Stars, friends, social set turn out for Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon

Lea Salonga, Chris Mohnani, Dolly de Leon and Clint Ramos —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The exclusive preview of the stage play “Request sa Radyo,” featuring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga and Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon, was attended by a mix of personalities from theater and the indie filmmaking scene, reflective of the industries that the two stars have been involved with in the past years.

Under the direction of Bobby Garcia and with Clint Ramos as production designer, “Request sa Radyo” is the local adaptation of Franz Xaver Kroetz’s landmark theatrical piece that talks about a woman’s loneliness and yearning for connection. It gives the audience a peek into the woman’s meticulous evening routine, with listening to her favorite radio program becoming the highlight of each night that she spends alone. This unique theatrical experience transforms the mundane into the extraordinary through silence, and leaves you contemplating the depths of solitude long after the curtain falls.

Salonga was the first to come up the stage for the 6 pm run (De Leon followed at 8 pm) on Oct. 9 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, which is also the venue of their 20 alternating performances that will end on Oct 20.

Gab Pangilinan, Brian Sy, Myke Salomon, Nyoy Volante and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante

“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said ‘Sure,’ even before knowing the details,” said Salonga. “It will be a challenge, though, but hopefully it will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering.”

Meanwhile, De Leon also admitted to feeling excited after taking on the project. “I’m looking forward to coming back to my first love, the theater, after five long years, and I am equally excited that it is a play that is relevant and timely,” she pointed out.

Alex Floro and Patsy Zobel

Attendants

Personalities in the field of theater like director-producer Toff de Venecia, actors Gabby Padilla, Elijah Canlas, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, Arthur Acuna, Michael de Mesa, Iza Calzado, Vina Morales and Ketchup Eusebio, who regularly cross over to do big-screen projects, were present that night to express their support. So were indie filmmakers Antoinette Jadaone, JP Habac, Mac Alejandre, Samantha Lee, Marlon Rivera and Andoy Ranay, as well as National Artist for Film Ricky Lee, who has collaborated with the two actresses on separate occasions.

Also present were Ces Drilon, Christine Jacob and Cris Villonco.

Alexandra and Jaime Urquijo

“I have always been so moved by this play as a piece of modern theater,” said Ramos, who is also the creative director and producer. “When we got the blessing to bring it to Manila and have it speak to a specific Filipino condition, we could only think of two of the country’s premier actors to star in it. I cannot think of a better piece for all of us to collaborate on.

Garcia said he was thrilled to be working with Salonga and De Leon. “I am also thrilled to reconnect with Manila audiences after some time away and reengage with them through the art of storytelling.”