For years, we have seen Gladys Reyes as the commanding presence in dramas, playing everything from strong maternal figures to unforgettable villains. But now, the multi-awarded actress is exploring a new territory.
Gladys is going to sing (and dance) in the full-length musical, The Heart of Music. And if there’s anything more exciting than seeing a seasoned actor try something new, it’s watching her throw herself into this new challenge with great excitement.
Gladys has signed on with Utmost Creatives Motion Pictures for this film, written and directed by Gat Alaman. It features an ensemble that includes Angel Guardian, Kristoffer Martin, Elijah Alejo, Sean Lucas, Rey PJ Abellana, and real-life couples Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, as well as Joshua Zamora and Jopay Paguia.
the creative vision behind
‘The Heart of Music’
“For the longest time, I dreamed of doing a musical—not just starring in one, but making one, even on stage,” Gladys shared with Manila Standard Entertainment during a recent media conference. “You know I love to sing, right? I’m not a professional singer, but I enjoy it—even just videoke.”
In the musical film, Gladys will play a character named Madonna—“not that Madonna,” she quipped—describing her role as a nanny with a bit of a Julie Andrews in Sound of Music vibe.
With an ensemble that includes musical theater legends, Gladys is not taking any shortcuts.
“Acting alone isn’t enough,” she said. “I want to come prepared vocally. It would be embarrassing otherwise, especially with Robert and Isay in the cast.”
To prepare, she enrolled in voice lessons at the University of the Philippines. “On my first day, I was asked if I had any background in music. I said, ‘I don’t really.’ But I showed my teacher the piece I’d be using,” she recalled. “While the teacher plays the piano, I sing. Then they look at my weaknesses and strengths. I’m a bit throaty, so my voice gets tired easily.”
Determined to do justice to the role, Gladys even started learning the piano. “I didn’t want to have a hand double during the shoot,” she said. “If I can do it, I will. My family was really supportive. My son Kristoff said, ‘What, in one day? How did you do that?’ It’s hard, but if you really want to learn, there’s a way.”
The film reunites her with the team behind Unspoken Letters, and she spoke fondly of the collaboration. “It feels like a reunion movie for us. Direk and the rest of the production staff, they’re such a joy to work with.”
