Sep 07 2008
My Story on West Side
Last September 5, 2008, as yuppies and office corporate workers had a drinking spree at the longest bar in world history along San Miguel Ave. and Julia Vargas, Ortigas, I with my parents (seated at the front row), good friends Mr. & Mrs Pimentel (seated though at the balcony) are some of the few who had the privilege to see the opening night of the theater version of the Oscar-winning film West Side Story at the Meralco Theatre.
Before starting (a stolen shot from my phone cam)
It was a jampacked sold out show for the benefit of Kythe Foundation. I was excited to see it, and so with my dad who knows the film version pretty well; and we were with mom who as usual doesn’t have a clue on what we were about to see (Yeah, you may say I didn’t get my genetic interest in culture and arts from her).
I was excited to see it, firstly, because it is the first time that West Side Story (where popular songs such as Somewhere, Something’s Coming, Tonight, and One Hand and One Heart originate from and which I love to sing along with my multiplex or videoke in my younger years) since 1981 (when I wasn’t even born yet) is to be shown live in Philippine theater. Secondly, because I am a big fan of Christian Bautista (good voice aside, I really love the way he looks especially more now with his wavy curly hair). Thirdly, I have heard a lot of the greatness of Joanna Ampil, the favorite Kim of Lea Salonga and Cameron Macintosh, who came home from West End to portray the female lead Maria and who my dad was able too see portray Kim when he saw Miss Saigon for the first time in NY.
However, watching the show gave a mix of disappointments and good surprises. Disappointments because I expected more from Christian B. This play was fought for by Carlo Orosa, his talent manager, to push through particularly to promote Christian’s career (according to Audie G.’s article in the souvenir program) but it highlighted more on Christian’s weakness - that would be theater acting and singing.
I have seen numerous plays since I was a kid and though I don’t claim to be a pro, I know for a fact that theater acting must be more pronounced (than film or tv acting) and singing (even speaking) voice must be loud and clear. I hope it was his microphone that had a defect if that is how I perceived it because there were some actors who gave better, hence, more notable performances.
Joanna Ampil had the loudest, unstrained, effortless, crystal clear voice (which I expected being the West End star that she is). Her acting is impressive which is neither too much nor too less that is required of her for every scene.
I also laud Gian Macapagal as Riff whose acting and singing were more impressive than Christian’s. I never really like him on TV but I totally had the complete opposite reaction to his performance for this play. Though some may argue that I shouldn’t be comparing actors with different roles it is inevitable that comparison in voice and acting regardless of the roles will happen, even unconsciously, by the audience. You would feel who caught your most attention from who didn’t - positively or negatively. Christian’s singing voice was soft for theater, and at times not audible while Gian’s was loud, hence, clearer. I also felt more tension (which is a good thing according to my theater workshop teachers) and expression from the latter.
Speaking of “who caught my attention,” there are some few unfamiliar faces who also deserve much needed praise.
First and foremost, is Rowena Vilar, who portrayed Anita, the role that gave Rita Moreno an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. We learned later from the show that no Philippine-based thespian fit the role of Anita after conducting the rigid 2-month auditions until Leo Valdez recommended this girl to Audie who is a Filipina born in Australia. She has been active in theater, has undergone rigorous dance training and partnered with Hugh Jackman in some of his shows. I enjoyed her performance the most in acting and dancing, and next to Joanna in singing. She came to the country just to do this role and I hope this won’t be her last in Philippine theater.
Other than Jake Macapagal as Bernardo who is a triple threat (triple threat which means an actor who can sing, act and dance) is Anthony Tarrosa Ong and Jordan Aguilar. Funny, because I had no idea while watching them that among the gang members they are the two actors who are “imported.” Ong is New Yorker while Aguilar is from Britain but both have been active in the theater field. Ong’s performance was impressive - voice and acting (plus the dancing) while Jordan’s rendition of Baby John was adorable and impressive.
There have been talks by some like us who weren’t able to watch Karylle that she might probably be more apt as Maria than Joanna for her youthfulness and might be more suited as a partner for the young Christian as Tony. I was intrigued by this so I checked the youtube of Karylle singing as Maria.
Her voice is good but needs more training in reaching and sustaining the high notes which is Joanna’s edge over her. I heard though that Karylle has been very dedicated in preparing for this role so most likely she will also do good as Maria.
This is a brave move by stages production for it is one of the most difficult musicals to render live on stage. I applaud all the people behind the scenes for all in all, the production did very well with the set design, the music under the baton of Gerard Salonga is well executed, choreography and direction are brilliant — which all set the Philippine theater one caliber higher once again.
Sources of pictures:
Rowena Vilar: http://www.facebook.com/people/Rowena_Vilar/600919668
Cast:http://mjrodis.multiply.com/photos/album/389/West_Side_Story_Press_Con_for_Joanna_Ampil_Rowena_Vilar#32
Jordan:http://www.friendster.com/photos/37210072/1/132584404#pic=01935574916
Cast: http://guides.clickthecity.com/arts/?p=3615
Two Marias: http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/
