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Mario Bautista, has been with the entertainment industry for more than 4 decades. He writes regular columns for People's Journal and Malaya.

Dec 4, 2010

Magsimula ka, A must see musical play

WE SAW the 1980 version of the original Filipino musical, “Magsimula Ka”, and have very fond memories of it. We got to watch its revival at the Museum Museum last Thursday night and we’re awed by the fine ensemble acting of the very competent cast. Written by Gines Tan whose “Magsimula Ka” really won at the Metropop, it opens with the Philipop Contest guest starring Jamie Rivera, Isay Alvarez, Robert Sena and Jenine Desiderio then segues to the graduation ceremony of four friends who just finished college.

Miguel (Poppert Bernadas) wants to be a composer but is compelled by his dad to work in the family business. Mandy (Myke Salomon) wants to be a singer, Mario (Fredison Lo) wants to be a writer and Monina (Ciara Sotto) wants to be a social worker. How they get to fulfil their respective dreams is shown in the play.

All the performers do well in their respective roles, ably supported by the scene-stealing Gerald Napoles and Sheng Belmonte as the wacky househelps. Ciara dazzles in her song and dance production number that ends with a split. We should certainly see more of her in musical theatre. We thought Myke Salomon, better known as a beatbox and rocker, won’t be able to swing it singing the title song during the Philipop contest as he started quite shakily, but he finishes with much flourish and aplomb. A newcomer who should get more assignments is Fredison, quite impressive as Mario. But the best voice in the entire play belongs to Ana Feleo (daughter of Laurice Guillen and the late Johnny Delgado) as the mother of Miguel. Her powerful, crystal clear and yet very relaxed renditions of all her songs are quite a marvel. The play is ending today so we hope you still have time to catch it at Music Museum.

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