Bibo Reyes: The real deal

Once in a while, a young theater actor makes a breakthrough performance in his first show, signaling the start of an exciting career as a professional actor. Last year, when the hit musical In The Heights was first staged in Manila, Bibo Reyes made a grand entrance into Philippine theater.

Still in school at Ateneo, he auditioned for the role of Sonny in the Asian premiere production of In The Heights. Director Bobby Garcia was not in Manila at that time so Bibo’s audition was videotaped and was sent electronically to him. Bobby says, “I honestly had never heard of Bibo before his audition. But when I downloaded the audition video and viewed it, I was extremely impressed. He read the role of Sonny with so much intelligence and already he had so many nuances only a seasoned actor would have after weeks of rehearsal. Bibo is different from everyone else and that is one of the biggest assets a performer can have. He is clearly an individual with clear sensibilities of who he is as an actor. I knew then that Bibo was the real deal: An intelligent singer/actor capable of putting his own unique stamp on characters and roles.”

Bibo would go on to reap critical acclaim and won many fans for his performance of Sonny in In The Heights. He says,  “It’s been overwhelming, to say the least. I strive to simply let whatever sentiments people may have about my performance motivate me instead of allowing them to get to my head. I believe the latter to be one of the most precarious pitfalls a young actor can face, so I know I need to be wary of it. Also, all the good things Heights brought into my life pretty much put a cap on an already stellar 2011, so I couldn’t have asked for more!”

He is thrilled that In The Heights will be returning to Manila for a very limited repeat run from March 16 to 25 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Bibo says, “I can’t wait to return to Heights. Being with el barrio again! We may all not see each other on a regular basis anymore, but the Heights family has a palpable bond that I miss and am extremely stoked to experience again once we begin rehearsals. It’ll be like coming home!”

In The Heights is a quintessential New York musical about a vibrant and tight-knit community in the island of Manhattan. The music pulses with the hopes and dreams of three generations as they struggle to forge an identity in a neighborhood on the brink of transition. It gained critical acclaim during its first Manila run last year and went on to win the Aliw Award for Best Ensemble. It features Nyoy Volante, K-La Rivera, Jackie Lou Blanco, Ima Castro, Calvin Millado, Tex Ordoñez, Felix Rivera and many others.

The repeat run of In The Heights is extra special for all involved as its Tony Award-winning lyricist and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda will be traveling to Manila to join the cast and lend his support for the opening night. Bibo is still unsure of what to say to Lin-Manuel when he finally meets him.  He says, “I will probably say, ‘I’m not worthy!’ And kiss his feet.”

After In The Heights, Bibo will perform in Rock of Ages, where he will be playing the role of Franz. Rock Of Ages tells the story of a small-town girl and a big-city rocker falling in love with the greatest songs of the decade. It features 28 classic rock hits including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive and Here I Go Again. Heading the cast of Rock Of Ages is international rock star MiG Ayesa who will recreate the role of Stacee Jaxx, which he recently played on Broadway. Rock Of Ages is directed by Chari Arespacochaga (Aida, Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening) and runs from June 15 to July 8. 

Bibo says of his newest musical theater role, “I really wanted to get into Rock Of Ages, period. It may not be the kind of musical most of us are accustomed to, both in form and context, but it resonates with a large audience and to have the chance to contribute to something that is meaningful to anyone is a blessing. Plus, Franz’s accent is pretty cool!”

Bibo still can’t believe that in his second professional musical theater experience, he will be sharing the stage with MiG. “I don’t think it will really set in until I finally see MiG in the flesh. Rehearsing with such larger-than-life people in Heights was like having a tornado of awesome people blindside me every day, so it’s hard to imagine what it’ll be like to share the stage with someone like MiG. I just hope I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

Bibo also knows that all good things come with great sacrifice. He says,  “In The Heights taught me that I want to perform for the rest of my life; but I also learned that pursuing a career in theater really does entail a lot of sacrifice, not just from you but from the people close to you. Balancing rehearsals for Heights with school definitely came at the cost of quality time with family and friends, so I need to remember to steel myself before every production I decide to devote myself to.”

Although he is just beginning, the future looks bright for this smart, passionate musical theater actor. 

(For tickets to In The Heights and show-buying information for Rock Of Ages, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.)