Art isn’t easy . . . but oftentimes, it’s magic
We’ve been rehearsing now for around two weeks. The challenging Stephen Sondheim score is finding its way into our bodies, as is Hugh Wheeler’s beautifully rhythmic book. We are all getting well acquainted with the characters we’re playing, whether doubling up on different personas in the ensemble, or one’s assigned role in the principal lineup.
As our musical director Gerard Salonga said over dinner last weekend, “It’s a feel thing. You’ll stop counting, and just feel it.” Of course, he’s much funnier when he delivers it.
By this week’s end, our first act will be finished. This is most definitely cause for a small celebration, until we have to tackle Act 2 which includes one of the most insane second-act openers in musical theater, “God That’s Good.” The lyrics are confusing, the keys change a few times—for sure, everyone’s brains will turn to mush. Thank heavens for days off!
Speaking of which, on my Saturday off, I treated myself to some pampering (thank you as always, Marie-France and Facial Care Centre), after which Nicole and I got into our house colors (Ravenclaw for me, Slytherin for Nic) to watch Gerard conduct the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra play the entire soundtrack to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at The Theatre at Solaire.
At the very beginning, Gerard got up on the podium, and encouraged the audience to cheer, clap, sob, gasp and react however we would like. He asked us which houses we belonged to (every house from Gryffindor to Hufflepuff got a resounding cheer), and of course we were hella loud in proclaiming our loyalty.
Once the movie began, it was time to immerse ourselves in its magic.
So, how was the experience? Oh, if we could always watch movies this way!
Watching a Harry Potter film along with a full house of Potterheads all dressed up who knew every line of dialogue—and proved it, loudly—was such a treat. We didn’t have to be po lite! We didn’t have to keep quiet!
We could relive the movie and all of those fantastic moments—Privet Drive, Diagon Alley, sorting the first years into their houses, the troll in the girls’ bathroom, the historic Quidditch match, that epic game of chess, and seeing Voldemort for the first time—without restraint. And boy, it was wonderful!
I cannot wait for more experiences like this. Thank you, CineConcerts and ABS-CBN for making this possible. We look forward to the next one.
‘Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko’
On Saturday (Sept. 21), 7 p.m. at the PICC Reception Hall, we shall be staging the second installment of the SOAP Opera concert series, “Ang SOAP Opera ng Buhay Ko 2: Musika ni Ryan, Medisina ng Bayan (Isang Pagpupugay ng Iskolar ng Bayan sa Pambansang Alagad ng Sining).”
SOAP stands for “Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan,” a method of documentation employed by doctors to complete a patient’s chart.
This loving tribute to National Artist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ryan Cayabyab will feature the voices of many of our best and brightest. The full list of performers besides yours truly includes Jed Madela, Jaya, Rachel Alejandro, Pinky Marquez, Cris Villonco, Franco Laurel, Ima Castro, John Arcilla, Yasmien Kurdi, Arman Ferrer, Baihana, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers and Cris Go, plus an 80-member chorus composed of The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers, UPMAS Choir and UP Medicine Choir, accompanied by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Jonathan Velasco.
The concert is for the benefit of the UP College of Medicine’s Medical Sciences building.
Tickets are available via Ticketworld at 8919999 or TicketWorld.com.ph and the UPMAS Office at 5253852.
For other inquires, you may send a direct message to the event’s official Facebook page (Musika ni Ryan, Medisina ng Ating Bayan), or call/message Dr. Melfred Hernandez, SOAP Opera overall chair (0917-8152029), or Dr. Lilibeth Genuino, cochair (0917-5362630).
Hope to see you there! If the last SOAP Opera was any indication, this will be one really wonderful night.
And finally…
A belated Happy Birthday to my love, director Bobby Garcia. Over the last many years, you and I have seen and experienced a lot, both onstage and off. I am only too blessed that you are my friend, and wish that all the most fervent desires of your heart come true.
