'Caysasay' ends CCP run on a high note
First posted 01:31am (Mla time) July 16, 2005
By Nestor Torre
Inquirer News Service

AFTER the last performance of Ryan Cayabyab's new religious musical, "Mapaghimalang Birhen ng Caysasay," at the CCP Little Theater last Sunday night, the show's cast and creative staff basked in the glow of yet another standing ovation from the production's obviously delighted viewers. Standing ovations aren't easy to come by in local theater, so the accolade told the show's talents that the musical meant something special not only to them, but to their audience as well.

At the cast party later that night, they counted their blessings:

Cayabyab's songs, described by an enthralled member of the audience as among the best in his career, coupled with the heartfelt and beautifully expressive lyrics by Rito Asilo and Noelani Torre.

The inspiring example and high standards set by the show's stellar leads-Ogie Alcasid, Cocoy Laurel, Ivy Violan, etc. They worked as hard as everybody else, came to rehearsals on time, and poured their heart and soul into the production.

Resolve

They showed the newer members of the cast that stars can be wonderful persons and giving co-workers, and steeled their resolve to be similarly selfless once they also achieved stellar status.

The hands-on and "heart-on" support of executive producer Ramon Orlina and his wife Lay-Ann, and the members of the three foundations that mounted the musical, to pay tribute to Our Lady of Caysasay, and to spread the word about her healing tradition. Happily, their expectations have been exceeded, since invitations to tour the show have come, not just from within the country, but also from overseas.

The similarly inspiring example of theater luminaries like Tommy Abuel, Lou Veloso, Andy Bais and Rito Asilo, who set professional standards of performance for the tyros in the company.

Spirit and verve

The confidently stellar work turned in by those tyros, like Nicole David, Ira Marasigan, Elijah Castillo and Myka Torre, who brightened the stage with their obvious talent, spirit and verve.

The depth and wisdom added to the production by the loving involvement of senior visual artist, actress and singer Cheloy Dans, whose textured and felt performance the audience invariably rewarded with especially warm accolades.

The talent, determination and commitment of Madrigal Singers stalwart, Jane Diaz, who stepped into her role after a singing star backed out, but brought it up to exciting performance level after only one week of rehearsals.

The rediscovery in this production of an outstanding young character actor in Jonas Santos, who shared scenes with the daunting likes of Ogie and Cocoy, and confidently held his own.

Versatility

The versatility of young character actresses, Nadja Matining and Karla Pambid, who did justice to the many roles assigned to them.

The all-important support given by the production's creative department heads-Leo Rialp, Jun Murillo, Dennis Marasigan-who enhanced the musical with their artistry and experience.

The standing ovations that the musical got during its initial seven-performance run at the CCP were for all of these exceptional talents-and more.

Best of all, they were for the loving, healing Birhen ng Caysasay and her son, Jesus Christ, for whom the entire production was conceptualized and mounted.

The musical pays tribute to Our Lady. -Ave, Maria!

(For inquiries about the musical's provincial tour, sponsorships, etc., call 781-5918, or email orlina@pldtdsl.net.)