5 CATS Manila Memory Surprises
Video Courtesy of ABS-CBN
Video Uploaded from PINASISM
Memory is Translated Into Filipino At first, I thought, ‘I didn’t know the famous musical number Memory was sung in a foreign language in the Andrew Lloyd Webber creation.’ When people started clapping, I listened more closely, and that’s the only time I realized that the lyrics were in Filipino! LOL
Memory is Sung By Two Cats Aside from glamour cat Grizabella, the popular torch song is also interpreted by a kitten with a “childlike” tone.
Grizabella Has A Dance Solo Although Grizabella may not be as “feline” as the other cats, the role is given a heartbreaking solo movement piece where she tries to recreate her lost youth.
Grizabella’s Numerous Entrances As an actor, I can appreciate the numerous entrances and exits of the character. Honestly, it’s the kind that although you may not be onstage for a long period of time (Grizabella is onstage for a total of twelve minutes), you cannot completely relax backstage because you have to concentrate on the next stage appearance; and, one must be careful, because one can get easily confused with the Grizabella entrances. She comes from both stage right and left, upstage, downstage and on the ledge!
The Lea Salonga Voice Soars Of course, everyone knows the singular unique quality of the voice of Lea Salonga; yet, in the midst of numerous showstopping solo performances, her technique is so strong that it manages to magnificently soar effortlessly, wrapping sinuously with the sound system before filling the Cultural Center of the Philippines on 01 August 2010 during the 7.30pm show, especially during the last interpretation of Memory.
A Very Young Company I do have to say that I am somewhat disappointed with the ensemble that Lunchbox Theatrical Productions Pte Ltd. has put together, after having been extremely pleased with the company of Chicago The Musical at the Esplanade Theatre, an earlier Lunchbox Theatrical Productions project this year in Singapore.
Basing it on their physical movement and vocal stamina, the CATS ensemble is mostly populated with young musical theatre actors. Although there is a need in every production to have new blood in recognition of young talent and the need to train the next generation of theatre practitioners, this must be balanced with the presence of seasoned actors, who will give the show the necessary polish and “pull up” the newbies to a greater theatrical level.
Thanks to Braodway World for the YouTube link and Girlie Rodis for the ABS-CBN link.
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