It's make or break for Nikki

MANILA, Philippines - Nikki Gil has never felt more challenged in her life. One year after she got word that she landed the coveted title role as Elle Woods in the musical Legally Blonde, she has to face people who doubt if she could carry the production on her slim shoulders.

“That’s why I can relate to my character,” she relates. “The people who have faith in me make me want to prove that they did the right thing by getting me for this project.”

Nikki understands where her detractors are coming from.

“Who would have thought in a million years that I would end up as Elle Woods someday?” she wonders aloud.

The break from Atlantis Productions, she agrees, is a blessing. And the best part of it is that it’s her golden chance to prove the doubting Thomases wrong. It’s her journey as much as it’s Elle’s.

“The story of Legally Blonde is about not judging a person by his or her external appearance. It’s about reaching for something you never thought you can reach,” she explains. “I hope I pleasantly surprise everyone when they see the show.”

Her director, Chari Arespacochaga doesn’t doubt Nikki’s talents. The veteran stage director finds Nikki’s age just right for the role. And oh yes, Nikki’s funny side — though hidden for the most part — will come in handy.

Nikki prepared for the role as early as a year ago, when she first got hold of the script.

“You have to put both feet in the water,” she says.

So Nikki passed up a movie and other projects that would keep her from focusing her attention on Legally Blonde. She took voice lessons under Kitchie Molina and plunged headlong into dance workshops. She retained two shows — MYX and A.S.A.P., which she leaves right away after the camera lights are off to rush for rehearsals.

It’s been a tough balancing acting since. Nikki must be home by 9 p.m. and asleep before midnight so she can have the stamina for all that singing-while-dancing act that has become routine for her.

“I can’t watch a movie anymore,” she sighs. But Nikki has no regrets.

Boyfriend Billy Crawford knows “this is what I always wanted.” So he gives her space.

“I don’t look at this as work. I’m having fun,” she explains. “At first, I was overwhelmed. But when I met the cast (composed of Nyoy Volante, Guji Lorenzana, Cris Villonco, Jinky Llamanzares, Geneva Cruz and others), things became okay. Once I got into the rhythm (of the work), ang sarap!”

It can be tiring, though. Nikki admits she feels knocked out once she gets home. And she thanks all those yoga lessons she took for keeping her in tip-top shape.

She’s also grateful for the fact that she can always take a cue from all those big musicals she saw in New York.

“I’ve seen Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King in New York. I’ve also seen Wicked in L.A. (Los Angeles),” she reveals.

Nikki knows her job is to make every performance look fresh, from Day One of the show (June 25), to its final staging on July 18 — all at Meralco Theater. That includes weekend matinees as well.

“At least I have the time to correct and vary my performance during the different runs. I have the time to find out what works and what doesn’t,” she muses.

Each show may drain her energy, but Nikki knows it won’t make her go home with a long face and a big frown.

“Elle Woods is a happy person. If I could bring her with me anywhere, that would be ideal,” she states.

Unlike in Legally Blonde, where she can see herself in Elle’s shoes, Nikki can’t picture herself mounting the Glee stage for now. Yes, she — and some members of her A.S.A.P. family — auditioned at the spur of the moment. Sam Milby told them about the auditions when the cast was having lunch one day.

“Ang sabi namin, `tara!’. Ganon lang,” recalls Nikki.

They sent their audition video via webcam and crossed their fingers.

Nikki is not spending sleepless nights, worrying over whether she’ll be chosen or not. But Nikki thinks she won’t lose anything if she tries out for a coveted slot in the grand musicale.

Besides, her stint in Legally Blonde should make Nikki a veteran of pleasant surprises by now. Another pleasant surprise — especially from a production as big as Glee — won’t hurt at all.