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Master Class: A Review

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When Philippine Opera Company first staged Terrence McNally’s Master Class in 2010 with Cheri Gil as Maria Callas, I missed it. So when POC mounted the Tony Award-winning play with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as La Divina, I said to myself that if I missed this one, I am sure to regret it. So I saw it on its premiere at the RCBC Plaza and was I in for a roller-coaster ride, witnessing the highs and lows of the legendary soprano as masterfully portrayed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.   Maria Callas is a complex character. She was one of a kind. A dramatic soprano with the range and agility of a coloratura, she almost single-handedly brought back the bel canto repertoire — Bellini's Norma, Donizetti's Lucia, Cherubini's Medea. Bernstein called her The Bible of Opera. But the woman behind the voice never felt enough. Her mother called her the fat, ugly, talented one. The Italian press said the same about her weight. She lost 80 lbs in a year, remade herself for Onassis, and still got l...
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Quick Review: A Chorus Line

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Theatre Group Asia's A Chorus Line is definitely a must-see!  This timeless musical showcases all-Filipino talents that will make you proud; it's the perfect directorial debut material for choreographer Karla Puno Garcia. The cast were perfect for their roles, from Conrad Ricamora as Zach (who's heard more rather than seen--definitely a challenge for the voice acting skills) to Lissa de Guzman as Cassie (WOW! Talent + Stamina!!) to the rest of the cast (ang huhusay, walang tapon). The material seemed fresh too despite being dated (mention of Hollywood and Broadway stage actors of yore that may be lost to the new generation of audience which can't be helped), thanks to Puno Garcia's amazing choreography and Farley Asuncion's musical genius. Hats off to TGA and the rest of the people involved in the staging of this beloved musical!  Watch now! A Chorus Line runs until March 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
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Come From Away Review

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Caught the final performance of Come From Away at Samsung Performing Arts Theatre last night (June 29, 2025) at 6pm. A lot has been said about this production, and I agree with all of the praise that has been given to it. Well-deserved, all of it!  CFA tells the true story of how Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, handled the dilemma of welcoming thousands of passengers from international flights that were diverted there immediately following the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.  I saw the show in Melbourne and fell in love with the story and how the ensemble moved me. When I learned that it's going to be staged locally, I just couldn't miss it! I was totally looking out for who's going to be in the cast, and, boy, was I wowed! The abundance of talent! I have seen half of the ensemble from the local staging of Stephen Sondheim's Company by Upstart Productions in 2019 (Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Topper Fabregas, and Caisa Borromeo), incl...
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Quick Review: Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical

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9 Works Theatrical's production of Robbie Guevara's Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical is an ambitious undertaking that tackles injustice and how one can make a difference. Without revealing the plot, I will focus on some of the performances that stood out for me. Anthony Rosaldo, as the main lead, takes on a monumental task by being present in almost every scene. I can feel his commitment to the role, and it brilliantly shows. He's got a bright future ahead of him. Word of advice, though -- take care of your voice. Nicole Omillo's tongue-in-cheek portrayal of her character brings some element of fun to the musical, but when the need to amp up the drama, she delivers an intense performance, especially when the moment of truth dawns on her in the second act. Arnel Carrion's performance as one of the antagonists is remarkable. His musical number is something to look forward to. More roles for him, please! Another kontrabida who delivers menace with a capital M is Boo Gabunada. ...
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Quick Review: Going Home To Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical Play

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Caught the evening performance of this musical last night at RCBC. First: the new arrangements by Ejay Yatco--amazing! It deserves an orchestra to better appreciate the genius behind the "new" sound. Didn't expect to hear Jose Mari Chan songs arranged in a very stagey way!  Second: Standouts (for me) were Carla Guevara Laforteza (her breathtaking rendition of "Hahanapin Ko" blew me away), Floyd Tena (his JR hits close to home--it reminded me of my dad in so many ways), Lorenz Martinez (his frenetic portrayal of a short-fused husband is so natural like he has done this so many times it looked effortless), and Justine Narciso (as the endearing Raya, the love interest to Neo Rivera's JD)--you and Neo made me believe you were meant for each other! Worthy to mention is the quartet of carolers (ang blending!). You know who you are lol! Pwede na kayong rumaket sa mga Christmas parties! Storylines: written by three theatre vets (Joel Trinidad, Robbie Guevara, and Lu...
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A Stripped-down "Sunset Blvd" Shines

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DIRECTOR Jamie Lloyd's version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Blvd" breathes new life to the legendary 30-year-old musical by stripping it down to the basics. Without lavish sets and costumes, the outstanding cast led by Nicole Scherzinger as the former and forgotten silent movie star Norma Desmond heavily relies on their sheer acting, singing, and dancing prowess sans the usual spectacle associated with this production. Chairs, lights, and a video projection screen fill the stage and replace the floating mansion of the original staging. From start to end of the musical, the audience is treated to something akin to experimental theatre. For those familiar with the movie or who have seen Patti LuPone on the West End staging or Glenn Close on Broadway, Lloyd's version is a total departure from them. No lavish sets, no vintage car on set — just a big, 23-foot LCD screen. 'Sunset Boulevard' tells the story of Joe Gillis (Tom Francis), a down-on-his-luck writ...
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Quick Review: Jepoy and the Magic Circle

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Who'd have thought there's gold to be mined in a short story? Gilda Cordero Fernando's The Magic Circle is the basis of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences' (RTYA) Jepoy and the Magic Circle, as adapted by Rody Vera, with wonderful music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco and directed by Repertory Philippines' Joy Virata, founder and creative director of RTYA. In the musical, Jepoy anchors the audience as he discovers all things mystical and mythical in the forest, from the Tres Marias of Pinoy folklore, the faeries Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan, Maria Cacao to the aswangs, dwendes, kapres, and tikbalangs. It also includes some endangered animals native to the Philippines like the Philippine eagle, tarsiers, pawikan, etc. Throughout Jepoy's adventures, along with his trusted dog, Galis, he discovers what happened to his father who left him and his mother for the woods. Jepoy is one musical production for kids that can be enjoyed by adults. While the material is basical...
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