Me, Shiela V. and Melanie D....in another life.
I have received complaints from close quarters that amphibians have clogged my blog, thus preventing me from entering new posts. I'm sorry. It's not Kermit's fault. My work hours have lengthened of late, leaving me with not much time to drop by ole' Wonderland here. But see-- I did take the time to greet my guru and mentor in absentia a happy birthday. Love you Stevie!
Just concluded an eventful week in rehashed 80s paradise. Had about a total of 5 hours to learn the role of Rosie for our production of Mamma Mia!, staged at Greenbelt 3 last March 18 and 19. What a ride! Inspite of my helpless panic at the thought of winging an entire musical (abridged though it was), I still had the time of my life. It was crazy, silly fun all around. Loved hearing laughs and guffaws from the audience at all the right moments. It is extremely liberating to be given license to make a fool of oneself onstage. It's not everyday one gets to perform with abandon like that. And we didn't have to try very hard. George de Jesus III's direction and Fatherduck Laforteza's choreography were too, too silly not to work. Haha. And of course, there's the material. Who can miss with a sit-com plot set to Abba music?
It was also quite a treat to finally work with respected actor Nonie Buencamino. Not that we respected him in this show. Haha. To those who watched, you know what I mean. Hilarious guy. Would he hate me if I ever told him that as a little girl, I watched him in Rep's Man of La Mancha way back in the mid 80s? He played a monk or priest or something, singing "I'm only thinking of him. . ." Even then, he made an impression on me and I never forgot his name. And now I can say I've shared a stage with him.
For something I had very little preparation for, I sure enjoyed myself. Much thanks to my fellow cast members for being very patient with me: Shiela Valderrama (Donna), Nonie (Sam), CJ Mercado (Sophie), Jun Ofracio (Harry), Melanie Dujunco (Tanya), Jenny Villegas (Lisa), Topper Fabregas (Sky), and Raymund Concepcion (Bill). And because this award is getting heavy in my arms, I'd also like to quickly thank Weng Lopez, her crew members Marian, Christine, Bea, and the very sweet costume lady who would dutifully peel the completely drenched blouses off my back and button up my shoes in the nick of time.
I really hope we can do this show again together. It was a most joyful experience for us all. Meanwhile, stay tuned for the next one in May-- Saturday Night Fever. That should be a hoot as well.
