‘Katy’s’ nostalgic appeal remains undimmed

TALENT call for the musical on the Bodabil Queen (above) was a rousing reminder of the richness and diversity of Filipino musical talent.

ONE after the other they trooped to the Spotlight Artists Center last Jan. 29—some of the country’s best musical-theater, club and recording artists, all of them eager to become a part of this year’s hottest Original Filipino Musical revival, “Katy.”

The first staging two full decades ago of the tribute to Katy dela Cruz and the country’s bodabil tradition was such a hit that its nostalgic drawing power and appeal seem to be undiminished by the passing of time.

Some of the talents who auditioned were even younger than the musical itself, yet they responded to its call with full throb and feeling.

Indication

If this initial excitement is any indication of the reception that the revival staging may get when it opens this August and September at the Meralco theater, it should be—quite a show!

Also noteworthy was the fact that many of the more mature auditionees had their own “Katy” stories to tell. Some had, as younger theatergoers, seen the original production and since then “yearned” to become a part of it, if and when it would be restaged.

What drew them most to the show? Its being about performers’ love for their audience, which has flourished despite the many difficulties and heartbreaks involved.

To them, “Katy” is special, because it tells our stories, and sings our songs.

They were all there—

Michelle, Bituin, Roeder, Shane, Alberta, Ampy, Morissette, Mica, Terry, Raul, Sitti, China, Cacai, Andy, Erica, Paul, Girlie, Waya, Jerold, Angeli, Alexis, Raymond, even a guy named Abigail—plus others still patiently waiting in line as the hours passed.

Onlookers were amazed and thrilled at the brilliant voices and heartfelt emotions that made the Spotlight Studio the place to be for a rousing reminder of the richness and diversity of Filipino musical talent.

For our part, we were most gratified to see actor-singers who had previously done only “Broadway” finally getting their feet wet in a homegrown show. Don’t worry, we assured them, the water’s fine!

Another audition was held last Feb. 6, and we trust that other singer-actor-dancers will, heart in hand, also want to be a part of our “Katy” revival. It’s a difficult show to mount, but with everyone working really hard (and even harder), we trust that the revival will at least match the high standards set by the original production.

Our fervent hope is that the “Katy” revival will in turn revive Filipino theatergoers’ love for our very own stories and songs, leading to greater support and encouragement for new works that will further vivify our unique sensibilities, experiences and artistry, despite the seemingly “deathless” importunings of our still pervasive “colonial” mindset.