If you heard Lani Misalucha perform the “Queen of the Night” aria from The Magic Flute opera, instantaneously, you would say goodbye to your affection to Regine Velasquez. One forgets the clean and emotionally committed song interpretations of Lea Salonga. When the aria reaches its crescendo, all that you can do is to stand, clap and hear yourself shout “Bravo!” filled with so much adulation for this diva of the highest order.
Together with the rest of the audience that packed the Theatre at Solaire, I did just that, a standing ovation for Misalucha. The aria was one of the musical highlights in the A Lani Morisette Musical Journey, which had two-night sold out shows.
Prior to singing the vocally challenging musical number, the Asia’s Nightingale, sang “Ave Maria,” the first song, which happens to be the first song that her papa dearest taught her.
In all honesty, the two chanteuses gave their absolute best during their concert. What was most evident, this dynamic duo of singers mutually admired and respected each other’s artistry and talent. When they sing their individual ditties, it was sublime. When they do their duets, the experience was aurally pleasurable.
For me, what transpired on stage was a real life Lavinia Arguelles and Dorina Pineda moment, the iconic characters in Bituin Walang Ningning given life by Cherie Gil and Sharon Cuneta sans the “you are nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copycat” episode.
The entire concert was more of a passing of the torch where the heiress apparent was being introduced. One sees a young miss, all agog with the opportunity that she was on stage, with her biggest and most loved idol.
Stage direction by Carlo Orosa and musical direction by the relatively young maestro Louie Ocampo, the well-chosen repertoire was most apparent, the script showcased the similarities that Misalucha and Amon—from their early and humble beginnings, the physical afflictions they experienced and survived and the many doors that continuously opens for them every time they were on the verge of giving up. Each life changing event had a special song which they conducted with gravitas, nuance and emotional commitment in telling the story of every line and word they were singing.
Some of the most memorable numbers in their musical journey were the karaoke duet, Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” Misalucha interpreted “Emotions” by Mariah Carey, the most requested song in Amon’s musical arsenal as an aria.
Mori sang “Lovin You” by Minnie Riperton, a Lani concert staple. In all fairness to Amon, she did hit the high notes of Minnie.
Together, they made the Theatre audiences groove with the Aretha Franklin tribute part, “Respect” and “Freeway of Love.”And yes, most noteworthy to mention the anti-birit encore that made the audiences laughing out loud because the two had to sing these songs without the usual vocal powers – Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You,” “Narito Ako”, Aegis’ “Halik,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “Climb Every Mountain” from the Sound of Music, and the encore ended with a rapturous rendition of “And I Am Telling You” from Dream Girls.
What more can we give to these world class singing ladies but a standing ovation and shouts of “Brava, Lani! Brava, Morisette!”
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Another musical event that we must all not miss is Pinoy Playlist 2018. Definitely watching The Torch Songs of Vincent De Jesus (Oct. 13). One of my most favorite singers, Floyd Tena is part of this program and in case he gets to sing “Ako Lang Ang Nagmahal,” not sure if I can cope with him singing it. Another must see is Ang Trip ni Bentot (Oct. 19), Reuben Laurente. He is undoubtedly one of the better balladeers who tells the stories of the song he interprets.
The Pinoy Playlist 2018 is all set to wow everyone at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Performing Center in Taguig City.