Colors splash aplenty and with incredible vibrance, in this Philippine staging of Stephen Flaherty’s award-winning musical.
Nope. Once On This Island isn’t just another ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The premise about two individuals coming from different, irreconcilable backgrounds, isn’t new to theater, or any scripted entertainment, that is. But in this retelling of Rosa Guy’s My Love, My Love, which Flaherty originally adapted to play, there’s some sense of freshness. Could that have come from the fact the musical featured many rainy scenes? Maybe, but who cares, it’s that feeling of lightness, and sometimes, gloominess, that tickle our bones.
The Philippine press preview of the musical featured Kapuso star, Thea Astley, as the female lead, Ti Moune. Singer Sam Concepcion, meanwhile, plays lead male, Daniel. The spark between these actors is notably glowing from their first encounter to the last. Astley exuded an ephemeral glow that always comes alive, whenever she starts belting her lines. The talent is immense, and I fully understand why this part belongs to her. Dashing Sam Concepcion, literally flexes muscles, which may have taken away some theatergoers’ attention from his impeccable portrayal. You can’t blame them; the gentleman was as princely as he was expected to be. That said, there is also so much good to say about his sensational voice, butter in the summer, and a warm coffee in winter. Together, Concepcion and Astley ooze with beauty and tenderness, their familiarly heartbreaking story, tragic but hopeful at the same time.
The entire supporting cast, which includes Shanaia Gomez as Andrea, vibrated with bombastic energy. Lani Ligot, Raul Montessa, Noel Rayos, Lorenz Martines, Radha Cuadro, Garret Bolden, Shiela Vaderrama-Martinez, Jasmine Fitzgerald, Shiela Valderama-Martinez, Jordan Andrews, Fay Castro, Samantha Libao, and Jonjon Martin, are also part of the stellar ensemble. Angela Ken and Jef Flores are Astley and Concepcion’s alternates, as Ti Moune and Daniel, respectively.
Catch ‘Once On This Island’ at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City, from September 6 to 29. Secure tickets via ticket2me.net.
