Onstage, pumpkins can transform into carriages, puppets can
come to life, and flash floods can be reenacted with as much tragedy and pathos
as if you were right there at the time of the disaster.
Television and cinema will entertain you with their visual cues but only theater can assault your senses through the expert use of lighting, set design and calculated gestures and blocking. Audiences can smell the incense burned onstage, they can hear the sound of gunfire, and in some cases, viewers can even be asked to participate in the play.
Such is the magic of live theater.
From the bumper crop of outstanding theater productions, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists down the most memorable scenes from plays staged in the last two years. This top list is chosen from plays done by professional groups and excludes productions performed by school organizations.
If you haven't watched a play since your school required it for a class, now is the time to explore the magical world of theater and make-believe. Visit the Theater section of PEP by clicking this LINK and savor the sights and sounds of live theater—you just might find it more enjoyable than you think.
Here are the most memorable scenes performed in local stages this year (in alphabetical order):
Altar Boyz (Repertory Philippines)
Mark, the "sensitive" member of the boy band Altar Boyz, tries to open up to his buddies but he is afraid of rejection. However, through the encouragement of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Juan, the effeminate singer manages to give a humorous confession through his song "Epiphany." And as soon as you get out of the theater, you will definitely be singing proudly: "I am Catholic, hear me roar!"Avenue Q (Atlantis Productions)
There is one scene in Avenue Q that separates adults from the little ones. Before the love scene of the two main puppets (Kate Monster and Princeton), kids are ushered out of the auditorium so grownups could continue watching the so-called "full puppet nudity" of this musical. Puppetry has never been this erotic.Cinderella (Broadway Asia Entertainment)
I have two words to entice you to watch: Lea Salonga. If that didn't encourage you to watch the Asian version of Cinderella, then you should look forward to the transformation scene of the pumpkin into a glamorous carriage. Dazzling lights will enthrall viewers as the fairy godmother weaves her magic for the humble maid. This production is currently touring Asian countries, with a November run scheduled in Hong Kong.
Insiang (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Another sex-themed play makes it to this top list but this time, humans are involved instead of puppets. Ricky Davao and young thespian Sheenly Vee Gener have a love scene in the theater version of Insiang, which is based on the 1976 film of Lino Brocka. Insiang was talked about not only for its adult scenes but also because Ricky exposed his butt in this Tanghalang Pilipino production. Also noteworthy is the wrap-around set designed by Hesus Bobot Lota that captured the squalor of slum areas. TP also encouraged viewers to take part in the drama by inviting volunteers to play laundrywomen or labanderas.Kudeta (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Playwright Mustapha Matura was born in Trinidad but the story that he wrote about a coup that toppled a country's president could very well have been about the Philippines. Mario O' Hara brought the house down when he portrayed the sex-deprived President Eddie Jones. Since he has been in jail for a long time, he recounts his sexual exploits in one scene, much to the amusement of viewers who probably best remember him as the director of the films Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976) and Babae sa Bubungang Lata (1998).
Mulan (Repertory Philippines)
Disney's Mulan is definitely kid-friendly even when it is adapted for the stage. Youngsters will enjoy the interactivity of the play especially when cast members ask the audience to provide the sound effects in some of the scenes. For me, the highlight of the play is the way that they recreated an avalanche through the use of white flowing curtains. Brilliant!Repertory Philippines is staging Mulan until December 18 at Greenbelt 1 in Makati City.
Noli at Fili Dekada 2000 (PETA)
The Philippine Educational Theater Association managed to condense the two books of Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, into an engaging two-act play that depicts modern-day ills of society. Corruption is still the prevailing cancer that destroys lives and the forests of the Sierra Madre. Not to be missed is the opening scene wherein the actors are drenched with water coming down from showerheads placed above the stage.
Skin Deep (PETA)
One of the best comedies ever staged this year was PETA's Skin
Deep, a riotous comedy about seven people who enter the Skin-Deep Beauty
Sanctuary for a life-changing makeover. From start to finish, you will be
doubling up with laughter over the humorous yet insightful songs of the
characters. The ending of the play provides a surprising twist that will have
you thinking about the extreme measures that people go through in search of
perfection.
West Side Story (STAGES)
Christian Bautista has two leading ladies in the local version of the Broadway
play West Side Story: Joanna Ampil and Karylle. Expect lively action
sequences and an elaborate set composed of buildings that move fluidly across
the stage. One of the most heartfelt songs in this production is the duet of
Tony and Maria for "One Hand, One Heart." The two lovers pledge their love for
each other while in the middle of a gang war.
Catch West Side Story at the Meralco Theater until October 12, 2008.
If you have any personal favorites among the theater productions recently staged in the Philippines, feel free to make your own list in the comments section.