STAGE
[PHOTO - Three
world-class performers, two nights, one stage]
MANILA,
MARCH 9, 2012 (MANILA TIMES)
Written by : Euden Valdez, Staff Writer - IT is a rare accomplishment to be able
to fuse three performing arts—musical theater, classical music, and ballet—into
a single show. But while it is a feat to do so, to be able to unite three
internationally-acclaimed Filipinas from these three disciplines is historical.
Musical theater actress Lea Salonga, classical pianist Cecile Licad and prima
ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde will share a single stage in a two-night-only
concert, whose title can only be The Legends and the Classics. This undertaking,
worthy of place in the history of Philippine arts and culture, is slated on
March 17 and 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The three women formally announced the momentous event at a press conference
on Wednesday at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.
"The three of us have very different disciplines, [but] by doing our best, we
will fuel the others to do their best as well," Salonga said, who only emanated
with positive energy for the concert.
Indeed, the three talented women are very different performers, but they
share one thing in common, and that is the pride and recognition they have each
given the Philippines.
Joining this trio of world-class acts are FILharmoniKA and
Ballet Manila, as well as internationally renowned cellist Wilfredo Pasamba for
a special number. Working hard behind the scenes are stage director Roxanne
Lapus; scriptwriter Anjie Ureta; and musical director Gerard Salonga who will
also conduct the FILharmoniKA.
A dream project Macuja, who is the concert producer, considers working with
the two women a dream-come-true. More so, because she is counting down to her
retirement in three years.
Macuja shared that the idea for The Legends and the Classics originally came
from lawyer Katrina Legarda who wanted to bring them together in a charity
fundraiser back in 2009. For some reason they can hardly remember, the show
never pushed through.
But the plan firmly stayed with Macuja. "It became a project that I really
wanted to do before I retire . . . This is a dream concert," she said.
Before asking Salonga and Licad to finally do the show, Macuja first
worked with Lapus to come up with a concept—a task that proved to be quite
daunting.
Lapus explained, "You know, Lisa talked to me about this show a year ago. It
took me several months to come up with a concept. To have three artists of
different disciplines blend and create a harmony in just one show was quite
elusive for a while.
"One day, I prayed: 'Lord, help me here.' And I sat down and started
conceptualizing and it started flowing. The very thing that I thought was the
impediment became the fueling force—that you'll have three top-brass performers
come together in one show to collaborate with one another."
As result, to say that so much can be expected is an understatement.
Throughout the entire show, Macuja, Salonga and Licad will have solos, duets and
trios. Of course, they will each have separate segments to showcase their
individual prowess; but expect them to also lead one another into truly
collaborative performances.
According to Lapus, both the curtain riser and grand finale will feature the
artists in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) presentation of the three artists.
For his part, Gerard Salonga simply counted off Classical,
Broadway and OPM for the musical lineup.
LED screens will also be used as a backdrop and to aid in the smooth
transition from one segment to another. The videos to be shown are directed by
Paul Soriano.
'Good vibes' At the launch, it was revealed that it was only the second time
Salonga, Licad and Macuja had come together in one venue. Rehearsals, as of the
press conference, had not started yet.
More surprisingly, their first meeting just took place the previous day for a
photo shoot. But all these pieces of trivia were no barrier to the "good vibes"
they all had for the project.
Generously answering questions from the media, the seasoned performers even
joked and teased one another in between.
Perhaps the reason behind this is that they do share many things in common.
For one, they all started in their respective careers early in life. Salonga had
her first musical theater performance at age seven. The same goes for Licad who
made her piano debut with a full orchestra, also when she was only seven years
old. Macuja, meanwhile, started learning ballet at age eight.
All three have also lived abroad, experienced the international spotlight,
and shared the stage with world-class performers like themselves. Salonga earned
standing ovations in the West End and Broadway in such major productions as Miss
Saigon, Les Miserables and Flower Drum Song to name a few. Licad launched her
international career as pianist as the youngest gold medalist at the prestigious
Leventritt Competition. And Macuja became a soloist of the legendary Kirov
Ballet when she was barely out of her teens.
Because of their unparalleled successes, the prima ballerina can only express
her admiration for her fellow artists. "I am a fan of these two women beside
me," Macuja enthused.
She shared how she had watched Salonga's Miss Saigon and her 30th anniversary
concert. And though they always bump into each other at gatherings, Salonga and
Macuja never had the chance to personally meet.
Macuja also recalled her first photo opportunity moment with Licad when they
were part of a concert at the Luneta Park. "I took my first photo op when she
was changing in the comfort room. Nagpakapal na ako ng mukha: 'Can I have a
picture with you?'" she laughed at the memory.
But, as Salonga said, "There's really no need to make things complicated.
It's just really three people who do what they do and they'll just do it
together."
Licad described the whole experience by saying, "We're always laughing
[together] so that's a good sign. Good vibes, good food, nice make-up. We all
look good!"
Encouraging the youth The younger generation is encouraged to catch the show
as it will be their chance to see Salonga, Licad and Macuja perform, and not
just hear or read about them.
Salonga explained, "I think when younger people come to our shows, it tells
them that one, we're still alive; and that we still love what we do . . . Yon
lang siguro ang mga pwede naming ipahiwatig sa mga nakakababata sa amin. Find
your joy."
She added, "The younger people who see us as historical figures [will] see
the human beings behind the words in their textbooks. That behind all that is a
joyful human being only too happy to be able to do what they do."
The Legends and the Classics is presented by Ballet
Manila and Manila Broadcasting Co. Tickets are available at all TicketWorld
outlets. For details, check out www.ticketworld.com.ph or call
891-9999.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
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