Love is Sweeter the Second Time Around: La Cage Aux Folles

When days and days are dedicated to either the stench of Philippine politics or the idiosyncrasies of the freakin pabebe girls, a good distraction is necessary to keep people sane.  Fortunately for all us, theatre in Manila is always ready and able to provide a momentary break from the  chaos. There are actually a  number of good shows to choose from.   Personally however I am craving for something familiar and sweet.  I just can't wait for La Cage Aux Folles to return to the stage. The countdown begins. The RCBC theater curtains will open Aug 15 and close on Sept 6.

There's never too much of a good thing. I thought the  original staging Nine works offered earlier this year  was just a lovely escape. The story is based on the 1973 french play Jean Poiret. It  tells the story  of a young lad who has to introduce his wonderfully gay parents to his conservative future in laws.  (Check out my  review  of the show http://artaturningpointe.blogspot.com/2015/03/be-you-bravely-la-cage-manila-aux-folles.html)  It was a colorful tapestry of  love. But I believe that love is always sweeter the second time around. I'm excited to see if Robbie Guevarra can push it even further towards the lala land of greatness.

Here is what I'm excited about. Triple threat PJ Rebullida joins the cast as Mercedes, one of the Cagelles. He took part in the first run as one of the choreographers but will now bask in the light as he shows his own moves on stage. I am certain he will bedazzle the audience with his charm and spunk. More importantly, I think with  a choreographer joining the cast, the showtoppers will be cleaner, sharper and ultimately better.  Tappity tap tap, slide and kick release,  chasse grand jete. I fully expect the marry of dance genres to be a 3d theatre spectacle. 

The cast will again be  lead by Audie Gemora who will play Albin  and Michael de Mesa who will play Gorges.  These two gentlemen  did a phenomenal job in the first run. Their spirited performances celebrated love in so many ways. With another  chance to explore the characters, I'm quite sure the veterans  have added a few more nuances to add depth to their characters. 

Lastly, I'm excited to see Noel Rayos and the cast have a blast on stage. What was memorable about the initial staging was that every person in the cast delivered their 100% con gusto. I do hope they share the same  amount of energy again in this run. 

The first run was embraced with standing ovations and wild applause.  Care to find out if Nine Works will have a sweeter ending?  See you all at the theater! 

A Tribute to the Arts: Sabel

                      

Joni Galeste as Sabel 

Sabel is a musical theater production meant to pay tribute to 50 years of Ben Cab genius. Sabel is Ben Cab's signature mark, a constant in all collections. This iconic character has through the years been a point of interest of many.Many have been inspired to create even more art. Taking in the visual aesthetics of Ben Cab, stories, dances, songs have been artfully made. Who can forget Agnes Locsins suite of wonderful dancing a while back? It is not surprising that as he celebrates his golden anniversary that it is she who is  again pushed into the spotlight. After all, she is Ben Cab. But, this production does more than just feature Sabel and Ben Cab on center stage. It takes things a step further. 

Sabel, Love and Passion is a collaboration of sorts. Supported by Ben Cab art enthusiasts and Ben Cab himself, a group of artists were given the artistic liberty to create  a production  that will immortalize Ben Cab's journey with Sabel.  A blend of beautiful minds, resulted to a production well worth the wait (about 10 years  or so :) )  

The libretto and lyrics of this musical was done by  Director Freddie Santos. When I first heard of this musical, I immediately thought of the references and connotations that come with the name. Think Noli Me Tangere. Think Crispin and Basilio. I was a bit apprehensive that the musical might be a history lesson . I had no doubts about the level of taste of this director but I did for a moment question the theme of what would be a representation of a maestro's lifetime of work. Thank God, it was not what I expected. I was able to catch  a few of their rehearsals  in   Meralco. Even then, devoid of any set or any glamorous costumes, I was already drawn to the story of a woman who experienced it all.  Yes it will take you through time but more than that it will humanize Sabel in ways that will move you

Sabel takes you to a journey of a little girl who was separated by war from her father. She fights for herself using dance as her saving grace. She falls in love,gets her heart broken. She finds her self, loses herself in a circular battle of pain and survival.  Sounds like a familiar story doesn't it? It sounds  like a teleserye. But how it was written sets it apart. Words were  powerful.  The dialogue so eloquently delivered by storyteller Iza Calzado was potent. At one point, I tried to close my eyes and listened to her voice intently. I was  listening to poetry.  In that one act play, there must be at least twenty  quotable quotes to remember. "Dancing made her remember, all she needed to do was to dance". Words that will stay with you, lingering till you find an  even deeper meaning to it. 

The music that accompanied the liquid words were equally beautiful. A match made in heaven indeed.  Freddie Santos and composer Louie Ocampo  must be kindred spirits who lovingly created moving harmonies together.

Aicelle Santos, Timmy Pavino Bo Cerrudo and Audie Gemora were the voices behind the characters. They were a beautiful match to Philippine Ballet Theatre's stars. Not only were they pitch perfect, they all displayed the same energy and emotion that the dancers gave. 

Yza Calzado performed seamlessly as she delivered  her lines dripping with emotion. She commanded the stage both physically and emotionally. Her eyes darted through the audience speaking to them as if it was a private conversation. Most importantly she spoke with clarity.For her first try, she was impeccable. 

