Friday, November 14, 2008

A Review of Hairspray Manila

I was there at Star Theater early to man the ticket booth in case there are walk ins who want to watch the show. We quickly realize though that the chances of last minute ticket buying are almost nil as the theater is located at the back of Star City after a long walk through what seems to be at first a parking lot. To get to the theater, you either A.) already have tickets to see Hairspray or B.) you are really lost and need directions to go back out.

Opening night was on a Friday night and also coincidentally, a pay day weekend. Traffic was worse than usual. Latecomers or not, the play started promptly at 8pm. Once the first song begins, you are not allowed to step inside. There was a long line at the theater entrance where people waited for the first song to end. Once the last notes of the song has sounded, people were ushered in two or three at a time to be seated first before the next group is let in. It was very organized and respectful of the performers and people who are already seated enjoying the show. So consider yourself warned, being late can cost you half the first act.

The first act introduces you to Tracy Turnblad, the lead of the play. Bobby Garcia casted Madel Ching perfectly for this character. She IS Tracy Turnblad. She was energectic, bubbly and oh so adorable. Every movement and every expression were executed really well. She is gifted with deft comic timing and charisma, and the audience connected with her instantly. It's like one of those roles that you can't imagine another person to play. She was just so much fun to watch. Who can believe that it's actually her first professional role?

Michael De Mesa is also a joy to watch. His portrayal of Tracy's Mom, Edna Turnblad, was wonderfully warm touching and at one point, hilarious (watch out for this scene). I think he could give John Travolta a run for his money. It is sad, however, that this will be Michael's last acting commitment locally. He is quitting show business and moving to California. It will be a sad, sad day in Philippines film and theater industry when that happens. Here is a
link to his interview with Manila Times where he talks about his move.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo does an evil turn as the Velma Von Tussle She was brilliant as usual. When she sings, you sit up, salute and take notice. Menchu, who just a few months ago directed West Side Story for Stages, was beautiful here. Watch out for her when she sings "Miss Baltimore Crabs".

Nyoy Volante, as Seaweed J. Stubbs, is also another gem in the cast. We all know he could sing, but the acting and the dancing... wow! He has a solo in the first act, you're literally glued to your seat tapping your feet.

For me, the highlight of the show... the act that I would gladly pay best seats for again.. was listening to Dulce's rendition of " I Know Where I've Been". The audience was spellbound for a few minutes and just started whooping and clapping when she finished the song. You will be rightly reminded of again why Dulce is one of THE greats of Philippine theater and music.

I am bit disappointed though with Tim Espinosa's portrayal of Link Larkin. Acting wise, it was spot on. He was definitely the smooth heartthrob with the 1000 watt smile. It was his modest voice that comes out a bit weak when compared to the sizable talents of the other cast members.

Another issue would probably be the sound system. The sound was not clear and balanced the entire time, and this did the material and the company a disservice. Though my experience is that most productions of Philippine theater would have this challenge, so far no production has yet to answer this perfectly.

Watch out also for scene stealers like Monica Reynoso as Penny, she will keep you laughing whenever she's on stage.

All in all, I give the play an A-. It was an exuberant, breathless production and guaranteed, both parents and kids will LOVE it.

I really can't wait for next Sunday where I get to watch the great cast perform again.

So don't wait, get your tickets now! Call or text +0917-8735405 or email tliong@its.jnj.com for reservations for Nov. 23, Sunday 8pm. Tickets priced at 1200, 1000, 800 and 600.
Free Delivery available within Metro Manila.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

why is it staged in aliw theatre to begin with? i watched avenue q at rcbc and rent at music museum, nice venues.... so is hairspray worth watching?

Tim said...

It's staged at Star theater within Star City. Aliw Theater is located beside Star City. Only one block down actually. This is Bobby Garcia's first production at Star Theater and I believe they wanted a certain intimate feel for the show. The good thing about Star is that you get a good view of the stage wherever you sit.

We were also one of the show buyers for Avenue Q, and Hairspray gives the same level of, if not more, enjoyment. The energy is quite infectious. The trip is a bit of a hassle (honestly) but it would be more than worth it! I could watch it over and over again, no kidding =) I personally like Hairspray over Avenue Q (Dulce really did it for me).

Khrissy said...

I loved the show! kudos to bobby garcia and the rest of the cast! :)

I was also quite disappointed with Tim's performance, he looks good on stage but he lacks the leading man appeal and his voice didnt do him good too, I mean, he can sing but thats just it, nothing special.

Nyoy Volante was a revelation, I know that he's a singer, but I was impressed with his dancing abilities too! He should have been Link Larkin :)

Madel was just perfect for the role and I also loved Monica as Penny!

Michael de Mesa and Dulce's performances were as expected, GREAT! Seeing Michael dressed up as a woman, is just so fun to watch (he's the real reason why i watched!)

congrats!