Spamalot, British Humor at its Best

Upstart Production's "Spamalot" makes a mockery of life in one single blow. I was a happy camper the whole time as I witnessed a delightful roast and toast of practically every human being and issue out there. In all fairness chances of being stoned for producing discriminatory stuff would be unlikely as they threw shade on both camps almost all the time. I truthfully did not expect that something called "SPAMalot" would be anything close to what felt like a re-education of history, present day current events, gender sensitivities, love and even self affirmation. I doubt any writer can adequately describe  the storyline as it was constantly leaping from one time warp to another. Despite this, the material is very easy on the eyes, necessary for the mind and exhilarating for the heart. The absurdity of the storyline was translated flawlessly by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño. As if the material wasn't funny enough they took it a step further by adding a generous amount of Filipino adlibs. After all relatability is almost always a good thing.

Spamalot's Excaliber (known to have extraordinary mythical powers) was the stellar cast who had their fair share of magic. With a small cast, each talent's stage exposure was maxed out. Barely any time to breath they were in and out of the stage consistently performing tirelessly with perfect comedic timing. Lorenz Martinez who played King Arthur was on stage 95% of the time. Indefatigable, he nailed every joke (and there were many). He went big bold and better each scene until he became a friend to the audience. The Knights of the round table all appeared to be comfortable with their respective caricatures. In fact, I believe they were hamming up on stage with so much joy it's hard to tell if they actually consider this a day's work. (Noel Rayos, Bibo Reyes, Dean Rosen, George Schulze, Edrei Tan, and Chino Veguillas.) Domi Espejo as Patsy was the perfect side kick. As Alfred was to Batman, as Smithers was to Riverdale's Veronica Lodge, he served the production as the perfect slave. His silent but hilarious  silences was a good contrast to King Arthur's non stop chatter. Not to be upstaged by the gallant knights he blew me away with the song "You are not Alone" a duet with Martinez. His sarcasm was crisp and on point making this scene one of my absolute favorites. Reb Atadero as Herbert (Just watch the show to know who Herbert is) made my ribs hurt from laughing. Partnered with Noel Rayos as Lancalot, I saw no reason not to hoot uncontrollably with the audience. Rachel Alejandro as the the Lady of Lake was ravishing dressed in Francis Libiran's glorious gowns. Truthfully, it added a whole lot of theatrical glamour to the show. But Alejandro was not just beautiful in this show. She showed up ready to show off her divalicious musical chops. What I liked about her performance is that she literally shed her showbiz skin and was not afraid to look foolish on stage. She obviously took the opportunity to showcase another side of her. I'm excited to see her continue her journey in theatre. The cast obviously were smart enough to catch on the principles of British Humor. They were creative in finding humor in everything. They understood the importance of laughing at oneself. They believed that sarcasm is one of the foundations of comedy. This restaging of Spamalot was indeed British humor at its best.

Courtesy of Upstart Productions

Courtesy of Upstart Productions 

The ensemble as a whole worked hard on making people see the bright side of life. Healing laughter filled the theater and briefly, all was good in the world. Not enough is bright out there, so it  would be best to take a bite of spam, I am certain you'll enjoy it a lot.

Run ends August 12, 2017. Tickets available for purchase at Ticketworld.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT 
Book & Lyrics by ERIC IDLE
, Music by JOHN DU PREZ & ERIC IDLE
. A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture "Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” from the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
. Original Broadway Production produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper Madover, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Producers Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment, Live Nation
. Starring (in alphabetical order): Roxy Aldiosa, Rachel Alejandro, Reb Atadero, Rachel Coates, Domi Espejo, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Lorenz Martinez, Noel Rayos, Bibo Reyes, Dean Rosen, George Schulze, Edrei Tan, and Chino Veguillas. Directed by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño. Musical Direction by Onyl Torres. Choreography by the Martinez Sisters.

Spamalot's Bright Side of Life

Upstart Productions  wants people to see the bright side of life and laughter is their game plan. They bring to theater audiences "Spamalot". Quite obviously a parody, it is a retelling of medieval times. It will bring to  life  familiar characters such as  King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. Before you get the wrong idea that you know exactly how this show will go, let me tell you that there is no way it will be  how you imagined it to be (unless you've seen it of course). It's inspiration goes over and  beyond the original movie and crosses over to varied shades of life. Simply put, it pokes fun at everything and everyone. While it is unapologeticaly irreverent  and sarcastic,  the musical was created to fill theaters with sweet sounding laughter. So far it has been largely successful. It's one of those musicals who provide an escape because there is  really is no time to think about dreary stuff when every scene is knee-slapping funny. The amount of recognition it has received internationally should be enough proof that people can relate to the madness.  Needless to say this Broadway hit has  something for everyone to enjoy. 

