The 125th Independence Day came early last Saturday when I watched Ephesus Theatron Group Inc.’s KLASICAL at Onstage Theatre.
In a time where fake news distorts our history, and some young people would call it “tsismis” or rumors of their time, KLASICAL provides not only a fresh take on our past but is backed well researched dramaturgical references that educate its audience.
HOOK ON HISTORY
When Sir Jeremy Domingo (Emcee) began, he was not just there to announce the upcoming musical numbers.
He gave so much insight and information that regular theatergoers and musical enthusiasts would appreciate.
The script was richly laden with information reminding us of our history while at the same time trivia about music, the arts, Philippine theatre, and cinema.
Each of his spiels has some information that is not common knowledge even to those who have studied Philippine Theatre like I did (it’s one of my subjects in M. A. Theatre Arts).
CELEBRATION OF CULTURE
I’ve seen Filipiniana-themed musical concerts before, but what sets KLASICAL apart is the way the script and program were worded and arranged.
The moment it began, it made me stop, look and listen like it’s a history train that brings its audience along for the ride.
The spiels were refreshers on history, culture, and the arts without being boring.
It was a cognitive feast for the brain that even sparked a conversation between me and my colleagues during intermission.
It had the perfect mise-en-scene. Everything from the script, the visuals, the costumes, the lighting, the songs, the choreography, and the performers, was able to give a coherent feel of intensity, fun at times, and pride to what makes us Filipino.
I commend Mr. Emmanuel Martinez and Ms. Sweet Samaniego Buchanan for how they penned this script/program, as it was rich with information that even casual viewers would find intriguing.
I also love John Batalla’s light design as it was not just there to illuminate a segment was a character on its own. The lighting added a visual voice to the melancholy, the humor, the cheekiness, and the nostalgia that a scene requires.
As for the music, Pipo Cifra’s musical arrangement was a well-balanced fusion of old songs with a contemporary twist.
PROUDLY PINOY
The show made me laugh; made me also silently sing along to the songs my late father and I used to listen to, plus the visuals on the led screen made me giddy, as I’m an old soul as I used to watch Black and White LVN and Sampaguita movies on RPN 9).
Regarding the performance, TRIBU was nothing short of excellence, definitely world-class. For a person whose not fond of opera and arias, I appreciate the show and its performers.
I admire the intensity, heart, singing prowess, and stamina of Ms. Sweet, Ms. Margarita Roco, Mr. Terence Guillermo, Mr. Nazer Salcedo, and Mr. Onyl Torres.
Together with TRIBU guest emcee Sir Jeremy Domingo, performers Ms. Pinky Marquez, Mr. Miguel Braganza, and Ms. Zarina Krishna Carbonell Villanueva were equally charming with their stage presence.
Galaw members were commendable that they executed their steps and choreography with finesse but they never upstaged the singers during the performance.
NOSTALGIA AND NATIONALISM
My heart stopped when I heard the first two songs, written by our National Hero – Jose Rizal, and the Father of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio.
From then on, the show had me hooked, even with songs that I was not familiar with made me want to listen because of how the singers and dancers gave their all in each performance.
I enjoyed every bit of the show, especially “Pamaypay ng Maynila,” sung by Direk Sweet Samaniego, “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko,” “Kalesa,” the Folk Song Medley arranged by Mr. Pipo Cifra. But my favorite showstopping number was Pinky Marquez’ “Waray-Waray.”
However, the song that got me the most was the last in the concert.
I cried while singing the song with the performers and the audience.
WORTH REVISITING
This musical concert is more than a night of music, it was a perfect mix of all the art forms.
I highly recommend this show, especially for students. The show caters to all learning styles: whether the audience is visual learners, kinetic learners, and auditory learners.
It’s a perfect show that doesn’t only entertain but effectively educates and encourages even the most jaded and disillusioned audience member (I’m talking about me) to remember that despite what’s happening in our current political and social landscape, it’s not enough for me to stop loving my country.
Hey It's Lee! PH 
wonderful work Lee! i cannot agree more. thank you for posting so quickly.
Thanks Jude. Sobrang Thanks sa pix too.