My little fan girl still hasn't gotten tired of singing ot the soundtrack. She has moved on from her favorites (Amazonista Transmorphication Sequence) to other songs. Turns out, her next favorite is Multo ng Nakaraan, then it's Ikaw Ang Superhero Ng Buhay Ko.
For her fist foray into the world of theater, Kimi seems to be so into it now. Maybe it helped that Deeda Barretto (Amazonista Vilma S.) said to her, "You are so cute! I'm sure you'll be a star in theater!" or that Kalila Aguilos (Queen Femina) led the other members of the cast in doting on her during the meet and greet right after the show.
Or maybe, just maybe, it's because I loved the play too. It isn't very often that one would find a local production that, despite of financial limitations and technical drawbacks, came to life and was a rousing success. The story is simple, unless you're one to over-analyze things and say one thing represents something larger. It helps to just sit back, enjoy and roll with the laughter.
Eula Valdez is far from Bagets days of being prim and proper (what with that FHM cover too!!!) Ricci Chan may have given life to the role of Didi (and promptly stole the show from it's title-bearing cast) but Joey Paras gave Didi his own flavor -- naughty, flambouyant and playful. He was a bit shaky (with all the injuries too) at first (think technical rehearsal) but stepped into the role as if it were second nature. Tuxqz Rutaquio... demure and fiesty as Ada... just perfect! Lauren Novero was the typical boy-next-door-from-the-province as the role of Dodong required. It helped that Lauren is tall, dark and handsome -- quite an eyeful during Walang Ibang Pangarap's dance sequence. On the other hand, Arnold Reyes as the other Dodong was something else. Be ready for that eye-popping dance of the half-naked Dodong in the same song. And get your hankies ready when he emotes in Ikaw ang Superhero, complete with glassy eyes. Ah yes, Agot Isidro as Queen Femina was regal. Yet Kalila was aptly domineering and ready to fight too.
In a relatively lesser role were the Amazonistas. My daughter loved them all. At first she totally enjoyed the off-key antics of Dina B (played by Wilma Doesnt) but I soon found out that she also adored the others just as equally. Now she is telling me to make her a pink amazonista costume (like Sharon C's) for Halloween. Still, it was unnerving to see classical soprano Deeda Barretto in a role as wacky as Vilma S in a play like this. Of course, there was no mistaking her voice in the soundtrack.
Behind these stars was the chorus that alternated from being the townfolk to the moomoo (zombies) and the background dancers in several songs. The big guy who donned the frog costume, Red, was pretty good! He sings in that resonant baritone and dances too. The one who plays the role of Ada's father, was another talent to behold -- whether he was tearing himself up as the dad-zombie or sashaying with an off-shoulder top and a frizzy wig to Walang Ibang Pangarap. Other notable characters are Aling Britney with her cackle of a laugh, and Fr. Bernie who was also a cherubim in mini wings and a towel barely around his waist in Nakikita Ko Na Ang Nakakasilaw Na Ilaw.
Kudos to Direk Chris Millado and Musical Director Vince de Jesus for bringing these characters to life. And, of course, I'd among those bowing to Carlo Vergara for creating these characters for us to enjoy.
