Above, under & beyond the rainbow: Theater Review: MANHID, Now Flying High!

What do you get when you combine contemporary dance, ballet and musical in one stage production? You get on hell of a production! That is what Ballet Philippines has achieved with MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical.

Capping off their 45th season, Ballet Philippines, has pulled in talents from different art form to make this production (originally staged in 1991 as a plan musical) a more up-to-date stage production in terms of sights and sounds.

As an art advocate, I have seen this production in its various stages. From the press launch to the rehearsal hall event - which was 10 days before its first show, till its opening night; I have seen how they have pulled things together. Ballet Philippines, truly ended their season strong and true!

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In all honesty, I am quite excited to see how this production will look on stage. To those who are aware of the main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you perfectly know the challenges that a group may have when staging a production. To give you an idea, to those who are not familiar with the above mentioned venue, staging a production on a big venue is a challenge on its own. You need to fill in the space to make it looked occupied and not empty. Some does it with big sets, while others do it with big sets or stage pieces. Others simply cut the space by using lights and other possible means. For Ballet Philippines, they have made use of a bit of all the things mentioned above. Risers or platforms were placed to add dimension. The band (yes, they have made use of a live band for the music/instrumentation) was on stage to be seen and not just simply heard. I love the concept of the band being seen since they are an integral unit in a production; which explains as to why the orchestra pit was not used.

There were so many movements going on per musical number. Small actions, big actions, main scene, sub scenes, simultaneously happening making it a bit confusing for some. This is not your typical ballet production or musical for that matter. THIS IS A COMBINATION OF BOTH! and more! So if you are not used to multiple events happening in one space then I would suggest you to simply focus on one spot. Unlike some ballet productions were in a specific dance is given per scene and comic's has panels to show multiple actions happening, this production has broken those boundaries. No panels, all actions happening in one scene. It is one hell of a production number per song number! Confusing? Think of it as multi-tasking.

I like the characters created!

I grew up reading comics (and I still do read them till now HEHEHE) and the characters that I saw on stage was a mix of the different comic universe characters of then and now with a Filipino twist. I like the way the characters were made, however I felt that a little more character development is needed for some; a little personalization won't hurt - a little sensuality and sexuality on one, a more aggressive or bestial personality for another and a bit more of make-up application to make it stand-out but not steal the scene perhaps. I know it is a challenge for some to cross from dance to singing and acting and vice-versa but a little anime and comic bombardment for some would really help give that feel of comic world.

In terms of the costumes, I love how they made it clear as to who are the good guys from the bad guys. Though I would like a different props for some characters. I feel a bit off with the spear and the fan used. The spear was not pinoy if you remove the tassel and for a psi-spear, it was a bit rough in appearance. The fan is not something that a babaylan would use. Bells and cloth tassel would be more apt, if you ask me (the gay in me talking). I know . . .budget.

I was once handled by Paul Alexander Morales, thus his choreography is as expected - part contemporary that is nearing to be tagged as experimental with a touch of the classic movements, showing his ballet background. The multiple action in one scene is one of his trademark (based on my experience when I was a koro/chorus under his directorial hand). Because of this, I may understand the feeling of confusion some viewers may feel but let us face some facts, there are indeed multiple actions happening in an event in real life. One would see something, while others will see other facts but all leading to the main action on stage. Best way to watch this production is by having a wide view aspect and selectively focus on some. Think of it like you are using a bi-focal.

All songs were performed to the "T"! I really love the way KL Dizon did her song "Diwata ng Gabi"! Her notes were clear, whole and controlled, making it sweet and not nearing a shrill. Jean Judith Javier's voiced is so powerful that somehow she has made Dilim, her character, alive. Mayen Estanero, as Mamalahim-Ma, is also commendable. She made her character so good that showed evil indeed has many faces. For the rest, I will not give a comment on their performance since I am itching to watch their alternates do the same role. Not because I would love to compare them, but to see how they bring their own character interpretation on stage and enjoy the magic that they bring on stage.

The only thing that I really would love them to do something on are the lights or how the lights design was made. It was a challenge to take pictures!

How the final fight scene came to an end made me feel a little bit lost due to some visual effect absence. It took me about 3 seconds to realize what has happened and connect the scene with the next scene. The usage of light was not enough (for me), the old interpretation of that scene (courtesy of the footage that they have shown during the press launch - 1991 production) wherein a big black cloth was used was more visually clear for me. It was more theatrical. Simple but effective.

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As a blogger, Ballet Philippines and Mr. Joselito "Toots" Tolentino, truly made my night last February 20. To see one's name in the acknowledgements portion of the show program, truly make blogging/writing worth it! More than the freebies, being recognized for all the effort and support given without you asking for it make things worth while. (that's my name! second entry)

So do I like it or not? I know some of you may be asking since I nearly have a comment on something in the production that needs improvement. Don't get me wrong. The production was good! It satisfied the comic lover and the art advocate in me. If it was any better, I swear, I would have died right there and then a happy man (?). (- I mean, I'm gay so should I go on a general gender tone or a specific one? Never mind! You know what I am trying to say.)

As a whole, Ballet Philippines, has truly ended their season with a bang! It was not your classic piece but something totally different that gives the viewer something to think about (the songs) and enjoy (the dance). If you are going to base the presentation on classical standard, you will be lost. If you are to base it on a comic reader's point of view then you will understand where they are coming from - the alternate universe and rebirth kind of thing.

That night truly was a night of magic and heroes!

Photos:
(All photos used were personally taken during the gala show last February 20, 2015)