‘Big’ in the real sense of the word

MANILA, Philippines – You may call them divas on the basis of their powerful vocals, which result in show-stopping performances. However, Bituin Escalante, Frenchie Dy and Radha are first and foremost storytellers — and that sets them apart from the rest. This is what they promise everyone in The Big Big Show, a FullHouse Asia production, on Dec. 3, 8 p.m.  at The Theatre of Solaire. Given their track records, they will never disappoint. 

“All three of us have been in theater. One thing that we all share is that we like telling stories — and we also like singing,” replied Bituin when asked about other things the trio could offer aside from their big vocals and big personalities in a recent presscon held at The Theatre. They also gave the invited media a sample of their repertoire by performing Chain of Fools and RESPECT on point. “Iba kasi yung kakanta ka at magkukwento ka. We all like singing and telling stories. I think yung mga kakantahin namin, (kapag narinig nila) sasabihin nila yun pala ang kwento niya. Oh my god, ang sakit. It’s more of a storytelling night more than anything.”

As for Frenchie, the audience “will perhaps be able to feel that we have a big heart.” That means a heart for good music and for friendship that binds Frenchie, Bituin and Radha together off stage and on stage. It is the dynamics between the three that music enthusiasts will experience when friends turn performers on the same stage. There’s no stealing of scenes but only wowing the crowd by sheer talent.

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” recalled Radha, who did a musical with Bituin, while the latter did another with Frenchie. Thus, The Big Big Show is their first show together. “Our camaraderie is natural because we have similar vibe or we complement each other’s vibe. In terms of personality and character on stage, we all have something to offer individually. I’m excited because being with them kinda brings out something like (I can) level up more than what I usually do on my own or with other people.” The singers will have parts to showcase what they’ve got and moments to share as one. What’s interesting is how their musical genres will mix beautifully — from R&B, soul, pop to ballads and other genres the three could easily cross over to. 

Their voices will be set against a performance narrative that will make the storytelling and singing compelling. “It can’t be avoided. I mean any good show would have that sense in it,” said Bituin. “It’s not like watching a show na (you wonder) nasaan na tayo? I don’t think any of us have really done that. Even in our other shows, we’re so hands-on. We don’t let our show run away from us. We need to know where it’s going.”

To get a clearer picture of what’s in store for you and me, FullHouse Asia describes The Big Big Show as “a celebration of women, their triumphs and their defeats, their stories and journeys revealed through songs that echo their views and sentiments on love and life.”

During the Q&A, Frenchie, Bituin and Radha were also asked about who plays the “arbiter” when it comes to assigning song choices to which singer. The answer was either the producer or the director. “It’s hard to make that decision. You know how the other feels,” said Bituin. “We know each other so well. Magkakaibigan din naman kami. So, parang oh, nandyan na yang kantang yan. Maski kanino yan.”

On her part, Radha shared, “It’s not hard for us to express (what we think) and it’s not hard for us to argue — and not, you know, to let it go beyond that.”                

Frenchie added that when they are on stage, “tinginan na lang kami, ramdam na namin. Pusuan lang.”

Again, there is no sapawan, no upstaging anyone in segment after segment. “Sa isang song ang pangit namang pakinggan (na) lahat na lang sumisigaw,” said Frenchie.

Radha added, “You would (sense) it in the way our voices blend. We want the product to be a good product. We’re concerned about the final product. We are not concerned about who’s umaangat at certain point.”

The Big Big Show, meanwhile, is not just a pre-Christmas musical treat but a sneak peek into what Solaire wishes to offer in the coming year.

“The Theatre has been established as home for Broadway musicals,” said Audie Gemora, Solaire Entertainment director. “Next year, we want to add a new dimension to it. We also want it to be known as home for OPM concerts. If you have noticed, wala ng masyadong OPM concerts... We wanna be able to encourage more OPM concerts (to be mounted). This (The Big Big Show) is a perfect example where we gather three wonderful singers as individuals. When we put them together, it is going to be a fantastic (show). So ito na yung patikim sa mga gagawin naming OPM concerts next year.”

The musically-inclined Pinoys will be delighted to know that they can watch OPM shows like The Big Big Show at Solaire with friendly rates starting at P500. The show is under the musical direction of Mel Villena, direction of Paolo Valenciano and choreography by Douglas Nierras. Add to that line-up of artists is the AMP Big Band.

Tickets are priced at P4,000 (VVIP), P3,000 (VIP) and P2,200 (Gold), P1,000 (Silver 1) and P500 (Silver 2). They are available at Ticketworld. For details, call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.