D.O.M.s all: (clockwise) John Arcilla, Carlo Orosa, Robert Sena, Bimbo Cerrudo and Nonie Buencamino
Spotlight Artists Centre has once again earned another stripe with the highly-successful run of “Dirty Old Musical” last September at the Music Museum.
Now, the said production, which scored great theatric triumphs, are set to hit the stage once again this January, as an answer to fans who were not able to see the show.
Owned by award-winning theater actors Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez, Spotlight Artists Centre has produced a number of theater greats, including the ensemble that made up D.O.M. such as John Arcilla, Nonie Buencamino, Michael Williams, Bo Cerrudo and Robert Seña himself.
Spotlight Artists’ first original Filipino musical, because of its arresting appeal to stage fans, has earned fantastic reviews and bustling ticket sales, prompting production owners to run another slate this month.
“The January rerun is still quite limited due to the complicated schedules of the case, hence the seven shows, but we expect to do more as we find more free time among everyone,” Isay Alvarez told the press.
D.O.M. tackles the trials, travails and misadventures of the five members of an all-male 80’s group in their twilight years. Soon after, all five will be reunited by a noble cause and shall be given another shot at redeeming their lost and suppressed passions.
The attempt of reinventing themselves comes out tougher than how it used to be back in the day as they cope with the struggles of growing old.
For Sena and Alvarez, the pains, fears and worries about the musical’s ‘birth pains’ were drowned as soon as they heard deafening applause and laughter from the audience during the opening night.
“We were so excited and I was particularly proud of Myke Salomon, [musical director] and Robert, who were really the ones who planned the musical. To hear the people laugh hard and see the pasted smiles on their faces were a clear affirmation of our work,” Alvarez exclaimed.
For the January show, equally-acclaimed stage veteran Carlo Orosa will take the place of Michael Williams, with the same technical team headed by librettist Rody Vera, director Dexter Martinez and Myke Salomon as musical director.
With memorable OPM hits comprising the show’s musical background, Sena clearly remembers the well-applauded highlights.
“The arrangements came as a surprise to many. Myke was able to deliver a fresh take on those OPM hits. Particularly, Saludo and Mag-Exercise Tayo Tuwing Umaga were riots, but the heart-wrenching act one finale was a favorite too [Kastilyong Buhangin and Nakapagtataka] rendered by John, Noni, Ima (Castro) and Kitkat,” Sena says.
Besides its impressive musical foundation, the show’s selling factor could be highly credited to its “hugot-inducing” themes that mainly revolve around friendship, bromance and authentic Pinoy humor.
And because of the strong buzz, Alvarez also hinted at the possibility of extended runs and overseas performances.
She shared, “There were invitations to do a U.S. tour in major cities, but I’m praying to do one here with a big band before the end of 2017.”
Buoyed by D.O.M.‘s success, Alvarez and Sena are even more optimistic about their follow-up project.
Alvarez further said, “Yes, we have this show in mind that we’ve been wanting to see staged. Hopefully in two years’ time. It’s an original production so it will take more time to produce it.”
Rounding up the stellar cast are powerhouse theater performers Ima Castro, Kitkat, and Fred Lo, with an ensemble comprised of Shalee Vicencio, Gabriela Pangilinan and Irra Cenina.
Dirty Old Musical will have its rerun at the Music Museum from January 19-21 and 26-28, 8:00 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee on January 28. For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or Spotlight Artists Centre at 0919-911-4444.