Putting together an all-Cebuano cast for the longest-running play in Broadway, “A Chorus Line,” entailed time and patience. Almost a hundred turned up for the audition held at Yo.U at One Mango last December, but only about 15 made it. From this number, just five remained after only a week of rehearsals as they were dismissed or dropped out for failing to cope with the strict discipline imposed by multi-awarded playwright and director, Al Evangelio.
The search to fill up the 16 singing and dancing slots continued with the “mortality” rate going higher until the ideal group was finally formed first week of February, leaving the company just one month to rehearse the most difficult routines with the demanding singing and acting parts.
Two of these young talents are champions in their own field: Hercules “Boboy” Sebalosa of Pinamungahan is the prizewinning choreographer of Sinulog and festival dances, while Mae Axel Bonghanoy is grand prize winner of several singing competitions, notably the Quest for the Star of Pinamungahan Idol.
Boboy has temporarily left his high-paying regular job as a choreographer of a southern municipality’s Sinulog contingent because of his participation in the play. “I must grab this opportunity. It’s not everyday that you get to be part of an Evangelio play. Being his performer means learning so much more than what you perceive the performing arts to be. He just doesn’t tell you to do this but he explains the whys, the whats and the hows, giving me a fresher outlook in my craft. There’s no other director here in Cebu who places a money back guarantee for non-satisfaction in watching his plays, is there?” he said.
Mae Axel takes to her first assignment on the legitimate stage with so much gusto that she travels everyday straight from her class in UC Banilad to the director’s studio in Guadalupe, warms up immediately and proceeds to the dance routines to keep abreast with the rest since she is the most recent recruit. “I’ve always dreamt of an acting role and this opportunity is more than I can hope for since I get to sing, as well,” she disclosed. “And I’m doubly lucky because I’m under Tatay Al whose prowess in molding talents is already legendary. Who knows, I might be the next Sheryn from his artists’ stable?” the Nursing student said.
A Chorus Line is slated for February 8 and 16, March 1, 7 and 8 at SM Cinema One with 12noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm timeslots. February 8 and the earlier afternoon shows of the 16th are already booked, though. For school or group bookings, please dial 0918 443 5671.