Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle, The Musical

For someone who was never an Atenean or a La Sallite, I am truly fascinated by the rivalry between these two universities especially when it comes to basketball. It’s not just the players and the team that is the spectacle but also their respective supporters as well. This rivalry has been a cultural phenomenon for decades now that it’s no longer surprising that a theatrical work has been made about it aptly called Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle, The Musical.

I was able to catch a special press screening of this musical at the Meralco Theater recently. This musical is very unique since it is truly an original work made by locals and not one of the usual stagings of licensed works from foreign material that is dominating the theater scene in recent years. Jaime del Mundo wrote the book and directed the musical. Ed Gatchalian composed, arranged and orchestrated the music with lyrics written by Joel Trinidad. Musicals featuring original Filipino material (although this production was in English) that were not adapted from other sources like a novel don’t come very often so it’s refreshing to see one once in a while.

Right from the beginning, Jaime del Mundo told the media who were present that the best thing to describe Rivalry to potential viewers is to not give anything away. He said that the best thing to do is just to relax and enjoy the journey that the characters of the musical go through. And in this musical, the journey of cousins Quito and Jimmy, their respective families and schools are put to the test as they go through life as rivals in many aspects.

The musical has a huge cast led by Felix Rivera and Red Concepcion alternating the role of Quito Valencia, a geeky Atenean whose brother, Paco Valencia (played by OJ Mariano) is the university’s star basketball player. The Valencias’ cousin, Tommy Basilio (alternately played by Jeremy Aquado and Mako Alonso) happens to be La Salle’s star basketball player. Both Quito and Tommy fall for Maryknoller, Reena San Jose (played by Athena Tibi and Ashley Imler) and this love triangle added more to the rivalry between the schools aside from that happening inside the basketball court. And not only that, the rivalry spills over between the patriarchs of the Valencias (Juliene Mendoza and Jennifer Tatlonghari) and Basilios (Raymund Concepcion and Sheila Francisco). An ensemble consisting of young and veteran actors play the roles of Ateneans, Las Salllites, Maryknollers, and various adults in the musical.

The musical was set in 1968 when the rivalry between the schools was really intense. This was also the time when the two rival schools still didn’t admit female students.  I also noted that the decade was also reflected in the music evidenced by the very catchy A Boy Who’s From La Salle that showcased harmonies reminiscent of the girl groups during this time. The number Thank You For Coming called to mind a very groovy jazz style and How It All Began featuring Noel Trinidad in a special participation stole the show and drew the most applause which was indeed well deserved. Unlike in some musicals that have an extended dance sequence, this one didn’t have much dancing at all. The closest thing I could think of that the show had as dancing was the basketball/physical training and the ROTC scenes that the male actors had to go through. During the preview, OJ Mariano and Mako Alonso did crunches and pushups (and even trying to outdo each other by doing difficult variations of the pushup) while having to sing at the same number. I think that this was the most physically demanding portion of the entire musical.

As much as I appreciated the music since there were good tunes throughout this musical especially the Prologue, I felt that there wasn’t a prevailing musical theme that I would strongly associate with the musical. I had difficulty in finding a song that had a truly memorable musical and lyrical hook. I really wish that there was some musical phrase or melody that once I hear it, I would automatically think of Rivalry. I do wish that there were clearly defined themes for both Ateneo and La Salle that highlighted the differences and strengths of these schools. I did find it very odd and surprising when I realized that it was Maryknoll who actually got that defining theme with the very memorable A Boy Who’s From La Salle.

Overall, it’s a promising effort for 4^th Wall Theater Company and Rivalry is something worth watching and one doesn’t need to be an Atenean or a La Sallite in order to appreciate the show. There is a treat for someone coming from a different school and I refuse to spoil how that moment would be delivered. I also had a lot of fun noticing how certain members of the audience (clearly from Ateneo or La Salle) applauding and cheering loudly whenever their respective schools were given the spotlight. Locally produced musicals with original material are rare in the Philippines. Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle definitely deserves to be seen by audiences not only to enjoy the show but also to encourage more companies to stage local works.

OJ Mariano

Here are the remaining performance dates for the final week of Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle, The Musical

March 7, 2012 8:00 PM

March 8, 2012 8:00 PM

March 9, 2012 8:00 PM

March 10, 2012 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 11, 2012 3:00 PM