The first weekend of Eto Na Musikal nAPO! was a resounding success after months of working on this original material using the songs of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo aka the APO (Apo Hiking Society).
I had the honor of being a part of the table reading at the beginning of the writing process. Robbie Guevara who had written the script asked for the opinion of his theatre friends and we gladly gave them. As Robbie continued to work on the material I gradually saw the characters come to life into what he had envisioned them to be. The next step was casting the right actors to play the ragtag septet we have grown familiar with.
Mark Bautista leads the cast as the group’s chief lyricist Rick, joining him are Jobim Javier as Butch, Alfritz Blanche as Sonny, Jep Go as Ray, Jef Flores as Jaime, Vyen Villanueva as Bobby and Jon Abella as Donny. Their invigorating and honest performance showcased their ability to work as a cohesive group that relied on each other’s strengths. I particularly love the chemistry of Blanche as Sonny and Marika Sasaki as Jane. Every scene they were in was a joy to watch. One word to describe their tandem is endearing.
The performances of theater stalwarts Raul Montesa as Mon and Neomi Gonzales as Carmen literally gave me chills as the parents of Ray. You will have to watch the show to know what I am talking about. It was a delight to see rising theatre ingénues Sab Jose as Michelle and Rita Daniela as Anna take their rightful spot in the limelight in this production. Rounding out the cast are Gian Gloria, Shalee Vicencio, Peachy Atilano-Guevara, Anton Posadas, Jourdan Bartolome, and Derrick Gozos.
Eto Na Musical nAPO! makes me proud to be a Filipino. The music of the APO helped define OPM (Original Pilipino Music) to what it is today. I could not help but feel sentimental and emotional during and even after the show as the songs of the APO have been an integral part of our lives.
Robbie Guevara did a great job of writing and directing this timely and relevant Original Pilipino Musical. His labor of love, passion and dedication to his craft are evident in this theatrical masterpiece that transcends time. PJ Rebullida’s choreography is once again a highlight in this show. The musical arrangement brilliantly done by Daniel Bartolome and Orly Dela Cruz is sheer genius. Joey Mendoza’s minimal set spoke volumes and Eric Pineda’s costumes literally brought us back to 1975. Bravo to the whole artistic and production team, job well done guys.
I have to give it to my Nine Works Theatrical family especially to Santi and Anna Santamaria, JonJon Martin and Robbie for taking the plunge into staging an original material. It is a resounding success! You guys should do more!
For those who will be watching, I beg of you to not sing-along. Let everyone enjoy the beautiful music of the APO and the amazing performance of the cast. Thank you!
Watch Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! at Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City, on August 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26, 2018, at 8:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, and 3:00pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets available on Ticketworld.com.ph
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Blessings,
