In celebration of hit musical Rent‘s 20th anniversary, 9 Works Theatrical is continuing its stellar run of musical plays with another one penned and inspired by Jonathan Larson, Tick, Tick...Boom! What’s different this time is that instead of their huge musical productions, like La Cage Aux Folles and American Idiot, 9 Works is stripping down to its rawest, most vulnerable emotions.
Jef Flores, Tanya Manalang and Ariel Reonal demonstrate how blending is done.
Tick, Tick…Boom! tells the story of an aspiring musical composer, Jon. Like most artists, Jon finds himself at a crossroads: Should he pursue his chosen passion or give in to the comforts of a stable corporate job? Pressured from (and dreading) turning 30, his girlfriend and best friend make him consider giving up his dream of writing his musical.
Jef Flores is the “struggling artist”, Jon.
Taking the lead role as Jon is Jef Flores who continually makes his mark in the local theater industry. After winning Best Actor (Gawad Buhay for This Is Our Youth), this guy shows no signs of stopping. I first saw Jef as Bazooka Man in Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady. And, while working as an “intern” for the production, I also got to hear him sing different songs from boyband tunes to the Pokémon jingle during sound check (best version ever!). At that point, I wanted to see more of him. And I did. In his stint as Jesus in Godspell, Jef proved that he is a literal gift from the heavens, having demonstrated his many talents and wit. The guy plays the violin, for crying out loud! So…I am one with the people rejoicing that Jef is in Tick, Tick…Boom!. *cries*
Amiciness was given the opportunity to interview my first (and hopefully not the last) celebrity guest, Steven Silva of La Cage Aux Folles.
Well, close enough since this was done only via email. I don’t think I’m ready for an actual face-to-face interview not to mention I still get easily starstruck by literally anyone or anything. We’ll get there. I’m still nurturing the inner journalist in me. Anyhow, the teaser for this interview gained a lot of views so I guess, I’m not the only one excited to read Steven’s answers to this set of witty questions, Amiciness style. I won’t prolong your agony. Here we go!
The tweet that started it all. (Screenshot by me circa 2011)
Amiciness: Time flies so fast. It has been more than half a decade since you joined showbiz. You even had a different Twitter handle before. (I was always responding to your tweets. LOL. I remember one time, you asked how to describe the taste of blood and I tweeted “like licking a pad lock.”). You are now entering a new chapter in your professional career. How will you compare Steven then with the Steven now?
Steven: I do remember that particular tweet! I have no clue what I was thinking that day when I posted that but I did appreciate your unique response. 5 years is a long time and a lot has happened within those 5 years. The Steven of now I believe is more refined, experienced and aware of himself. I feel more aware in the sense of – I better understand my strengths and weaknesses as a person and an artist.
Since it’s my birthday tomorrow, I have a surprise to all Amiciness and theatre followers! I’m putting my Ricky Lo/Boy Abunda/Jessica Soho hats on as I’ve set an email interview with Steven Silva of 9 Works Theatrical’s La Cage Aux Folles. Yes, La Cage is back on August 15 to September 6 at the Carlos P. Romula Auditorium (RCBC Plaza).
I’m really excited about the interview! I hope he has fun answering all my questions as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them down. Watch out for the post!
Below is a very short behind-the-scene footage of #LaCageManila with a personal greeting from Steven himself.
Life’s not worth a damn, ‘Til you can say, “Hey world, I am what I am.”
La Cage Aux Folles has reopened in Manila last February 28 and will be back after a week off, this Saturday. Literally translated as “The Cage of Mad Women”, the show promises a feel good musical that speaks to everybody not to mention fabulous costumes and production numbers. Whether you are gay, straight or whatever, anybody can relate to a story of self-acceptance and the true meaning of family. Plus, you can never go wrong with glitter.
Audie Gemora as Albin/Zaza
First staged in 1983, the show revolves around Georges (Michael de Mesa, Hairspray)the manager of Saint-Tropez nightclub, Albin a.k.a. Zaza (Audie Gamora, The Producers) the star attraction and Jean-Michel (Steven Silva, Grease), Georges’ son from a confused youthful liaison many years back. The unconventional family lives happily until Jean-Michel invites his fiancée, Ann (played alternately by Missy Macuja-Elizalde and Joni Galeste) to their home. And as ridiculous as it sounds, he requests his father to put on a facade acceptable to Ann’s ultra-conservative family. A front that hides the glitz and glamour embedded in the very core of their home.
Michael de Mesa as Georges
I am watching La Cage on March 28, 8pm (because I have a One Direction concert to attend this week :-P). I am very much excited to watch this show. It is not a secret that I am a big fan of Steven and watching him sing and dance in last year’s Grease was a delight. However, his role as Johnny Casino was limiting and has not fully showcased his singing voice. Who would have known that he will be following that as a romantic lead. I’ve been listening to the songs and I can’t wait to hear Steven as Jean-Michel. This, considering that he almost quit showbiz. Few years ago, I read somewhere that Steven has given himself an ultimatum (2 or 3 years) to be successful. Good thing, he decided to stay or else, he wouldn’t have found his place in the wonderful world of theatre.
Of course, I am also thrilled to see Michael de Mesa (coming back from a 6-year hiatus from the theater stage) and Audie Gamora in one stage. I am also eager to see how the Les Cagelles turned out. I’ve been teased by a lot La Cage posts in my Instragram and Facebook feeds and I can’t wait to actually see the grand spectacle in person.
Don’t miss what people are calling the best production of 9 Works yet!
Michael de Mesa as Georges
Audie Gemora as Albin/Zaza
Noel Rayos as Jacob
Missy Macuja-Elizalde as Anne Dindon
Steven Silva as Jean-Michel
Raul Montesa as Edouard Dindon
Sheila Francisco as Marie Dindon
Analin Bantug as Jacqueline
Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Mercedes
Joni Galeste as Anne Dindon
The Cagelles: James Stacey, Chesko Rodriguez, Cheeno Macaraig, Dindo Divinagracia, Randi de Guzman, Carlos Deriada, Mara Celine Javier, JP Basco
Catch the last shows of 9 Works Theatrical’s La Cage Aux Folles directed by Robbie Guevara on March 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati, with Friday and Saturday galas at 8:00pm, selected Saturday matinees at 3:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 4:00pm.
For tickets or inquiries contact 0917-5545560, 586-7105 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.
