A boy called Tom

MANILA, Philippines - When we found out from Disney Theatricals that we were one of four theater companies worldwide handpicked to premiere its newest full-length musical, Disney’s Aladdin, we were ecstatic. Aladdin is, after all, one of Disney’s most popular animated classics, made even more memorable because our very own Lea Salonga sang the role of Princess Jasmine. A stage version that featured all the wonderful Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice music would really be a perfect way to end our 2012 season and welcome the holidays. But we had one slightly significant roadblock — we had no one in mind to play the title role.

Inspired by the film, and as written for the stage musical, we would need to find a young male actor oozing with charm and stage presence, who could sing really well, and act with truth and vulnerability and understand the complexities of occupying space in a venue as large as the Meralco Theater. A tall order in the Philippines where it is a struggle to find young male musical theater leading men.

Enter Tom Rodriguez. Not once but twice. During his first audition for us for another show we politely said, “Thank you” after his audition and sent him on his way. But here he was again auditioning for Aladdin. What impressed us immediately was his perseverance. He didn’t let rejection stop him from coming back. He then went on to sing A Whole New World. And he sang it wonderfully. We called him back to learn Aladdin’s big solo number Proud of Your Boy, and, once again, he did very well. He had everything we were looking for in Aladdin, but we weren’t too sure that he was serious about this nor were we sure he understood the rigorous demands of playing this role. Aladdin is in almost every scene of the musical. After sitting him down and explaining this to him, he looked at us with a big smile and just said he was ready to work like crazy as this would be a dream come true for him.

And that has pretty much been his attitude at every rehearsal. I have never worked with someone with as much enthusiasm and excitement as Tom. He arrives every day so grateful to be there and willing to do anything he is asked. Like a kid in a candy store, Tom gets excited with every new moment he is asked to create for the show (many of which he has discovered and created himself). On top of this he has been a real trooper. Although sick and not feeling well at several rehearsals, he was there — on time without a single complaint. All bundled up in his hoodie in a corner until he needed to be on stage, where he would give no clue that he wasn’t feeling good. That is how much he loves what he is doing. Add to that the fact that he is a naturally good singer, and instinctive and intelligent actor and enough charm and energy to light Manila during a blackout it is clear to me that Tom has found his home.

I suspect audiences will fall in love with Tom’s Aladdin. A “riff-raff, street rat” with a heart of gold, Tom brings to life one of the most iconic Disney characters. Whether alone on stage singing to his departed mother or running around a market place dodging the guards, Tom is every bit the Aladdin you imagine. And his chemistry with K-La Rivera, who creates a luminous Princess Jasmine, is really quite palpable. Whether on a rooftop overlooking Agrabah or on a “soaring, tumbling, free wheeling” magic carpet ride, it is clear Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, despite their differences, are destined for each other.

They are joined by the terrifically talented Aiza Seguerra and Calvin Millado alternating as the wise cracking Genie. Having asked them not to copy each other and create a character unique to themselves, they have individually created two fantastically funny Genies. It really is a different show depending on who is on. Raul Montesa creates a seething venomous Jafar aided by his sidekick Iago, played with comic delight by Jimmy Marquez. Jun Ofrasio plays the kind Sultan and three new characters join the show as Aladdin’s friends and the shows narrators — Babkak, Omar and Kassim. They are played with so much gusto and flair by Bibo Reyes, Johann dela Fuente and Jamie Wilson. Joining them is a dazzling ensemble that populates the mysterious world of Agrabah.

Joining Chari Arespacochaga and  I on the creative team are choreographer Cecile Martinez, set designers Lex Marco and Lawyn Cruz (inspired by Broadway’s Peter & the Starcatcher, the set is made up of recycled objects. Look closely and you will see bottle caps, coke cans, plastic containers and cutlery. Rubber tires were even used to create a tree.) Lighting design by Jay Aranda, make-up design by Johann, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, projection design by GA Fallarme, musical direction by Ceejay Javier, vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico and Flying by Foy (yes, the magic carpet does fly!).

Our production would not be possible without the support of people who have believed in us for many years (some from the very beginning). The Philippine STAR has been our partner from Day One, and we are extremely grateful for the support of Delta Airlines, Metrobank, Cats Motors, Inc., Portfolio, The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel, Velvet, MYX, Business World, Hit Productions, Crossover 105.1, MBC Radio, Mellow 94.7, Digipost Marketing, Inc., Media Magnet Innovation, ClickTheCity, MAC Cosmectics, Burger King, Superbowl, Pancake House, Hungry Fuan, Papa John’s, Crystal Clear, Krispy Kreme, 7th High, Bowler Restaurant, Sir Boy’s Food Republique, Yoshinova, The Sandwich Guy, Asian Noodle Co., Moshi Moshi, Emphasis Salon, MVS A. Shop, Events Pavilion, Popcakes, Swizzle Mobile Bar, Mandaue Foam, Inc., Roblands, Center for Aesthetic Studies, Michi Calica Flowers, Lube.ph, Automate Lightworks, Confetti Effects, Meralco Theater and the City of Pasig.

I have worked with many young performers but none quite like Tom. I have already received the greatest reward I could ever ask for from this show. It happened when Tom came up to me to tell me that he has fallen in love with musical theater and thanked me for introducing it to him. What more could you ask for? I can’t imagine having done this show with anyone else and I look forward to the many roles Tom will play in the future as he begins his path as a musical theater actor. Already, in his musical theater debut, he is “one jump ahead” of the rest.

We hope you and your family join us as we usher in the holiday spirit with Disney’s Aladdin.

(Atlantis Productions’ staging of Disney’s Aladdin runs from Nov. 16 to Dec. 9 at the Meralco Theater. For tickets, call Atlantis at 892-7078 or TicketWorld at 891-9999.)