HOW DOES Jon Santos update his scripts? “I’m a lot like inquirer.net. Even at 3 a.m., I update the news.”
In spite of the hectic rehearsals, manic comic Jon Santos squeezes in this exclusive interview with Inquirer. You can sense the frenzied energy in each word.
He’s in the thick of preparations for his newest comedy revue, “Jon to the World,” which goes onstage at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, on Dec. 5 and 6.
Jon promises to up the ante from his “Kuring, Dyuning” series by introducing new characters in the coming show, which will be directed by theater veteran Freddie Santos.
He’s having not a few sleepless nights, Jon says, thinking about taking over the same stage where some of the country’s topnotch acts have performed previously. He gasps: “The CompanY (who will likewise guest in ‘Jon to the World’), Martin Nievera, Side A, Lea Salonga, and ‘Kaos’ performed here before me!”
Still, it’s pretty evident that Jon and his cast of colorful characters will feel right at home at Newport. Fans shouldn’t miss it because, Jon explains, the next one “might take a while.”
He’ll be busy with special family projects, he says. “I’m the planner for my sister’s wedding and for my parents’ golden anniversary.”
What is the new challenge that this show poses for you?
JON as “Ate Vi”
Aside from the fact that it falls smack in the middle of the chaotic holidays, I’m going crazy figuring out how to land on a revolving stage from a harness in drag!
Who are your new characters?
This show is a Christmas gift to current headline-grabbing celebrities. Siyempre, I had to make room for Pine-Apol-d’Ap, Parees-Over-d’Hill-ton (the new BFF of Mommy Diyuning Sapakyaw), Secretary Dilemnmnmna and, of course, Syansey.
What are the sacrifices that you make for your art?
Since I have to fit into these gowns, I’ve totally forgotten the taste of carbs. Rehearsals wrap up late so my husband often eats canned food for supper. He’s sacrificing a lot, too. Because the holidays, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day, is peak season for us live performers, we miss some family reunions as well.
“Pi-NiyoY”
What can audiences expect this time?
Since the show’s title is “Jon to the World,” I have to tackle everything that happened in the world in 2011—highlighting the world-famous, the world-class, the third-world-class, the worldly, the Miss World-ly. From the sporting to the show biz worlds. Kahit na out-of-this-world at underworld.
Are you updating the script as we speak?
I’m a lot like INQUIRER.net. Even at 3 a.m., I update the news. This has happened before: Minutes before a show, I ask my writing buddies to text revisions. Considering how swiftly scandals erupt in this country, our audience expects our spoofing to unfold in real time. Parang Twitter.
Will you do Ramona the lady in a red scarf and Glureeng in a neck brace?
Baka Glureeng in a red scarf and Ramona in a neck brace—and they’ll meet at the airport.
“SHANSAY Supsup”
Technically, how are you preparing for this show?
JON says fans shouldn’t miss his Newport Theater show because the next one “might take a while.”
With stopwatch in hand. I need to time my change from the bald head of Pi-NiyoY to the neck brace of Glureeng to the Afro of Ofra to the long blonde wig of Parees to the Mohawk of Pine-Apol-d’Ap.
Is there any one character you dread to touch?
As a responsible artist, I cannot, in good conscience, lower the bar in comedy by making fun of celebrities who’ve experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one, especially through violent and criminal circumstances. That is why I simply refuse to crack jokes about … Michael Jackson.
Will you invite your subject-personalities to Newport?
“MEERIAM Defenseev”
I doubt if Jackson can make it, but the others are welcome. Front row! Free! They can bring relatives. Up to third degree of consanguinity. They just need to present their birth certificates.
Would you wear the Sydney Opera House costume from the Broadway musical, “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”?
Ay oo naman! While we’re at it, it would be fun to be a “One-Man-MMFF-Float” or even a “Volcano”—not the rugby player, but the one in Taal. Complete with lava.
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