Bluebird flies in early Christmas spirit

Magic is in the air and the Pinoy Christmas season, so what better way to celebrate it than bringing into the country the Philippine musical adaptation of the Belgian play The Bluebird of Happiness by Maurice Maeterlinck. And what better than seek the theatrical expertise of Trumpets under the experienced handling of Audie Gemora. As directed by Jaime del Mundo, the local production relives the adventures of children Mytyl and Tyltyl in search of the mythical bluebird, known to be the source of happiness.

The road leading to the discovery of bluebird is itself amazing enough. Trumpets and Stages president Audie Gemora shares his personal journey through watching The Blue Bird on their home black and white TV set in the early ’60s, a memory that apparently haunted him ’til adulthood. Searching for information on the movie, he discovered a 1940 movie starring child star Shirley Temple. On a trip to New York and Tower Records on his continuous search, Audie bought a VHS and entrusted it to Freddie Santos for a Trumpets adaptation. But Freddie lost the VHS, other stories took precedence until 2009 when Jaime ordered a DVD copy through Amazon, started writing the book and lyrics, took over directorship and finally in 2013 the Bluebird took flight.

As we watched the local adaptation at the Meralco Theater until Oct. 20; as we follow the search of two children (alternates Chimmi Chua and Alessa Zialcita as Mytyl, Anton Posadas and Guido Gatmaytan as Tyltyl) for what real happiness is; we also accompany them on their journey to The Land of Memory, where their late grandparents Steve Cadd and Joy Virata are waiting; then on to The Black Night Castle and Enchanted Forest where the kids must face their nightmares; after which The Land of Luxury with abundant food and richness almost succeed in luring them to stay, had it not been for Tylo the dog (Robbie Zialcita) who brings them back to their senses in the delightful spot number.

From this time on, both kids and audience know the path to happiness is within reach. Last stop is The Land Of the Future where Mytyl, Tyltyl and Tylo meet the children of the future, especially their little newborn brother whom they had left at home.

“In the end, after going through all these experiences and dangers,” says Audie, “they find that the happiness they were looking for, the bluebird, was in their home all along.”

The Bluebird of Happiness features the musical arrangement by Mon Faustino, stage and costume designs by Mio Infante, lighting by John Battala, vocal direction by Sweet Plantado-Tiongson and choreography by Nancy Crowe. Other important cast members are Reymund Concepcion as Papa Tyll; Mayen Cadd as Mama Tyl; Jennifer de la Cruz as Berylune; Sweet Plantado and Carla Laforteza as Light; and Joel Trinidad as Night.

The show’s 50-strong company includes a powerful talented adult ensemble as well as children’s ensemble.

For details, call 901-4364.

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