9 Plays, 5 Days. (part two.)

Les Miserables

Staged by Tau, and the first of the musicals. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables centers around the life of ex-convict Jean Valjean (Ivan Clement) and the people around him, set during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. The problem with musicals is that they are a huge production to take on; the audience depends on the clarity of the actors' singing voice, which depends on the sound system. Technical difficulties aside, there were some sweet moments in the play, like chocolate chips in a cookie. (lol) Ivan played Valjean, as mentioned above, and with young Cosette at his side (Peachy Arines), you couldn't help but "awww" with everyone else. Peachy's performance tugged very much at your heartstrings. She was incredibly cute. (*sniff*). The pair that won me over, however, was Ramon Marfil and Joji Mendoza as the Thenardier couple. They provided a burst of comic relief from an otherwise dramatic and...very long...musical. Directed by the renowned Jessica Morado.

The Phantom of the Opera

This was, with no doubt, the most awaited of the musicals as far as 07 is concerned. Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved musical about a vengeful opera ghost is one of his most celebrated creations. When taking on a production such as this, one must deliver. And yes, Charm did deliver. Quite well, in fact. The pivotal starting moment was when the spotlight centered on the spinning chandelier suspended from the ceiling. 0_0 And then the play unfolded. Yes, every musical is riddled with technical difficulties, and Phantom was no exception. I wish we were able to hear Garrick sing, as his voice fell victim to a lapel mike unstuck. Noooo. Janel, as expected, delivered a chilling number, hitting beautiful and precarious high notes as the audience sat dumbly. Justin Romasanta played the title role, and he did justice to the Phantom. His voice alone was exceptional. One of my favorite moments in the play was the Masquerade. We were concentrating on the dancers--and then Justin leaps out of the seat beside the one in front of me. Crap. 0_0 Where'd he come from? Performances were excellent, although the character that struck my fancy was Carlotta, played by Jackie. >.> The role fit her like a glove, and the singing and acting seemed awfully natural. *applause* Congratulations Charm, for braving a rather large and daunting task. Directed by Jackie Canlas and Garrick Bercero.

Oz and West Side Story to come later. :D