If only life were like Hairspray

It was during a very cold winter in 2002 that I caught Hairspray on Broadway for the first time. And I instantly fell in love with it. Never in my life had I seen a show that exploded with that much joy, happiness and energy. To say that the show brought down the roof of the Neil Simon Theatre would be an understatement. It went on to win eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

When Broadway Asia asked me if I was interested in the rights for Hairspray for Manila, I immediately jumped at the chance — although I had numerous questions in my head.

Where would I find a young plus-size girl who could sing and dance like there’s no tomorrow to play Tracy? Where would I find a distinguished actor with enough musical theater chops and the courage to shave off all body hair and put on a dress to play Edna, the role made famous on stage by Harvey Fierstein and in the recent movie musical by John Travolta? And was there a new generation of singers and dancers ready to take on the demands of one of the most difficult musicals to perform (two and a half hours of wall to wall dancing, for starters)?

We began auditions for the show last April and I was amazed to see over 300 people come in to try out for a part in the show. After several vocal and dance callbacks, we arrived at our cast. Making her professional theater debut is Ateneo student Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad, one of musical theater’s most demanding roles (she’s on stage for almost all the scenes). It was clear from the moment she walked into the audition room that she was Tracy. Also making their professional stage debut are Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle. I called on my dear friends Michael de Mesa and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo to take on the roles of Edna Turnblad and Velma Von Tussle. Michael excitedly (and courageously) immediately said yes. And Menchu eagerly accepted to sink her teeth into the villainess role. In their hands, I knew I had leads I could totally rely on. I convinced the terrifically talented Nyoy Volante to return to the stage as Seaweed J. Stubbs after a five-year absence — he last performed as James Thunder Early in DreamGirls. And I only dreamed that Dulce (whom I believe is one of the greatest singers in the world) would agree to play Motormouth Maybelle. It was one of the happiest mornings when I woke up to a text message from her saying she would do it. Joining them are some of the finest performers this country has including Noel Rayos, who returns to us from Hong Kong Disneyland, as Corny Collins; Monica Reynoso as Penny Pingleton; Leo Rialp as Wilbur Turnblad; Gabe Mercado as the Male Authority Figure; Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure along with a crazy-talented ensemble of youthful singers and dancers.

Seeing the veterans of stage, TV, concerts and recording work hand in hand with the many young performers making their professional theater debut has been quite inspiring. There is a brand new generation of theater artists now, slowly mastering the craft and discipline that theater requires. Seeing them strive for perfection and never settling for mediocrity reaffirm something I have believed in from the very beginning — theater will never die. It is not a dinosaur, as many people like to call it. Theater is not doomed for extinction. It will continue to flourish, and soon in the hands of a new generation.

I have also been extremely fortunate to have a stellar creative team collaborating with me in the show. Cecille Martinez, who performed in the Broadway Asia Tour of The King & I and was the assistant choreographer on Cinderella, has created some of the most dynamic dances I have seen on a musical theater stage. Gino Gonzales has designed a colorful parade of costumes and sets that evoke a stylized circle and stripes version of the era. Shoko Matsumoto textures the stage with her clever lighting design, and vocal coach ManMan Angsico brings his ear for detail and precision to a demanding vocal score.

I am also thrilled to welcome back music director Archie Castillo, who is now based in the US. Archie and I worked together in the concert scene years ago and it is great to have him back in Manila. He will be conducting one of our country’s most distinguished orchestras, FILharmoniKA. Thanks to Gerard and DJ Salonga, Hairspray will have world-class musicians playing the original Tony Award nominated Orchestrations. Gerard and DJ truly understand the needs (and limitations) of the Philippine theatrical scene and I am grateful for their support.

As we approach our 10th anniversary next year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have supported us throughout our close to 10-year journey. The Philippine STAR has been right by our side and supported our vision from the very beginning. It is a partnership I am proud and honored to be a part of. They are great benefactors of arts and culture in the Philippines, and for that I am extremely grateful. Pasay City and Makati City, where we do a lot of our musicals, have been very supportive of plays and musicals and have always welcomed our productions. FILharmoniKA, Crossover 105.1, MBC, Portfolio, MAC Cosmetics, TIGI Bed Head, HIT Productions, David and Goliath, Bench, Sennheiser, Video Gear, Gloria Jeans, Burger King, Chowking, Krispy Kreme, Superbowl, Yoshinoya, Senco Link, GSIS, Brooklyn Pizza, Capricciosa, Azul Restaurant, and Congo Grille have all been instrumental in their support in bringing Hairspray to Manila for the first time. To all of them, and to our loyal block buyers, I say a humble thank you.

One of the challenges most theater companies face here is the affordability (and availability) of venues. We are extremely fortunate to be performing for the first time at the Star Theatre in the CCP Complex, Pasay City. Usually the home of Ballet Manila, they have graciously welcomed us to their home for a month.

In recent months the worldwide economy has taken a tumble. Things look bleak. But I know they will get better. I learned that from Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray’s 16-year-old heroine who is determined not to let circumstance dictate her future. She sets out to get the boy, become a star and integrate a TV Show. She reminds us, time and again, that we can all achieve our dreams regardless of size or color. And she does it all with a big smile on her face.

Hairspray is two and a half hours of musical comedy heaven! Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnello and Thomas Meehan have created what will always be, to me, the most fun I have ever had sitting down. We hope you will join us at Hairspray as we bring you back in time to the ‘60s and celebrate the future artists of Philippine theater.

Hairspray runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex, For details, call 892-7078, 840-1187 or 891-9999.