Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical is set to strike back for a limited return on July 12 at the Theatre in Pasay City with a Gala Night at 8:00 p.m. at the Theatre in Pasay City. Thus, I cannot help but wonder, why we must feast on this musical anew?
For starters, the Joel Lamangan directed musical went home with six victories in last year’s ALIW Awards—Best Original Musical Production, Best Stage Director (Musical) for Lamangan, Best Ensemble Performance, Best Composer for Original Musical Theater (Von de Guzman), Best Actress (Musical) for Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and Best Actor (Musical) for David Ezra.
Your curiosity might be aroused with the fact that it has an epic storyline that spans two decades and in two countries. It highlights how everlasting love prevails even in times of racial prejudice, political turmoil, absence, and longing. Here, we all get to witness the power of true love that is deep, enduring and transformative. And yes, another reason for you to watch it, the time frame where the story happens, Manila’s pre-martial law days and the rise of communism in China. Of course, Von de Guzman’s soaring music and songs, to those who have experienced, you definitely want seconds, or thirds, even fourths of his musical creation.
For first-timers, his composition will make your hearts feel the many emotions brought about by love that is romantic, unrequited, and platonic, love for family, even the so-called greatest love of all, love for one’s self.
Part of Binondo’s definitive lure are its world-class singers namely, Shiela Valderrama-Martine who gives heart and voice to Lily, a Filipina night club singer, and Arman Ferrer portrays Ah Tiong, a mainland Chinese scholar.
Lily and Ah Tiong fall head over hills in love, think of Filipina Juliet and Chinese Romeo and this time, it’s not their families who are at war, it’s their race and progeny.
Adding more conflict is their version of Paris, Carlos, with Noel Rayos playing the loyal friend and will be Lily’s devoted partner.
Martinez declares: “The musical is very relatable and very relevant even if the events happened during the ‘70s. I can assure the ones who are going to watch that they are going to fall in love with the characters and the music as well because the story is very Pinoy.”
In agreement, Rayos adds, “Love is never gone to waste. I believe that’s what the people can take home from our story. Here we all get to witness the romantic kind of love, the love for country, love for family and child, and yes the most passionate kind of love that defies time and space.”
“I am excited that I will be performing with Sheila again,” Ferrer enthuses. “Knowing that she is my partner, I know that the work at hand will be fun and exciting. When I learned that we will be having this repeat, saying yes to it is a no brainer.”
He concludes, “Most of the people in Binondo, from my co-actors, ensemble, artistic and production staff, we were together since Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, the musical. We have become a family. Working with your family makes work not like work because there is so much love and respect, positive energies that give you the push to give your best.”
Other cast members are Mariella Laurel (Jasmine), Ima Castro (Mrs. Dela Rosa), Ashley Mickaela Factor (Rubi), Dondi Ong (Mr. Chua), Kay Balajadia (Mrs. Chua), Jennifer dela Cruz (Lourdes), Elizabeth Chua (Mrs. Zhang), Russell Magno (Mr. Zhang), Jonel Mojica (Ge Lao), and Philip Deles (Swing).
As storytellers are Jim Pebangco, Lorenz Martinez, Khalil Kaimo, Rhapsody Li, and Ellrica Laguardia.
Offering their expertise to director Joel Lamangan and musical director and composer Von de Guzman are Rebecca Chuaunsu (original story), Douglas Nierras (Choreography) and Ricky Lee, Gershom Chua, and Eljay Castro Deldoc (book and lyrics).
Maritess Alava-Yong Foundation fully supports Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical. For tickets, call Ticketworld, (891-9999).