Award-winning actress Iza Calzado wore her promotional shirt—a green top with beautiful lettering—as she walked toward the stage and shared a glimpse of her straight play debut, Tiny Beautiful Things, in front of the press.
As expected from Iza, she delivered an impeccable performance as Sugar, an anonymous columnist who advises letter senders from different walks of life. She was later joined by her co-stars Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla, Ketchup Eusebio, Regina De Vera, and Brian Sy as the letter writers. Watching an excerpt would make you crave more scenes from the play.
When asked what made her say yes to Tiny Beautiful Things as her stage comeback project, Iza stated, “The reason we all agreed that this is such an important piece that’s something that we needed to do and wanted to do is that the message of telling people to reach, help and work on their trauma and challenges and to know that they can work through it is so important.”
“Especially at this time, after the pandemic, we experienced so many losses, that still go on. really life. We need to know that we are not alone on that journey. We talk to somebody and ask for advice. I think it also explores that after being broken, we are always worried about Tiny Beautiful Things,” she added.
The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.
“It was a good material and I know I can connect with it. The script was given to me when I had just finished Shake, Rattle and Roll look test early this year. I was crying and crying while I was reading the script of Tiny Beautiful Things,” recalled Iza.
Iza explained that Tiny Beautiful Things delves into the themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and healing.
“It’s a rollercoaster of a ride. People must understand that we all go through the same things. Maybe not exactly the same, but quite similar. So many people here are struggling with some things that we are not even brave enough to admit to ourselves and to others and that’s tough. I feel that’s quite healing in that sense,” she continued.
Talking more about the opportunity to lead in a stage play and her experience, the actress encouraged her fellow actors to try doing theatre, emphasizing the unique and invaluable experience that it provides.
“This is also why actors need to do theater. Some young actors haven’t done theater. I want them to please try it out because it’s so inspiring. You learn so much from each other. The process is so different. Without belittling television or film, which is not given as much time as theater. Here, you have time and room to play. It’s so much fun. My costars are so much fun,” said Iza.
Tiny Beautiful Things will run from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8:00 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through our official show buyers.
