Nine: My favorite musical of the year

Nine is my favorite musical of the year. Period. I tweeted after the preview show that “Nine is a must-watch! Breathtaking and mesmerizing performances from a ridiculously beautiful, sexy and talented cast.”

Let me share with you a little more than a tweet to express my gratitude that musicals such as Nine have become accessible to the Philippine theater-going audience.

Leading the cast of Nine as filmmaker Guido Contini is rock star and musical theater favorite Jett Pangan. The role of Guido was originated on Broadway by Raul Julia, played in the revival by Antonio Banderas and in the film version by Daniel Day-Lewis. Jett marks his 10th year of performing with Atlantis Productions and Nine, his biggest and most challenging role to date, marks his 11th musical with Atlantis. Jett knocked it out of the ballpark. Plain and simple, he has got all the chops in place — acting, singing and dancing in perfect harmony that make for a performance that should not be missed by anyone. You gotta see this guy up there. Talent up the wazoo!

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, known as the first lady of Philippine Musical Theater, once again joins Jett as his devoted wife, Luisa Contini. She is so beautiful on stage and is an actress I look forward to watching again and again on stage.

Multi-awarded film, TV and stage icon and one of my dearest friends Cherie Gil is the producer Liliane Le Fleur. She sings the show-stopping Folies Bergeres song and no one — I repeat no one has more flair, character and sheer attitude on stage. Her voice after her operation is full of character which suits her role to a T, which is why she is so wonderful to watch. Because she has that certain “Je nais se quoi” on stage, which is that unexplainable and indescribable energy that radiates magnetism and charisma. Bravo, Cherie for putting so much of yourself into your role!

Eula Valdez takes on the role of Claudia Nardi, portraying the film star and muse to Guido. She sings one of the loveliest songs from the show titled Unusual Way in a duet with Jett. I was surprised that she sang as I was unaware of her musical talent prior to Nine!

Acclaimed musical theater performer Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Carla Albanese, Guido’s neurotic mistress. I have personally known Carla for years, but have never applauded so loudly for her. She looks amazingly seductive and alluring on stage, her voice filled with angst, longing and sultriness that really makes her the show’s breakout star. And her romping around on stage garnered her the most laughs from the crowd.

International stage star Ima Castro now plays Sarraghina, the prostitute who teaches a young Guido the ways of the world. Ima sings Be Italian, one of the show’s most famous songs. She has so much stage presence and brings chutzpah to her character that is endearing, which can be hard for a prostitute. Regardless, her little number is a show stealer next to Carla and Cherie’s.

Last seen on stage in Atlantis’ Spring Awakening, bossa nova siren Sitti Navarro plays the Lady of the Spa. Her angelic voice was mesmerizing!

Yanah Laurel, who plays Stephanie Necrophorus, the film critic-turned-associate producer to Liliane Le Fleur, is engaging and funny with her bitchy attitude that puts Guido in his place.

The set design by Tony Award-winning designer David Gallo was spectacular and literally elevated the audience’s senses to the drama, comedy and farce taking place on stage. David, who has designed sets for Broadway’s The Drowsy Chaperone, Memphis, Xanadu, Company, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and most recently, The Mountaintop starring Samuel Jackson and Angela Bassett, has created a set that is simple yet full of character. 

After the preview, I was in tears as I hugged director Bobby Garcia and thanked him for the beautiful piece of theater he has staged. There is no disputing he is in a creative league of his own with his brilliant staging of Nine.

Direk Bobby says in his press releases that “Nine is a musical that I have loved since my childhood and something that I have wanted to do for many years. Now, the time has finally come, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have assembled what I believe is the definitive cast and creative team for Maury Yeston’s stunning piece of musical theater. I myself cannot believe the stars aligned as they have and that all the pieces fell into place so effortlessly. Needless to say, I don’t think it will ever happen again as it is extremely difficult to get all these people in the same room at the same time so this production of Nine will really be a once-in-a-lifetime event. I am so proud to be a part of it.” Bobby, I am so proud that I have been fortunate enough to get to see your brilliance in my lifetime!

Based on Italian director Federico Fellini’s comic masterpiece of biographical filmmaking, 8 1/2, Maury’s sultry and enchanting musical follows the life of world famous film director Guido as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life. Nine is the winner of five Tony awards including Best Musical. Nine continues Atlantis Productions’ highly successful 2013 season of shows including the repeat run of In the Heights, Rock of Ages, God of Carnage and will conclude with Disney’s Aladdin.

(Nine runs until Oct. 7 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Tweet @gtongi for comments on the article.)