MANILA, Philippines - Dr. Raul M. Sunico, who as president of the CCP continues its mission of promoting and developing Filipino talent, delivered opening remarks at the concert Musikal! marking CCP’s 45th year. Internationally celebrated actress-singer Lea Salonga, who portrayed Annie as a child decades ago at the main theater, paid tribute to the institution and its artists.
The printed message of Sunico and VP Chris Millado who directed the show pointed to the following agencies behind the grandiose show: Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, PETA, Trumpets, Spotlight Artists Centre, Bit by Bit Company, Culture Shock Productions, 4th Wall Theater C., Green Wings and Ateneo Blue Rip.
With two overtures of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Gerard Salonga, the concert consisted mostly of ensemble singing, with one or more soloists. The choreography of Gerard Mercado for Sandosenang Sapatos was highly original and creative with dancers performing on roller skates and engaging in vivid, precise, and fascinating movement. Katy! with libretto by Jose Javier Reyes, music by Ryan Cayabyab, Isay Alvarez-Seña as Katy and Stageshow choreographer by Denise Reyes — both of which conveyed zestful, energetic, bouncy dancing and spirited belting — matched the best of Broadway musicals.
Rivalry (between Ateneo and La Salle) had five Maryknoll girls amusing the audience by each singing I want a boyfriend. In San Andres B., Margarite Roco as Oryang, Bonifacio’s wife, was one of the few who sang without a hand microphone. The Madrigal Singers under Mark Anthony Carpio achieved a feat, their remarkable dynamics interspersing short pianissimos and fortissimos with long sustained pianissimos and fortissimos.
Magsimula Ka! with libretto by Nestor Torre and Gines Tan, lyrics and music by Tan, was both in words and music an urgent appeal and encouragement to face life’s ardors without flinching, to start all over again after a tremendous loss.
Caredivas seemed like a fabulous fashion show of gay models in white gowns with huge angel’s wings or skimpy skirts with five-inch heels!
The extensive program — excerpts from 22 original Filipino musicals — which ended with an elegant staging of Ballet Philippines’ Mata Hari, lasted three hours. Half-way through the show, I asked Sonny Verzosa what he thought of it. He said, “I would like to see more musicals” which to me meant that he was hugely enjoying Musikal!
The spectacle of mass appeal, indubitably proving the Filipino’s inherent musical, dance and dramatic gifts, repeatedly drew long and lusty applause.