The reluctant manager takes on The Producer’s hat

MANILA, Philippines - The past few years, Carlo Orosa has established himself as one of the youngest, most dynamic talent managers in the country, looking after the careers of Christian Bautista, Karylle, Sam Concepcion, Enrique Gil, among others. He is the head of Talent Management of STAGES.

Carlo started in showbiz as a young singer, who waxed records for OctoArts, around 20 years ago. Until, fate has paved its way for him to venture into talent management.

“I never thought of being a manager at first,” says Carlo. “But when Christian made it to Star In A Million about a decade ago, it is as if He showed me the way towards management. Then, the roster grew bigger as years went by.”

For so many years, Carlo has focused all his energy in ensuring that the craft of these artists continue to grow and prosper.

However, earlier this year, Carlo was asked to take on one of the lead roles in Repertory Philippines’ production of The Producers. With music and lyrics by Brooks and arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman, the play tells of the story of a has-been theater producer, Max Bialystock (Carlo Orosa), and a mousy accountant, Leo Bloom (Topper Fabregas), as they set out to do the worst play ever written, close the show and pocket their investors’ money.

“It has always been my dream to be part of The Producers,” adds Carlo. “Though I honestly wanted to play Leo Bloom initially, I just trusted my director Jaime del Mundo and accepted the role.”

Carlo’s talents support their manager as he takes on the producer’s hat.

Christian expresses support for his manager, saying, “He is a gifted performer, so I support him in this special project. I am excited to see him perform.”

Christian is set to watch his manager this Sunday, since he also has a musical of his own, Cinderella, with fellow STAGES artist Karylle.

Karylle, who is scheduled to watch also on Sunday, is equally excited to see her manager perform onstage. “It has been a while, since Tito Carlo has performed in a musical, so I am looking forward to watching the show and just laugh.”

Carlo has been reaping rave reviews from critics commending his impeccable comic timing and dedication to the show.

“This musical is a different experience for me,” admits Carlo. “It drains me. Since I am practically in all the scenes, I have to sustain my energy.”

He also shares that he started memorizing his script months before rehearsals started. He added, “There’s one scene there that will make you understand the preparation I had to go through.”

The particular scene always elicits one of the loudest applause from the audience.

Aside from Carlo and Topper, The Producers also stars Audie Gemora (in a role you have never seen him play before), Noel Rayos, G Toengi, Joel and Noel Trinidad, among others.

“Doing The Producers made me realize how much I miss performing, but I have to get back to normal programming after this run, back to managing some of the most talented artists in the country,” says Carlo. “It is good to be back, even for just a while.”

The Producers is on weekends until Dec. 15 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.