MANILA, Philippines - There’s something about the colorful, much-celebrated rivalry between the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles and De La Salle University Green Archers that ignites our thirst for a good fight. The first staging of 4th Wall Theater Company’s Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical inspired the same excitement and those who are raring to watch the re-staging of the all-original opus are in for a surprise.
The creative team responsible for the much acclaimed production, musical director Ed Gatchalian, lyricist Joel Trinidad and director Jaime Del Mundo, took the liberty of making fresh adjustments to make the show even more riveting. “We still made it equal for those who went to Ateneo and La Salle, and took special consideration for those who are not from these two schools. I’m neither from Ateneo nor La Salle; I’m from UP. What was interesting was, the three of us (Trinidad and Gatchalian) were trying to not only make it interesting for Ateneo or La Salle, but to make it universal so that other people could enjoy it. It was interesting to try to explore the repercussions of the rivalry in a bigger context, not just (about) the schools,” Del Mundo said.
One of the new things that audiences can look forward to is an all-new musical number that details how it was in the year “1968” when the rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle was at its hottest.
A fresh face will also grace the return of Rivalry as the charming and talented Cara Barredo (who has achieved popularity among theater fans by playing Dorothy via Repertory’s Wizard of Oz and as one of the leads of Camp Rock musical) adds her musical chops to the play.
While fresh infusions will be made in Rivalry’s return, scenes that have made the musical a favorite among Filipinos will be revisited, making the production truly something that Pinoys can be proud of, best enjoyed in the company of family, friends and co-workers.
A second helping of Boy from La Salle, a song number detailing the many attractive charms of a La Sallite is a catchy ditty that will probably inspire “LSS” among the audience. The sweet and funny first meeting of La Sallite Tommy Basilio and Maryknoller Reena San Jose, also an important character that ignites the rivalry, is guaranteed to make one experience that proverbial butterfly-in-the-stomach feeling.
Of course, the well-applauded special appearance of veteran actor Noel Trinidad during the initial run will never fail to elicit guffaws and cheers. The things people first loved about Rivalry, including the lead cast composed of theater actors Athena Tibi, Red Concepcion and Mako Alonso, will be back to entertain the audience.
Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical takes center stage once again starting Jan. 25, 2013 at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. Tickets are now available at all Ticketworld outlets. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.