Mariella Laurel comes from a family where music is a way of life. She grew up in it – the family lives and breathes songs, dances, and theater. The performing arts was and is a natural destination for her future.
She confirms, “Yes, it always has been a dream. I loved telling stories as a child, I loved watching shows, or being in control of how a story goes. The first time I performed for a big audience, I felt like I was floating in excitement and happiness, my heart was racing so fast. I also saw how happy my grandparents and Mom were. My passion to keep growing in it was there. I guess that’s when I knew I wanted to do it more and more.”
Today, she lives out that dream. Mariella gets to try her hands not just with performing on stage, but with directing and co-producing an original musical revue featuring OPM’s most classic hits, billed I Remember A Boy under Artist Playground’s Playlist. On a limited engagement only, the show ran for one weekend (Nov. 11 and 12) at the Artist Playground Arts Above at 112 West Avenue in Quezon City.
Fondly called Yela by her family and close friends, she didn’t think the break would come this soon and she is grateful. “I teach kids musical theater every summer since I graduated in 2015, but haven’t gotten the chance to direct. That was more of a long-term goal and prayer,” she says. And now that it is here, “I’ve always wanted to influence lives through my craft somehow. As a child, breaking out in song was normal, as I was given opportunities to perform I always keep it close to my heart. This time around, I get to influence by directing.”
She is proud to say that I Remember A Boy, from the musical direction of Jesse Lucas, is made by millenials for millenials as it aims to educate the younger audience of the beautiful and meaningful melodies of the 70s to the 90s. This fresh yet nostalgic story of love and friendship that transcends time features, along with Mariella, five other young, experienced and talented artists Kathleen Francisco, Cathrine Go, Philippe Go, Joe Henson and Miko Manguba.
Roeder Camanag, artistic director of Artist Playground was the one who gave Yela the break. He wanted to put up a second track for their concert series “Artist Playground playlist” for their music division but he originally wanted a Cabaret type of show. When Mariella came on board as a performer and director, the musical evolved into a revue because she felt that “singing songs with a story seemed more relevant for millenials. The writer and I interviewed the cast, got their real life stories and used the beautiful lyrics of classic OPM work with a relevant millennial storyline. Someone is carrying someone else’s truth, story, life. It’s been such a thrill,” Yela continued.
Mariella is taking everything in and learning so much. “Being in control of every aspect of the show has given me a chance to look at the bigger picture as well as put more importance in details. It’s teaching me how to be more patient, not only with people but more so with myself. I’m being trained and I know this is something I will do again. I am just so glad I am being guided by mentors.”
As she gets into the thick of things, Yela finds herself busier because she took on two more roles in another production for the holiday season. “I have started rehearsals for A Christmas Carol also. Personally, I had to learn how to further balance my time wisely. Rest is important because my health is being affected.”
It is at this juncture, where her Mom’s words of wisdom come into play. The proud daughter says of Ayen Muji Laurel, “She is my no. 1 influence. I’ve always looked up to her directing and her performances. And she always tells me to pray first. That I have to do my part by sharpening my craft through dance, voice and acting lessons, that I need to balance my time wisely and most of all, find time to rest.” Mariella, like the dutiful daughter that she is, takes those to heart and she discovers that truly, “Mothers know best.”
The future looks bright. Five or 10 years from now, this budding actress-director sees an even better version of herself. “Married with children, still hard working and influencing people through my art -producing, directing, performing, and lastly, owning my own arts/production company,” she says with that wide-eyed look of expectation in her eyes.
