Maxie rides again in song and dance

In 2005, moviegoers were charmed by an effeminate boy, the lead character in the Cinemalaya indie film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, directed by Auraeus Solito.

This year, theatergoers will once more experience the coming-of-age story of a gay teener torn between love for a young cop and loyalty to his family. But with a difference. This time around has the additional component of music in Maxie the Musicale, currently running until Dec. 8.

Lawyer Darwin Mariano, executive producer of Bit by Bit Company which produced Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, points out that it is a timeless story with an international appeal. Teen actor Jayvhot Galang is Maxie, while Jojo Riguerra portrays Victor, the police officer.

Last August, a teaser was shown at the CCP, followed by a launch at Bed Manila in the Greenfield District. Darwin states that Maxie the Musicale can appeal to younger audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the original movie version, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. Palanca award-winner Nick Pichay, who wrote the book and lyrics for Maxie the Musicale, explains what differentiates the musical from the movie.

“It’s the movie, but it’s not the movie,” he continues, saying “kung ano ang nagustuhan natin sa Maximo, naandoon pa rin siya, pero if you let artists, musicians, choreographers work on an adaptation like this, they will naturally include their own insights and interpretations.”

 Dexter Santos, the musical’s director and choreographer, affirms that it was the constant process of change and brainstorming that was most difficult. “As much as possible, ‘yan yung challenge namin: Bakit pupunta sa theater ang mga tao kung makikita rin naman nila yung pelikula sa DVD? We always go back to our drawing board. We collaborate with our musicians asking ourselves, will this number work? Or masyado na ba itong lumilihis? Or is this still within the aesthetics na gusto namin?”

Rome Jorge, editor-in-chief of the Asian Traveler, wrote that Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros set the standard for any Filipino film that followed since it premiered in 2005. “It was not just a great independent film, nor was it just a great gay film. It simply was a great film, comparable with the world’s best. Its appeal went well beyond homosexuals, as evidenced by its strength at the box-office. It came out the same year as Brokeback Mountain but proved much more nuanced, sophisticated, evolved and soulful. There was so much more to the film than just issues of sexuality and acceptance. It won over critics and audiences of all genders in the Philippines and abroad. It has been a tough act to follow.”

“This musical’s appeal extends to all,” continues Rome. “This may well be the musical of our time, just as Rent was for generation X or Hairspray was for hippies. Maxie promises to educate today’s generation on what a real musical is supposed to sound, look and feel like.”

From the time of the first Cinemalaya in 2005 where the Auraeus Solito film was given special citation for the acting performance of Nathan Lopez (as Maximo), the Best Production Design and Special Jury Prize, there was no way for Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Olivares to go but up.

Shown in Singapore’s Asian Festival of First Films, Maxie won Best Film; Best Picture at Imagine Native Film Festival in Toronto, Canada; Golden Zenith award for Best Picture in Quebec, Canada; and obviously there is no stopping Maxie.

Shows are held at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. For details, call 725-6244.

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