Living and breathing theater for Piaf: An actor’s piece!

Let me start by saying this article won’t be your standard press release to try to entice you to watch a theatrical performance, even considering it will enrich your lives and fill your souls with humanity that inspires.

This is an introspective look at the rehearsal process of what goes into a theatrical production like Piaf, which opens this week, March 8 at the RCBC. In observing the demanding requirements needed for this kind of medium (theater), a whole month of rehearsals needs to be dedicated by all of the actors and stage hands. It takes a lot of time and energy from everyone involved and is definitely not for anyone who gets by on mediocrity. People who work in the theater have a  “full on,” “guns blazing,” “I’m gonna give this all I got” attitude and aren’t ever afraid to try a different approach in their work, giving the words “exploring and discovering” true and utter justice.

First and foremost, the professionalism and common respect for everyone’s time is something that is quite refreshing. You don’t have any divas or star attitudes that have no regard for other people who really try to make every effort to show up prepared and ready to get to work. On my first day of rehearsals, I was late for five minutes because the elevator was taking forever so I took the stairs instead. Thankfully, because I had worked with one of the members of the cast during my MTV days, Jamie Wilson called me out after our first rehearsal and reminded me that in theater one always comes early. So, I’ve made it a point to always be there way ahead of when we are needed. Every single one of us adheres to this in the production and it gives us a chance to prepare by either warming up vocally or physically, stretching or going over our notes or lines.

When the cast is complete and we get down to it, we first start off with a first reading of the scene, just to get used to the lines. Then our director, Bobby Garcia, gives his actors the freedom to explore the space and subtly encourages his actors to really be brave and commit to our choices for our character. What freedom and liberty to play! Then if he feels it doesn’t work for the role or the scene, we all go back to the drawing board.

When all the actors get a feel of their lines and blocking gets somewhat set, then the real fun begins. This is when the actors get to the point that they “drop script.” If one forgets, the stage manager is there to “feed” an actor his lines when prompted by “line.” What happens next is a “stumble through” where all the scenes are done in successive order. Props and costumes are incorporated in each of the scenes so the actor not only needs to know his lines and where to hit the marks for blocking, but also needs to think about the objects that propel the story forward. Transitions are what bring one scene to the next and when transitions are being run, they are fast-paced and every moment becomes deliberate. Then after each run-through, notes are given to the actors by our very perceptive and brilliant director so that we can refine once again our performances which guarantees that by opening night we all move like one organism breathing life to the story of the iconic French singer, Edith Piaf.

Let me be honest. It certainly isn’t easy to think of all these things required of a theatrical performance at one given time. However, being in this environment with people like Pinky Amador and Ima Castro, who are both “seasoned” in this field, can be a mind-blowing and utterly life-changing experience. I texted our beloved Piaf played by Pinky the other evening at how moved I am by her performances even just at rehearsals. What more when it comes to show time? She will dazzle you!

The gentlemen who are part of this cast, namely, Jamie Wilson, Reuben Uy, Altair Alonso, Hans Eckstein, Mako Alonso, Nel Gomez and fast-rising indie actor Sandino Martin are also good-looking fellas you wouldn’t feel guilty ogling at and yet, what really makes them all worthy to see is how each of them gives life to the multiple characters they play. Yes, this is an actor’s piece after all, wherein all the actors except for Pinky and Ima play multiple characters, me included. Actors are known to be professional schizophrenics after all!

But what it comes down to is that Piaf is a collaboration of skills, techniques, instinct and talents between all the actors, musicians and production staff, combined with sharp razor-like focus that it’s gotten to the point that everyone moves like a stealth weapon collectively. No two performances are alike and that’s really the beauty of theater. Its moments are fleeting but ever so memorable and personal. And the relationships formed during the run of this show have already blossomed into friendships that will certainly last a lifetime. Plus, it marks Pinky’s 30th year in the industry and this show is really hers for the taking. Pinky was born to play Piaf.

Piaf features set design by Faust Peneyra; lighting design by Martin Esteva; hair and make-up creation by Johann dela Fuente; musical direction by Ceejay Javier; and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico. Rajo Laurel created Piaf’s iconic black dress.

Piaf runs from March 8 to 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For details, call 892-7078 or 891-9999.

Due to strong language and “sexual situations,” parental guidance is suggested. Tweet the author at @gtongi. See you there!