To those who hasn't seen this incredible musical, you must grab a seat this week as it goes on its last 7 shows. #RakofAegis is about a community plagued with the after effects of Mother Nature gone bad. A community trying to survive and live thru flood water, 3-months after a typhoon. That's stagnant flood water that has affected their lives, dreams and living. Having a dream to be recognized by Ellen DeGeneres, Aileen planned to have a video uploaded in YouTube with the help of the guy that she likes (Kenny) but life has a different plan for her somehow. With all the frustrations piling-up in her life, on a spur of the moment she asked ToLits (the community boatman) to shot a video of her singing amid the stagnant flood water and trash of Barangay Venizia, her community.
When opportunity came and Aileen was recognized, the whole community was in a frenzy, jumping into the wagon of creating a concert to raise funds for the barangay health center and be known by people. But as life is commonly known for, it throw them a monkey wrench that made them see things differently. See how they turned things and make the right decision.
Performing as Aileen that time was Kim Molina and she played the jolog part to the hilt! She was so comedic with out going over in terms of acting. Her voice has the wholeness in terms of notes and the high registry without losing that rock-edge of Aegis songs.
Isay Alvarez (Mary Jane) and Robert Sena (Kiel) are truly a wonder on stage! The comedy lines between the two were thrown clearly and effectively that you know that this partnership goes beyond the stage. Isay, as a performer, is so sensitive that she knows how to balance her voice with who she is singing with on stage. Her notes were so clear and distinct that you hear her despite the other voices in the scene. Robert Sena, is someone who truly enjoys the stage. His switches are so snappy and clear that you know that this is possible in real life and not just something familiar to someone who knows the life of a stage performer. His comedy is so natural!
Performing as ToLits that time was Pepe Herrera and his comedic acting was so great to watch! His singing voice was so noteworthy that you get to hear his training behind the voice. He is one actor that knows how to draw the attention of the viewers at the right moment. Ron Alfonso portrayed the role of Jhewel. His comedic antics was natural with a flair as demanded by his character. His singing voice is also distinct that you get to hear him even when singing with the ensemble. Not that he has a different voice or is out of the required blending but if you have a practiced ear, you get to distinguish the voice of each person on stage and recognize who is who.
Mercy, portrayed by Kakai Bautista, is one character to watch for. The way that Kakai drops her punchlines is so perfect that it is quite hard not to laugh along with the viewing public. Her emotions also rings clear as she sang her parts and do her non-verbal acting scenes.
This the second production that I get to see this year that created a big transformation in terms of stage area. If one production made use of real soil to transform a regular stage area into a typical provincial scene, Rak of Aegis is a small waterworld. There is real water in the stage area that allowed the boat to float and move. A water area showing the stagnant flood water where actors may wade or cross to the other platform. And they was able to make it rain inside the theater hall.
As a whole, #RakofAegis is a musical that is pure Filipino in all aspects. The theme is very Filipino. The music is from an iconic 90's band that is Filipino. The comedy is something that is Filipino in delivery and attack. This is truly a celebration of Filipino culture and art!
Catch the last leg of this fabulous musical this week, starting today Wednesday. Show dates and time are as follow:
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 8:00 P.M.
Thursday, December 11, 2014 8:00 P.M.
Friday, December 12, 2014 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, December 13, 2014 3:00 P.M.
8:00 P.M.
Sunday, December 14, 2014 3:00 P.M.
8:00 P.M.
You can get your tickets from TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph), 891-9999 or at PETA.
PETA Theater is located at #5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.
This is a must-not-to-be-missed musical! From the voice-over till the last scene is something worth experiencing!
Photos:
(Here are some of the photos taken during the media invite event of Rak of Aegis; all personally taken by me)
Too bad tickets are already sold out.
TumugonBurahin