Christian Bautista pushes himself to the limit

CRIS Villonco (left) and Christian Bautista take over the roles of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

Christian Bautista has done numerous projects for theater, music and television in the past, but none of those, he said, has managed to push his artistic boundaries, both as a singer and an actor, the way “Ghost: The Musical” did.

In Atlantis Productions’ local staging of the play—which was adapted from the 1990 romantic fantasy-drama movie of the same title—Christian plays the lead, Sam Wheat, who was originally portrayed on the silver screen by Patrick Swayze.

“This has been perhaps the most challenging role I’ve done so far in my career because I had to go through a whirlwind of emotions. He’s romantic and sensual. Then there’s the element of uncertainty, betrayal and eventually regaining strength,” Christian said of his role.

Sam, who occupies the real world and the spirit realm after being murdered, tries to save his girlfriend, Molly Jensen (Cris Villonco) from danger through a medium, the psychic Oda Mae Brown (Ima Castro).

The role, Christian pointed out, was physically demanding, and the word “fun” wasn’t probably the best word to describe it. But the fulfillment he gets from playing the character, the 32-year-old balladeer said, was incomparable.

“It’s tiring—iyak kung iyak, sigaw kung sigaw, so I have to make sure I don’t lose my voice,” he told the Inquirer. “But it’s all worth it.”

Christian related that he wasn’t really planning on auditioning for the role, and admitted that he only knew one song from the musical—“Unchained Melody.” But after watching videos of “Ghost” on YouTube, Christian said the music had him instantly hooked.

Guitar lessons

With a lot of the songs fused with rock, performing the songs, Christian added, was just as difficult as the acting material. “The songs are absolutely beautiful, but are above my comfortable singing range,” he said, adding that he also needed to learn how to play the guitar. “My brother taught me a couple of chords. I can now play ‘Unchained.’”

Asked how it was working with his leading lady, Cris, Christian said he was surprised with their chemistry. “We’d meet every once in a while in corporate shows, but this was the first time we really worked closely together,” Christian said. “We just clicked. Even our director, Bobby Garcia, noticed it during the romantic scenes.”

Apart from Christian and Cris’ “sweeping, melodic and heartfelt” duets, the “Star in a Million” alum said that one of the musical’s highlights would be their version of the famous “pottery scene.”

Though he mostly works now as a pop recording artist, Christian noted that theater will always be his “comfort zone.” He started his career as part of musical ensembles in different plays including “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

“If I see a project that’s good for me…then I’ll do it,” said the Kapuso talent, who starred in “Cinderella” last year with Karylle. “I love theater because of the creative process and artistry involved. It compels you to chew the material over and over again, so you may discover new things,” he explained.

With regard to his singing career, Christian said he’s recording a new album under Universal Records. However, he has yet to be offered a second acting project by GMA 7 after the late morning TV series, “With a Smile.” As far as his TV career goes, Christian said he still considers himself a newbie.

“Most people still see me more as a singer; I still have to prove myself to people when it comes to acting. I have the desire but, of course, they have to see that as well,” Christian said. “Maybe it’s not yet my time in this field, but I will continue to push myself.”

“Ghost: The Musical” runs from April 25 to May 11 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Call 8927078 or 8919999.

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