A big surprise from Little Women

MANILA, Philippines - When I bought my tickets to the stage musicale Little Women (based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott about the March sisters) from a co-worker in Congress, I had no high expectations coming in. I just thought it was a good opportunity for me and my grade school (yes, grade school!) classmates to bond after a good dinner at the Greenbelt area. To our pleasant amazement, the musicale turned out to be another great Repertory Philippines’ production directed flawlessly by veteran stage actress Menchu Lauchengco with an extremely talented cast.

Pinky Marquez as Marmee March surprised me with her resounding alto notes (I had thought of her more as a soprano) and was deeply moving as the mother who was torn between going to her sick husband and staying with her four young children; Caisa Borromeo as the tomboy Jo was full of energy all throughout the play (I would be carted off to a hospital in a stretcher after such an arduous role) and had a most beautiful voice; Kelly Lati as Amy was convincing as the spoiled youngest sister; Cara Barredo as the sweet Beth March sang beautifully even in her most heartbreaking scenes; and Lora Nicolas as Meg came across as a quiet supporting actress who knows how not to steal scenes.

My favorite character was Jeff Arcilla’s Professor Bhaer with his funny German accent and naiveté. Joy Virata was perfect as the rich and demanding Aunt March whom I fell in love with despite the role. Miguel Faustmann, even in his short scenes, had magnetic stage presence that commanded everyone’s attention, while the two young men, Jack Salud and Jaime Barcelon, did quite well as the objects of affection of Meg and Amy.

The costumes were appropriate (although I would have personally preferred Jo in more shapely gowns) with Aunt March and Amy getting to enjoy wearing the best of them all. The stage and lighting designs were simple yet highly artistic and effective. Choreography was uncomplicated and did not distract the audience and the singers from the beauty of the songs, with excellent orchestral background from FILharmoniKA as conducted by the acclaimed Gerard Salonga.

With its wonderful music and superb singers-actors, I highly recommend that all musical theater aficionados not miss experiencing Little Women which is on its last weekend at the Onstage Theater. With its heartwarming story on family loyalty, unconditional love and passion, and women empowerment, it is an excellent watch for mothers and daughters and female BFFs (best-friends-forever). For those, who cannot make it, do not fret as Repertory Philippines has an exciting line-up of productions for its next season at the coming year.

(For details, call Repertory Philippines at 7516926 or Ticket World at 8919999. E-mail me at [email protected] or text 0927-5000833).