Young singer-actor Sam Concepcion is ecstatic over his new role as "the little boy who never grew up" in Repertory Philippines and Stages Production's Peter Pan.
"I am so thrilled for this production. My first production with Repertory and first with Repertory and Stages Production and lahat, pati yung... Kasi bagong adaptation 'to ng Peter Pan, so very honored to be the very first one who will be doing this here in Asia," said Sam in an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last Wednesday, October 20 at Enderun College Auditorium at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
The musical play, which will roll September next year, will feature a lot of theatrical effects that would accommodate the story's magical feel.
"And, hindi lang yung Peter Pan yung pupuntahan natin for the show. Kasi it's also the spectacle of it. There's gonna be a lot of flying, beautiful music, and the lights. So, everything's just gonna be magical. Kaya I'm very excited for this," Sam said.
Sam played God in the play N.O. A. H (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) last year. He was also part of the cast of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe in 2002.
Asked to differentiate Peter Pan from his past theater roles, Sam simply said, "It is Peter Pan."
He added, "And mas malaki, mas malaking production 'to, e. I'm really excited. I've been in harness already before but I wanna get back and do it again."
iDol cast member Tippy dos Santos will play Wendy.
Sam and Tippy delighted the members of the press at the preview of the plays lined up for next year at Enderun College Auditorium at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Sam and Tippy rendered a fresh and upbeat performance of "The Cleverness of Me." (CLICK here to view performance.)
Peter Pan will be the last salvo of Repertory's lineup next year. The others in the lineup are The Joy Luck Club, The 39 Steps, Shakespeare in Holywood, and Seussical.
Peter Pan will be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who is also the newly instituted associate director of Repertory Philippines.
ON CHARICE. Sam was all praises when asked about international singing phenomenon Charice Pempengco's recent sucess.
Sam and Charice were batchmates in ABS-CBN's defunct singing contest Little Big Star. Sam won the title while Charice only finished third.
"A, ano, parang ilang beses na 'ata naitanong sa akin 'yan, a!" Sam said with a laugh. He was of course referring to endless questions about Charice's success.
"Charice is a star, without a doubt. She has enormous talent, which deserves to be known, which deserves to be shared with the whole world.
"So, she's living the dream living the Filipinos dream and I hope that she continues to... Marami siyang nai-inspire na mga kabataan. Sana mapagpatuloy pa niya yung achievements niya."
The equally-talented actor admitted that he too has international aspirations
"Yes, of course, given the chance. We'll see what the plans are.
"Of course, meron din akong dreams, you know, share my music, share my talent with all the people. So, something I'm looking forward to in the future," Sam smiled.