The involvement of Globe Telecom in the creative process of Nineworks Theatrical has definitely made a tremendous impact in the theatre industry. It is a shining example of partnerships gone right. In recent years the partnership has expanded Nineworks' capabilities and provided artistic liberties that many theatrical groups could only dream of. Nineworks has always had a cult following but Globe with its wide reach has introduced them to new thirsty audiences. Achievement unlocked. With consolidated resources, financial compromises are minimized leaving a better chance of artistic triumph on stage. This was the case when they showcased "The Christmas Carol" last year which captured the hearts of many. Globe has not been getting the short end of the stick either because Globe's name soared with every happy social media savvy audience member. This formula seemingly has been win win for both parties, indeed a fantastic deal.
This time however, Globe and Nineworks have outdone themselves. They have suavely transitioned from doing business handshakes to venturing into an artistic collaboration. Both parties seem to have made a strong point about focusing on the Filipino artist. The Filipinos have always been full of talent but go to any European country and you will find more than a handful triple threats. Just this year I made my theater rounds in London and out came the triple pirouetting, straddle jumping pitch perfect gorgeous performers. Truthfully, there are not enough singer actors who can dance at a professional caliber here in Manila. A lot have the moves but not many can do the tricks. Despite this fact, they chose to bring to Manila Disney's "Newsies", a musical that is famous precisely because of the triple threat mighty hard technical requirements. Instead of shying away from risk, they chose to strike. Initiating an artistic revolution they gave both veterans and newbies in the cast a taste of intense skill upgrading. They believed the Pinoys could do it with the right training. The truth of the matter is whether the critics crush them or not, the cast will go home with all the gifts they have gained from "Training Ground". They already have a win on their side. The question is, did they deliver a win for Nineworks and Globe?
Newsies is largely based on the Newsboy strike of 1899 in New York city. Led by alpha-male New Yorker Jack Kelly, the Newsies raise their voices and launch a strike to counter the Pulitzer broadsheets empire. Truthfully, it wasn't much of a battle for Gian Magdangal who played Jack Kelly. After a hiatus from local theater, Magdangal came back strong, refreshed and revitalized. With just the right New Yorker swagger he won the audience within minutes. His silvery voice intact and his charms on full capacity, we quickly believed he was the hero that would save the Newsies.
It seemed however that the Newsies didn't need much saving. The ensemble was a force to be reckoned with. No doubt with a lot of mentoring from veteran director Robbie Guevarra, the cast composed of mostly newbies were transformed into fearless Newsies. I was happy to see that most of them really took the training to heart. It showed in their confidence level. My heart jumped a bit as the ensemble took on a grand tap number that was too cute for words. I appreciate the vitality of the dancing. Bravo to PJ Rebullida for whipping them into shape. As for the acting, each guy held on consistently to their individual characters with vigor. In particular, musical theater newbies Ian Ocampo (ballet dancer) and Alex McDermott (TV Host and actor) quite literally swept me off my feet. These newbies were at ease and displayed that they were indeed worthy of being called triple threats. They savored their lines as if it were a privilege (It is!) and demanded to be seen and heard. Their dancing was expansive and their execution (from accent to singing) meticulously on point. For both men, it was a perfectly calibrated performance. Newsies today, leading men tomorrow.
Luis Marcelo who played Crutchie a disabled Newsie is perhaps my favorite of the bunch . I like his straightforward animated approach to being the ultimate underdog side kick. But what was memorable to me was his ability to make moments out of silence. When he was being dragged out by the cops he made sure he made his dignity felt with his steely yet almost glassy eyes. He slayed his solo (Letter from a Refuge) belting out emotional notes that seemed to stay with me long after the scene finished.
Jef Flores played Davy the brains behind the strike. While I did like his performance I would have to commend him for something else. His Newsie transformation is perhaps the biggest success of "Training Ground". I would never have imagined that Flores would be able to do tricks like a dive roll, a saut de basque (ballet jump), pirouettes and a tap routine. I did not see that coming at all especially because I knew before hand that he was going to be taking on the role of a timid passive Newsie. Kudos to Flores for allowing the challenge to change him. Confidence and commitment is key and he had both in his pockets the whole time.
On the technical side of things, there were a few forgivable imperfections. There were mic issues when I watched. The rain didn't help. I loved the structural set made by Ed Lacson. The movable sets punctuated the gritty New York Streets and framed some of the scenes strategically. I appreciated the projections because the innovation complimented the story telling. However, it is also because of this that some scenes were a tad too dark often casting a shadow on the faces of the actors when they are up on the sets. Thankfully the actors have enough light in them to make themselves noticed.
Overall the simple narrative of the story was beautifully packaged with impressive production value with the heart of fired up Filipino artists at the center of it all. This time it's not only a win for Nineworks and Globe. Newsies is a win for the Filipino triple threats. Director Robbie Guevara brings forward what he initially promised, a paradigm shift that I hope will continue to bring inspiration and transformation to the people who encounter it. Let's all join the strike and believe in change. We all could use an upgrade right?! Strike!
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