It’s been an enriching experience for me learning more about what the Cultural Center of the Philippines has to offer aside from the performances of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra which is the main reason why I go there in the first place. The CCP has other resident companies and finally, I had the opportunity to get acquainted with their resident theater company which is the Tanghalang Pilipino.
I had the opportunity to know more about TP during their press conference held at the Casino Español de Manila where they presented their upcoming 25th Theater Season 2011-2012. And for their silver year, the company, under the artistic direction of Fernando Josef is mounting four major productions to be held at the CCP as well as a handful of mobile productions that will be staged on campuses and other venues.
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| Mark Bautista |
Their season officially starts with a re-staging of Noli Me Tangere, the Musical which is yet another event among the many celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The musical was adapted from Rizal’s novel by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera (libretto) and Ryan Cayabyab (music). National Artist Salvador Bernal will design the costumes while Audie Gemora, who originated the lead role of Crisostomo Ibarra, will be directing. Mainstream stars Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal will alternate the role of Crisostomo Ibarra while Cris Villonco will play the role of Maria Clara. A sampler of the musical was presented when Mark sang a song called Lawa August 5, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).
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| Cris Villonco and Gian Magdangal |
The second major production, A Tony Perez Retrospective will be staged in honor of one of TP's most prolific playwrights. The plays Bombita directed by Dennis Marasigan, Sierra Lakes September 30, 2011 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).
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| Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company |
Then a musical excerpt from Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Ba Maging Tao? was performed by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company as a preview of what they have in store in their mobile productions. Roeder and John Arcilla, who will also be part of these mobile productions, performed a song number each. Shamaine Buencamino performed a monologue while Nonie Buencamino and Irma Adlawan together did a reading which showed why they are among the best (although underrated) actors in the industry. Aside from Pinocchio, the other plays which are part of the mobile productions are Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon, Tonyo, Pepe at Pule (Three Faces of Heroism), Teresa, Gregoria, Teodora, Welcome to Intelstar and Gee-Gee and Waterina.
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| Shamaine Buencamino |
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| Roeder |
TP Actors Company member Riki Benedicto then briefed the guests on his directorial debut of a major season play, The Emperor’s New Clothes which is a musical for children of all ages. He admitted that he didn’t have anything to present since the musical, opening this November 8, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) is still in its early stages. This musical, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s story adapted by George de Jesus will have dialogue in Filipino and will feature seven songs in English. He also added that the costumes will be haute couture and then he jokingly asked TP Board of Trustee member Tessa Prieto-Valdes, if he could raid her closet to look for costumes. Simultaneously running with this, a special production of Walang Kukurap! directed by Chrs Millado, will be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater). This is made possible through a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
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| John Arcilla |
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| Nonie Buencamino and Irma Adlawan |
The season ends with a staging of Larawan (Portrait of the Artist as Filipino), by National Artist Nick Joaquin. The production, directed by Floy Quintos boasts major stars Helen Gamboa and Gina Pareño as the leads. A video message from Helen Gamboa recalling on how it was the late director Lino Brocka who first brought to her the idea of doing Larawan many years ago was shown as well. The play will open on February 3, 2012 .
As the event came to an end, Tessa Prieto-Valdes gave a short message showing her admiration to the actors that were present and saying that they are the reason why theater needs the support of everybody. I find it embarrassing to admit as well that I haven’t been the most ardent supporter of local theater. But I do admire the love and respect that the theater actors have for the craft of acting. They may not be the biggest stars in the country but they get the job done and they do it extremely well.
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| Tessa Prieto-Valdes |
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ask the three leads of Noli on how the rehearsals were doing. I was told that they’ve just had their first music rehearsal only the day before. And that the CD tracks that they’ve listened to were different from the score that they had to read during the rehearsal. I also found out that the score would be updated by musical director Jed Balsamo as well. Cris Villonco, a veteran of the theater, feels no pressure at all playing the role of Maria Clara during this year full of Rizal events since she approached this project just like any other project that she has had before. But she pointed out that the nervousness that comes with performing on stage never goes away no matter what the production is. Gian Magdangal, on the other hand, finds the libretto in Filipino quite challenging since his prior theater experience had all been in English. Mark Bautista, the rookie when it comes to theater, believes that this experience will make him a more rounded performer. He is grateful that his management was able to work Noli around his busy schedule.
It was very interesting to see Mark listen to Cris and Gian talk about their previous theater experiences. Gian recalled some memorable and physically painful experience during his time as a member of the ensemble for the Little Mermaid by Trumpets wherein a mishap happened and yet the show had to go on. Cris also agreed with Gian that being a part of the chorus is sometimes more difficult than being the lead. Chorus members are expected to be always present, they act multiple roles, they sometimes move sets as well and they aren’t as pampered as the leads.
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| Cris Villonco, Gian Magdangal and Mark Bautista |
Rehearsals for the musical will now dominate their schedule for weeks to come leading into opening night. And I patiently await the opportunity for me to drop by at the rehearsals to see how the leads and the rest of the whole production are doing. Now, if only I can get a copy of the vocal score.
Here is Tanghalang Pilipino's 25th Theater Season 2011-2012 lineup:
August 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 2011
Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
A Tony Perez Retrospective
September 30, 2011
October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 2011
Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater)
The Emperor's New Clothes
November 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2011
Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
Walang Kukurap!
November 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2011
Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater)
Larawan (Portrait of an Artist as Filipino)
February 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 2012
Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
Mobile Productions
Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon
Tonyo, Pepe, at Pule (Three Faces of Heroism)
Teresa, Gregoria, Teodora
Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao?
Welcome to Intelstar
Gee-Gee at Waterina
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