Directors Joel Trinidad and Nicky Trivino seem to be committed to giving this comedy justice. They have successfully recruited some of the funniest theater actors to join their assemblage of medieval crazies. I can't even imagine how they manage to rehearse the scenes without cracking up.  Veteran comedians in the cast include Noel Rayos, Lorenz Martinez and Chino Veguillas. Adding oomph and star quality are effortlessly glamorous ladies  Rachel Alejandro and Carla Laforteza who will reportedly be wearing eye catching Francis Libiran creations.  So far it looks  like it's a recipe for success, I can't wait to see the cast play with this material. I just  can't wait to laugh. See you at the theater?

The show opens this July 28 2017 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza. It runs until August 12, 2017. For inquiries you may visit https://www.facebook.com/upstartproductionsinc/

Starring (in alphabetical order): Roxy Aldiosa, Rachel Alejandro, Reb Atadero, Rachel Coates, Domi Espejo, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Lorenz Martinez, Noel Rayos, Bibo Reyes, Dean Rosen, George Schulze, Edrei Tan, and Chino Veguillas.

Directed by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño.

Musical Direction by Onyl Torres

Choreography by the Martinez Sisters

                         

A bit of a throwback: Waiting Until Dark and Noises off

I would say it's a pity that I don't get to spend as much time reflecting on my thoughts and spitting words out on paper.  But then again, I make a habit of living life fully so I must have had worthwhile activities that led to my brief hiatus in blogging. While I missed my "me" time for writing, I surely made use of my time at the theatre. Despite the showers that come, theatre in Manila is sizzling hot. Here's what I have to say ....

Waiting until Dark

The only thing I knew about this play was that my ultimate idol had done a movie version of it during her prime. Repertory's first offering for 2014 was a suspense thriller starring Liesl Batucan as Suzie Henderson. The story revolves around Suzie a blind woman who gets caught up in in a complicated criminal rendezvous without her knowing.

Liesl Batucan was simply astounding. Her performance was incredibly precise. Only a veteran can pull of the nuisances like that. For a blind character, her physicality was what she used to establish her disability. More than the blank stare, it was how she had mastered the room that made the  difference. Her every tap  of her cane in every spot was calculated or so it seemed that way. Halfway through the play I forgot she was playing a role. Her sensitive portrayal made me silently root for her ala telenovela even if i knew audience opinion wouldn't affect the ending.  She was supported by a beautiful ensemble cast. Joel Trinidad for me was the very able storyteller of this show. He played Mike Talman one of the crooks. It was a delight to see Robbie Guevara play crook #2 Sgt Carlino. He provided the comedy needed to neutralize this thriller. Arnel Carreon played Henry Roat, the mastermind. Hats off to this actor for his dark theatrical version of a sinister mind. Lorenz Martinez plays a cameo as Suzie's husband delivering ever so ably. Last but not the least is Dani Gana who played annoying 9 year old Gloria.  The young thespian left a lasting imprint of plates crashing on the floor in my head. Definitely one to watch out for. She was either heavily coached or naturally brilliant, or maybe even both.

Overall, this play was mentally and emotionally engaging. I loved it.

Noises Off

A play within a play. You'd think the plot would be complicated. Well, it's not. This show was simple comedy executed by a stellar cast. Worthy of mention would be  Carla Guevara Laforteza who portrayed the role of a starlet. She had me howling in laughter as she repeated her lines out of context repeatedly (as required by the play). I've seen her do a lot of stuff and apparently there is nothing she can't do. Comedy, check! Shiela Valderrama-Martinez played a gossiping actress straight out of pleasantville. She too was hilarious as she furiously attempted to keep everything in its proper place in her obsessive compulsive ways. Paul Holme who played a washed up alcoholic actor was the funniest of them all even if he had limited exposure.

The show was enjoyable. If anything, the pace of the play was a bit slow at times. This being how it was written, I can't really fault the production. There really are days when one just needs to have a good laugh.  Thank you for the laughter Repertory Philippines.

PHOTO CREDITS: REPERTORY PHILIPPINES