NEW YORK—On Nov. 9, the revival of “Once On This Island” began previews, and we all got through it alive.
On the same date, the preview for the Manila production of “Matilda” took place, and my daughter Nicole happened to be performing. Which means that she and I had our first public performances on the same day half a world apart from each other. I don’t think this has ever happened in our family.
Finally, after many weeks of rehearsals, it all came down to this one night: Nov. 9. A night that neither Nicole nor I will forget.
I had only text messages from my mom Ligaya, my husband Rob, and my assistant Tin to let me know how things went. Thankfully, her official theater debut went well. Rob and I made sure that she had a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the night with, as every debutante in a show should. I told her to not be distracted by the audience.
Director Bobby Garcia sent a couple of photos for me to look at. I got a little verklempt and felt so proud. She looked so happy and was really into what she was doing. Actually, all the kids did, which led me to believe that Philippine musical theater will be in safe, committed and enthusiastic hands.
To everyone involved with “Matilda,” my heartiest congratulations on an already incredible run! I’ll see you all at closing.
Meanwhile, we still have much work to do here on our show.
Our tech period was meticulous and intense, given all the technical elements that had to come together in harmony. Every time we found ourselves fumbling around backstage in the dark, needing glow tape or a handy flashlight, we’d flag things down and get the aid we need.
We plotted quick changes with dressers and got feedback on our makeup. Clint Ramos, our costume designer, would look at costumes and tweak, fix and schedule fittings as necessary.
Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, lighting designers, would figure out lighting states, colors and ambience. Peter Hylenski, our sound designer, created our special sound effects, as well as how we sound with our microphones. Many of us in the show are wearing two body mics, because none of us ever leaves the stage.
But, now that our show has begun its run, we can go back to telling the story. There’s much to refine, figure out and improve. Thankfully, we have a gazillion chances to get it right.
For show No. 1, though, the audience seemed so enthusiastic with their reactions. They applauded all the song numbers, laughed at jokes we didn’t even anticipate being there, and gave us so much loving, positive energy that we fed off of all that.
Sure, we had moments of “What’s my cue to enter?,” “Am I on the right side of the stage?,” “I’m lost … where am I?,” or “I cannot find my light.” But, all in all, the experience of this first preview was just beyond my great expectations.
We’re grateful for the almost sold-out crowd for coming to spend their night with us. We set for ourselves a fantastic jumping-off point from which we can keep making the show even better on the road to opening night.
To all our preview audiences at the Circle in the Square in New York and Meralco Theater in Manila, thanks so much for supporting our shows.
To my mom for taking care of our budding little performer, thank you for handling the reins. I know it can’t be easy, but you’re still there.
Our work isn’t over. We have built it. Now let’s hope they come.
“Once On This Island” continues its previews at Circle in the Square, 235 West 50th Street. Tickets are available at Telecharge.com. “Matilda” will run at Meralco Theater until Dec. 10, with tickets available at Ticketworld.com.
Condolences
To the loved ones of Isabel Granada, we send our sincerest condolences. I remember her, from kindergarten at OB Montessori to seeing her on “That’s Entertainment.” She was always such a lovely, beautiful presence. She will be sorely missed.