                                 

                           

I don't usually  review Philippine Ballet Theatre because my views might be tainted with love for the dancers. This time however, I know I'm unbiased when I say Joni Galeste as Sabel was at her absolute best. During rehearsals I felt her struggle  through pacing  the emotions to ensure every moment was understood perfectly. She took everyone by surprise by making every second count. Taking photos of her  was a breeze. She was completely committed to Sabel.  Every photo painted a story. She patiently, ever so delicately unraveled her emotions with every scene. She could have easily done a bad caricature of a loony but she chose the path less traveled. She chose to find Sabel in her. She exhibited maturity  both in technique and in artistry. High fives are in order.  The ensemble did  a good job as well contributing passionate renditions while they jump from one genre to another. It is characteristic of Philippine Ballet Theatre to deliver  rich acting when it is required. That they did  as they performed at par with expectations. 

At the end of this musical everyone was on their feet crying. I couldn't anymore determine whether I was crying because the story's pivotal twist was wonderful, or because Yza Calzado's breathy and tearful closing was moving, or because everything was framed beautifully with Ben Cab's masterpieces. There are so many things to love about this musical. But on top of the my list is the fact that the collaboration worked. It is easy to understand that Ben Cab was enough to nurture and inspire others to create. However, it is always a challenge   to marry egos, ideas and  perspectives  of artists. Honestly, I hate collaborations where the dancers look like they are on ASAP or SHOWTIME. I  really appreciated that each art form was glorified in this musical. Only a proficient and well respected director can  command a league of independents to go to a coveted destination. Not only will I  remember the visual treat of Ben Cab's paintings gracefully reflected on the set, I will also remember the music, the dancing, the words. This show was more than a tribute to Ben Cab. It was a tribute to Filipino Art. Bravo. 

                                     

 

     A moment that looks just like a Bencab painting

 

Be You Bravely: La Cage Manila Aux Folles

Along with the rest of the world, I searched for that one resolution that I would attempt to fulfill in 2015. Even before Christmas came, I came across a bible quote that left me frozen. It said "Be you bravely". It was lifted from Romans 12:2  of the bible. I knew then that this was what I needed to do. While not everyone I know is religious , I know that most wish to be brave. I too want to be brave enough to be truly myself in all possible situations. I want to be brave enough to stand up for my beliefs. I want to be brave enough to say no. At the same time I want to be brave enough to love with no limits. I also want to be brave enough to find new things to be passionate about. But this post is not about my very long be brave list.It's about a living breathing musical that positively reminded me about this resolution.

Without saying too much (no spoiler alerts here), La Cage is a story about a non traditional family faced with a challenge. Two gay men are made to face their son's fiance and her ultra conservative family. That alone should be enough to intrigue. The show has a happy ending. How it came to be? I suggest you go get a ticket and find out for yourself.Immerse yourself in the comedy of errors

The story, the script, the music itself is genius in a platter. However, what makes this shows standing ovation worthy is the combustible materials that it is made of.  The cast is led by Audie Gemora who plays Zaza, the ultimate starlet in drag and Michael De Mesa who plays George the show producer. The two are in a lovingly gay relationship. They both hit the ball over the ball park with on point characterization. I have seen Audie Gemora splendidly play gay several times. Chameleon that he is, he always brought something new to the table. With De Mesa's magnetic charm and Gemora's truthfully gay portrayal, it was too good to be true. It was chemistry that made the difference. As good theatre does sometimes, their talent made me feel for them in every scene. I believed them individually and as a couple. I was painfully hurt when it was time to break the bad news to Zaza. I was equally stressed and conflicted when George did not know how to console Zaza. They were indeed brilliant story tellers. 

Michael De Mesa as George  Photography by Erica Jacinto 

Out to steal the limelight was the ensemble (who doubled as minor characters) who set  the stage on fire with their infectious energy. With the very complicated and calorie burning choreography, they managed to blow my mind ( a dancer's mind might I mention). The pieces were not only clean they were as colorful as the rainbow. I saw at least  ten fabulous versions of a sultry face. I think I even saw 5 versions of can can, skank meets giggles. BRAVO to the dancers who sang and the singers who danced. All I saw was a sea of unified madness.

The ensemble Photography by Erica Jacinto 

Rafa Siguion Reyna Photography by Erica Jacinto 

Photography by Erica Jacinto 

Noel Rayos as of the crazies deserves noteworthy mention for being memorable beyond belief. A famous star is only as good as his or her performance. I hurt my hands clapping for him  when I saw him play the the director's side kick  in Producers a while back. Part of me tbought I was gonna see a bit of that in La Cage. I was completely mistaken because he brought a whole different shade or shall I say shades to the words beautiful and gay.  He is simply one of the most brilliant actors of this time. He can  do no wrong in my eyes. Bravo.

Raul Montesa's role  of the conservative Father-in-law to be was short and sweet but we was a perfect touch of contrast to the crazies.   The nuances  that he had injected were hilarious.

Robbie Guevarra outdid himself with this show.  The overall production value of this show was beautifully balanced by well directed actors and actresses. The costumes had just the right touch. The set was cleverly designed. The lights framed every scene lovingly. It's not hard to see that a lot of love was put into this show. All the hard work is now being reciprocated by thunderous applause and standing ovations.

I end by saying, La Cage has a beautiful message. BE YOU BRAVELY. They message is packaged beautifully waiting for another person to unravel it. Go get a ticket and watch the show.
                      

Joni  Galeste as Anne  Photography by Erica Jacinto