

You stole the show as Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Your thoughts.

“Did I really steal the show? I am humbled whenever I hear that. It was my most challenging role to date. It was all hard work, dedication and heart. But because the whole cast and crew were very professional and supportive, all the hard work paid off.”

How was it working with Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos, who made their theatrical debut in The Little Mermaid.

“Both Rachelle and Erik were a revelation! But honestly, I didn’t feel like I was working with theater newbies at all, they were very professional, dedicated, disciplined and talented!”

You are now playing Justice in Rock of Ages. Tell us more about the role and the show.

“Justice is the owner of the Venus Strip Club. She’s a toughie, and she means business. She acts as the ‘mother’ of the ‘girls,’ very protective of them. She has her own story to tell, wisdom to impart. The story evolves around dreaming, failing, dreaming again, and succeeding. Set in the ’80s. We’re really having fun rehearsing, and I can just imagine how our audiences would enjoy watching it!”

What were your favorite rock songs in the ’80s?

“A lot. I loved the ’80s! A few I could think of include the rock ballad Total Eclipse of The Heart, Jump by Van Halen and Love Is A Battlefield.”

What can audiences look forward to in Rock of Ages?

“A raring rockin’ good time at every performance. Expect to be transported back to the ’80s, through our songs, set design, costumes, choreo, everything! The songs are all familiar. And anybody who loved and loves the era will enjoy it! I am enjoying it!”

What are your dream roles?

“Atlantis has given me the opportunity to play most of my dream roles. But I would love to play Evita Peron in Evita. And also, the lead role in Kiss of The Spiderwoman.”

(Atlantis Productions’ Rock Of Ages is on stage until July 8 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.)