Back In My Happy Place – The Theatre

For my first post for the year, allow me to share with you my memorable experience with working on A Christmas Carol.

It had been three years since I last performed in a musical and that was in 9Works Theatrical’s second offering of Grease where I played Teen Angel back in 2014. I took a break from theatre to concentrate on my job as an editor for three years. It was during that time when I realized that I am first and foremost an artist and that my happy place is in theatre. It was in 2016 when my friends Robbie Guevara, Anna and Santi Santamaria asked me to join the first run of A Christmas Carol. As much as I wanted to do it back then I wouldn’t have made it to most of the rehearsals due to conflicts in my schedule. But I supported the show by watching it five times as my daughter Mariella was in the cast. I was totally engrossed with the whole production I mean how could I not fall in love with the music of Alan Menken and the haunting lyrics of Lynn Ahrens.

It was during the rehearsals for the 50th Anniversary of Repertory Philippines at The Theatre at Solaire last June when Robbie, Santi and Anna spoke to me about the re-staging of A Christmas Carol, and offered me the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. With no hesitation I wholeheartedly said YES. A month later I went to watch 9Works Theatrical’s production of Disney’s Newsies, I was blown away with the show. The level of dancing was through the roof that I was literally in tears after the first act because of how excellent it was, read about it here https://francolaurel.com/newsies-seizes-the-day/. I wanted to join them on stage! I saw PJ Rebullida after the show and congratulated him on his choreography and told him that I was going to work with him in A Christmas Carol. He told me that they were changing almost everything in the show specially the dance numbers. That got me excited and nervous at the same time since it had been six years since I last attended a dance class. I knew my body was not as fit as it used to be and that I really needed to step up my game. Fast forward to October 9, first day of rehearsals at the Maybank Theater. As I entered the rehearsal hall, I could not contain my joy, I knew I was home, I knew I was in the place where I am meant to be.

It was like a reunion of sorts when I met the cast since I had worked with some of them in the past. I was also quite excited to work with the younger set of actors for the very first time. We spent close to three months working tirelessly for six hours every day. And in that time, we got to know each other and bond about life, we became a family. What I appreciated the most was the genuine concern we had for each other, the support each one gave to those who needed it. We had each other’s backs, and that is what I love about this production. We were a team!

I was more than thrilled when we moved to the Iconic Theater in Bonifacio High Street, where everything was falling into place from the set designed by Ed Lacson, the lights beautifully designed and executed by Shakira Villa Symes, the period costumes designed by Mio Infante and Ian Cartalaba, hair and make up designed by my dear friend Myrene Santos and supervised by Elliza Aurelio; sound design by Noel De Brackinghe. It was unfolding right before our eyes. I will never forget the night we performed in front of a full house during our preview show, it was electrifying.

The thirteen shows went by so fast. I didn’t want it to end, I didn’t even mind working on Christmas day. I was savoring every moment I had with the cast and crew including all the pre-show rituals I did. And on our closing show last December 27 the inevitable happened, tears just kept on falling uncontrollably as we were singing our last song “God Bless Us Everyone”. It was tears of joy and gratitude.

You see I was very specific with my prayers in the beginning of the year, I prayed for my return to theatre and particularly prayed for the right show, the perfect role and a great company and cast to work with and God answered them all.

Thank you Robbie (Director), Anna and Santi (Producers) for believing in me and giving me one of the most fun, challenging and memorable characters I have ever played. As I reflect on how the past year has been, I count this production as one of the biggest blessings in my life. Robbie, as I have told you before you have my utmost respect and admiration. Anna and Santi, your genuine love, concern and care for the whole cast and this production is deeply appreciated. I enjoyed every minute of working with all of you.

PJ thank you for brining out the dancer in me again. Your constant guidance and encouragement has made me love dancing even more. You have stretched me in so many ways that despite my age, you helped make it possible. I never thought I could tap dance in my life and I have to thank Yek Barlongay for taking me out of my comfort zone.

To our Musical Director Daniel Bartolome, it is truly an honor to work with a musical genius like you. You and the rest of the members of the orchestra with special mention to Jeddi Celeste brought out the best in all of us. There is nothing like singing with an orchestra composed of brilliant musicians.

JonJon Martin you are a “Winner” of a friend. Thank you for constantly bringing joy to us backstage. Only Torres it has been an inspiring delight to have shared this experience with you from the world of Rizal’s Fili to Charles Dickens’ timeless classic.

Special thanks to Joe Caliro and your amazing team Denise Seva, Kervy Parreño, Pam Lunar, Janno Rivera and Louie Di for the support and for making this production happen again.

To our unsung heroes, our SM Team – Arma, Jacob, Emma, Tetta, Che Che, Pachot, Armand, Ara; our costume team Ian, Chloe, Erika, Cyan, the rest of the 9Works gang Sab, GM, Camille, Razhel and Andie, our hair and make up team and our interns who have made life for us back stage a delightful experience.

As the line in our song goes, “Bless this family, bless this feast and cheers… to the joy of your company”, I will forever cherish the countless food trips we had during our breaks, special birthday celebrations and wonderful moments we’ve shared putting this show together. My dearest cast Miguel Faustmann, Noel Rayos, Mitzie Lao, Jourdan Bartolome, Vyen Villanueva,  Jon Abella, Kendrick Ibasco, MC dela Cruz, Arman Ferrer, Peahcy Atilano-Guevara, Gian Gloria, Nico Dans, JP Basco, Josh Ramirez, Rissey Reyes, Dawn Eduave, Tricia Canilao, Laurence Mossman, Joni Galeste, Shalee Vicencio and Kyle Francisco you have all been a pleasure and a joy to work with. This show would not have been spectacular without your exceptional talents. Krystal Brimner, Tory and Rayne Cortez, Elai Estrella, Simone Martinez, Cerise Ramirez, Joe Ng, Bourne Luna, Diego Soler, Omar Uddin and Jaime Yupangco you have all made us love you with all our heart because of the energy, sincerity, passion and happiness you brought to us every single day. To the parents of the kids, thank you for allowing them to share this unforgettable experience with us. Rick and Juana Yupangco, I am so glad to have gone through this journey with you guys.

I can’t wait for the next show where we all get to work together again. I love you guys!

My daughter Mariella, this show is extra special to me because I got to experience it with you. The joy of a parent is to see one’s child bloom where they are planted and what a privilege it is for me to see you grow as an artist right before of my eyes. I love you my darling.

To my wife Ayen and my children, thank you for allowing me to do this show and for your love and support in every sense of the word.  I love you guys!

And finally to my savior Jesus Christ, thank you for everything! You continue to bring out the best in me! I give back all the honor, praise and glory to you my Lord!  This show has truly brought out the miracle within.

God Bless Us Everyone!

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