Priscilla to me was the grandest display of a gender bender. In a nutshell, I appreciate it's message of love.
Urban Dictionary defines a gender bender as a person who seeks to define gender expression outside the binary terms of man and woman. Despite the story line being about three fantabulous gays, I definitely forgot mid way the gender roles that were long ingrained in my system. I only saw beautiful characters in a journey towards love, peace and happiness. The show succeeded in using happy tunes and colorful ostentatious staging to communicate a very simple message. Each person is the same yet different. Each person desires love peace and happiness. The roles people play to achieve what they desire may be different but the end point will always be a search for the same thing. For Tiki, it was a gravitation to fatherhood that gave him contentment. For Bernadette, it was acceptance of someone in her life that completed her. For Felicia, it was fun and friendship that showed her the way. I must say, I didn't get that same message when I watched the film years ago. This time, in the 4d experience that we call theatre, it was an emotional journey for me.
The iconic Leo Valdez who played Tiki made me cry every single time he would make a reference to his son. He sang "Say A Little Prayer for Me" so beautifully, I wanted say Bravo in between gasps. ( Of course I didn't because that would have ruined the moment) His sensitive portrayal as a loving father really made me so emotional. In the end, when he sang it with Guido, the little boy, my heart literally broke. This is what makes veterans like Leo Valdez special, they really take you to a place the audience is familiar with. It makes people like me find a connection and relate to a story so different from my own reality.
Jon Santos IS A WOMAN. I refuse to believe that he just played the character. He is all woman to me. His portrayal of Bernadette was spot on. It was even better than Patrick Swayze's movie version. The sophisticated swagger was uncanny. For the lack of better words to use, Jon Santos was brilliant.
If I were to describe Red Concepcion's performance, I would use the words HOT, BEAUTIFUL, MESS. As Felicia, she sizzled with energy. He has such a good control over an audience. I've noticed that having watched him in several plays and musicals. His range of movement is also very impressive. It was grande battemont, pivot turn and jazz hands.! Shaking your booty is one thing, it's another to sing and dance in stilletos con gusto. He was nothing but entertaining.
People were raving about that catchy music that came along with the pink bus. I would have to agree. I really came to hear the big, booming, pitch perfect voice of Bituin Escalante. She didn't disappoint. Her performance reminds me of the Resorts Manila commercial where the Girl can't stop shouting Bravo long after the show. The singing was just so good, the audience couldn't stop themselves from singing a long. She was a certified dream girl. So were the two girls who made up the trio. It's a pity I wasn't able to catch their names. They filled the air with damn good music.
All the fun stripped my husband of all masculinity as he was in the end humming and trying not to sing along as the crowd sang YMCA and a whole lot more of catchy tunes. I would say the ensemble did a great job in filling up the huge stage with fun. There was never a dim scene.
It's true what they say, theatre imitates life. Sometimes, when the show is good, life imitates theatre. I was thankful I had the opportunity to witness a celebration of pure untarnished love on stage. I definitely left a happier person. Thank you resorts world for sharing a bit of joy with us. Bravo.
Photos from Resorts World Philippines
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