As soon as audience members step into the Star Theater of
Star City, they are transported back to the swinging sixties—a time when
liberal attitudes were prevalent in society. It's also a time when bright colors were in, hemlines were high, and ladies' hairstyles went even higher.
In the opening scene of Atlantis Productions' Hairspray, viewers are introduced to Tracy Turnblad (played by Madel Ching). The "pleasantly plump" girl is a bundle of energy and her performance level is impressive throughout the play. Mind you, performing energetic song-and-dance numbers for two hours is not an easy feat. Madel did a good job of building her stamina even towards the end of the play when she led the cast in singing "You Can't Stop the Beat." It seems like there is really no stopping this young girl from conquering the theater scene.
There was once instance when you just want to tone down Madel's acting, particularly the scene where she is paired with Link Larkin for a song number that ends with a big kiss. She was practically drooling over him, which is not a very pretty sight.
It is interesting to note that this play from Atlantis Productions marks the beginning of the professional career of a young girl and may well be the final appearance of a veteran actor. Madel is a junior at Ateneo de Manila majoring in AB Political Science while Michael de Mesa has been in the entertainment industry since the 1970s.
Reports say that Michael plans to quit showbiz and work as a marketing executive for an ambulance company in the United States. This is just one of the many reasons why theatergoers should not miss watching Hairspray, which is being staged until December 7.
In keeping with the tradition of having a male perform the
role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother, Michael transforms into a fabulous
fashion diva complete with a curly haired wig, elegant dresses, and high heels.
When Michael drops his feminine Edna voice and turns into a lion (instead of a
lioness defending her baby), it's simply entertaining. Truly, he will be dearly
missed!
The transformation is so complete that even his own son could not believe that it was his father performing on stage. During the special preview of Hairspray last November 13, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was able to ask Ryan Eigenmann regarding his father's performance. "I didn't see Michael-I saw Rosemary Gil, my grandmother! I don't think it was intentional but I saw some similarities in their mannerisms," he points out.
Even though this is her first professional stage play, Madel proved that she could keep up with theater luminaries such as Michael, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (as Velma Von Tussle), Dulce (as Motormouth Maybelle), Leo Rialp (as Wilbur Turnblad), and Enchang Kaimo (as Female Authority Figure).
Causing conflict in the story is Velma, which is played to the hilt by Ms. Menchu. With her blond hair and perfectly manicured fingernails, she is the most glamorous villainess this side of town. Her character Velma doesn't quite elicit fear but she sure gives show-stopping numbers.
Nyoy Volante wowed this writer during the play's rehearsals and during the actual performance, he certainly proved that he has the groove. Dulce also stood out for her outstanding vocals and her noteworthy advice for the protagonists.
(Click HERE to view photos of Hairspray rehearsals.)
For ticket inquiries, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078
or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Venue: Star Theater, Star City, CCP complex, Pasay City
Performances:
November 28 (Friday) 8 p.m.
November 29 (Saturday) 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
November 30 (Sunday) 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
December 5 (Friday) 8 p.m.
December 6 (Saturday) 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
December 7 (Sunday) 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
