Once in this Island, Love Wins

Naths Everette as Mama , Cara Barredo as Ti Moune  and Eduard Briones as Toto 

Ephesus Teatron Group staged "Once in this Island" in a series of pop up performances at the Emilio Aguinaldo Theatre. A product of the nineties, this one act musical created by Lynn Ahrens embodies generation Y's vibrance and humor. It is  filled with melodious catchy music giving the actors several opportunities to break out in lighthearted dances. Its' swaying charm allows the audience to sit back and watch the story unravel like a child would.

The story began with lightning and thunderstorms scaring a little child. The people then decided to comfort and distract the child with a love story. A young woman gambles on love and death. It ends on a sad note with her heart broken and her spirit dimmed. Death claims her life but her life and legacy of giving takes on another form as she transforms into a tree destined to stay in the island forever. The people of the island then emphasize to the child that it was the woman's tragedy that brought people together. It was her overwhelming urge to love and live a life of purpose that brought so much joy to everyone in the end. It opened a child's eyes to hope.  Much like Filipino folklores, the story was meant to be a reminder of how life is volatile but ultimately fruitful.

Life is why we tell the story

Pain is why we tell the story

Love is why we tell the story

Grief is why we tell the story

Hope is why we tell the story

Faith is why we tell the story

You are why we tell the story

It was a pity that I didn't see a fully packed theater that day because this production is definitely worth watching. I do know that pocket performances tend to go that way, but it seemed to me that the thunderous applause of a handful was not enough to repay the energy that the multi-tasking cast brought forth. Typical of shows directed by Ms. Baby Barredo, none of the actors left space for complacency. Empty chairs are always a bit disheartening but this cast literally had explosive energy that filled up the theater with positivity. Giving justice to the conversational choreography of Mr. James Laforteza, the ensemble articulated the steps con gusto. Admittedly not everyone looked like a trained dancer but, it did not stop them from elongating their arms and fingers as far as it would go. In no way did that stop any of them for leaping so dangerously into the air and out of their comfort zones.

The cast was led by Cara Barredo as Ti Moune. She displayed a good balance of earthy gracefulness and passionate singing. With ease she was able to deliver youthfulness and purity of heart. Ultimately her role is responsible for allowing the audience to navigate from scene to scene. She conquered numerous emotional moments and charmed here way into my heart. Daniel (Ti Moune's love interest) was played by Edrei Tan. His attack to acting was quite subtle but nonetheless enjoyable to say the least. His physical features matched the machismo expected of the coveted man. Moments of the romance elicited kilig moments that were lovely to capture.

             

Cara Bareddo as Ti Moune

Edrei Tan as Daniel

          

                     

The cast was filled with veterans who all provided rich performances. Arion Sanchez who played one of the Gods was able to hold his own with the seasoned performers. I was amused that he showed good physicality. He reintroduced himself to me in this performance.

Arion Sanchez as Papa Ge

A feel good story, an exhuberant and an inspired cast. A satisfying triad that goes well with my minimalist live, love and laugh regimen. I do hope that it gets a few more chances to reach bigger audiences. There is joy in this production and it needs to be shared with others.

                 

Abi Sulit as Asaka

Sweet Samaniego Buchanan as Erzulie

Only Torres as Agwe 

 Brilliant comedy from Steven Hotchkiss as Armand  

Feb 28, 2017 

Emilio Aguinaldo Theatre 

Daniel - Edrei Tan Ti Moune - Cara Barredo Mama - Naths Everett Tonton - Eduardo Briones Asaka - Abi Sulit Agwe - Onyl Torres Erzulie - Sweet Samaniego Buchanan Papa Ge - Arion Sanchez Armand - Steven Hotchkiss Andrea - Rissey Reyes