What could have happened ‘Once on This Island’?

You can never go wrong with something that has endured the test of time. Nothing beats a classic, even in the world of theater. Director Bart Guingona must have known this and wasted no time. He set the stage to tell a remarkable tale that had taken place Once on This Island.

A poignant story of love, destiny, and divine intervention, Once on This Island is a musical of how love and faith can bring two worlds together with a little help (or should we say interference) from above. This production made its debut on Broadway back in October 18, 1990 at the Booth Theater. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, the musical earned a lot of accolades due to its brilliant production work. The music was composed by Stephen Flaherty while Lyn Ahrens worked on the book and lyrics. Once on This Island was such a hit it received eight Tony nominations, which included Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. It was, indeed, one of the most unforgettable musicals of its time. Fortunately, we get to relive this Carribean-themed production once more and, yes, right here on this island!

Director Guingona certainly believes that this is one love story that will captivate the hearts of Filipinos. Helping him do just that is a spectacular cast, each of whom has made a name for himself in Philippine theater, music, film, and television.

Raki Vega stars as Ti Moune. Crowned as ABS-CBN’s Born Diva last November, she had just been signed by Star Records. Aside from the Manila performances of Once on This Island, Raki also appears in the same role in its Cebu production.

Jeffrey Hidalgo takes the lead as Daniel. No stranger to the film, theater, and music industry, Jeffrey was part of the ’80s pop group Smokey Mountain and recently came out with another solo album, "Jeffrey ’05." He is currently seen on TV starring opposite Judy Ann Santos in Sabel. This multi-talented young man has also done plays, including All About Men and Alikabok.

Hit singer Bituin Escalante plays earth goddess Asaka. While she is regularly seen on ABS-CBN’s ASAP, Bituin is also known for her theatrical appearances in Rent, Tick, Tick ... Boom! and Dreamgirls. As most would know, Bituin already has two successful solo albums, which include her hit song, Kung Ako na Lang Sana.

The country’s musical theater diva Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo is Erzulie, the goddess of love. A seasoned thespian with 25 years of experience, Menchu is remembered for her dazzling lead roles in Camelot, Oliver, West Side Story, Evita, Les Miserables, and Miss Saigon.

Coming from the original cast of Miss Saigon is Michael Williams, who plays Agwe, the god of water. He played Lun Tha in The King and I’s West End and touring productions. He has done various plays and musicals for Repertory Philippines, having just directed Busybody. Soon, you will see him take on the lead in Man of La Mancha.

Jett Pangan, whose career is alive and kicking, plays Papa Ge, the god of death. His long list of theatrical credits includes Jesus Christ Superstar, PETA Komedi Club, The Rocky Horror Show, Urinetown, Baby, the Musical, Tick, Tick ... Boom!, and Dreamgirl, which made him an Aliw nominee for Best Theater Actor.

Perhaps best known as Kuya Bodjie in the popular children’s TV show Batibot, Bodjie Pascua plays Tonton Julian. With a long list of film, TV, and theater credits, Bodjie was last seen on stage in Tanghalang Pilipino’s Mass.

Actor and director Michael de Mesa plays Daniel’s father. With a string of accolades to his name, Michael is best known for his remarkable performances in Proof, Urinetown, and Tick, Tick ... Boom!.

Theater goddess Cathy Azanza is Andrea. A stage veteran, Cathy’s theater credits include Repertory Philippines’ Proposals, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, The Secret Garden, and Annie; Trumpets’ Little Mermaid; and Atlantis Production’s Rocky Horror Show, Baby, the Musical, and Urinetown. After Once on This Island, she will be seen in Atlantis Production’s Beauty and the Beast.

Another theater veteran and also a lead singer, May Bayot plays Mama Euralie. Singing for her band Acoustic Jive, May is also known for her unforgettable performances in Himala, the Musical, Rama at Sita, and Flower Drum Song.

Cebu-born Filipino-Hawaiian actress Kristian Lei alternates for the lead role of Ti Moune. She starred as Kim in the Germany production of Miss Saigon and is also a director, producer, and performer of her own production company called Honolulu Hawaiian Babies, which brings together Broadway stars from all over the world to perform for the benefit of the disabled. Late last year, she was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential Filipinas in Hawaii.

Alternating for the role of Asaka is Radha. An R&B diva, she is one of the lead singers of Kulay. Among her notable solo performances were MTV’s Supahstar and Ryan Cayabyab: The Musicman at 50.

Also joining this impressive ensemble onstage are Gala Angeni Sanchez, Red Nuestro, and Ring Antonio. Indeed, Once on This Island has one powerhouse cast, which you should not fail to watch.

Once on This Island runs from May 13 to May 29 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza on Ayala Avenue corner Gil. Puyat Avenue. The Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. while the Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. For ticket inquiries, call Ticket World at 891-9999 or Silang Productions at 751-7646 to 47.

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E-mail the author at ice_wave_42@yahoo.com.