Menchu takes on her darkest role yet

Award-winning and acclaimed musical theater actress Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo takes on her darkest role to date as Margaret White in Atlantis Productions’ highly-anticipated Asian premiere of the legendary musical Carrie, which runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Carrie, based on the modern classic by Stephen King, with music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore, lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (who wrote the screenplay of the Brian de Palma film), “tells the tragic story of a misunderstood high school teenager named Carrie White with extraordinary telekinetic powers. Terrorized by her oppressive religious fanatic mother and bullied by her classmates, Carrie’s violent rampage of revenge remains one of the most terrifying stories of all time.” It will be directed by Bobby Garcia, who marks his 20th year of directing this year.

Atlantis Productions was also given permission by the writers to release a four-track EP CD of Carrie featuring the original Manila cast. The limited edition CD will be released in time for the opening of Carrie and will be sold at the theater lobby and at Atlantis Productions. It will be released by Curve Entertainment, Inc.

Menchu received critical claim and an Aliw Award for her stunning turn as Diana in two sold-out runs of Next To Normal in 2011. In Carrie, she takes on an even darker role as the Bible-bashing mother made famous in the original film by Piper Laurie.

We found time with Menchu, who is in the middle of rehearsals for the thrilling musical, and she gamely answered our questions.

What attracted you to play Margaret White in Carrie?

“I love taking on roles that stretch me as a performer. Margaret White is such a challenge to play because of her complexity. She is a woman who was hurt and betrayed and thus took on a very radical approach to life, turning to religion with a vengeance which she takes to a whole new dimension. I love discovering her complexities and together with Bobby Garcia, my director, we decide what direction to take her in.”

How challenging are the songs in Carrie?

“The songs are so beautifully written and what makes them so challenging to sing are the emotions you have to sing them with. All the songs written for Margaret are intensely emotional. There is no way to sing them without giving it your all. The belting range is quite high but it pushes the emotional context of the scene. Technically, it really is just about singing them every day until you get used to it.”

What can you say about the performers who take on their first lead roles in Carrie?

“I think they are all wonderful! We have a fantastic cast. Mikkie Bradshaw, who plays the lead role of Carrie White, will blow everyone away! She is simply amazing and wonderful to work with. She is such a passionate and giving performer. I truly believe that she is going to go places. The rest of the cast is equally as wonderful. I am so honored to be with such a passionate group of kids.”

You have recorded a song. What was the recording session like?

“I am singing a beautiful song titled When There’s No One, which is Margaret’s Act Two solo. Recording it was so much fun, especially since the creators of Carrie are on board and giving us notes and feedback. We recorded several versions for the creators and our director to choose from.”

How different is the musical version of Carrie from the classic Brian de Palma film?

“It’s very truthful to the film and the Stephen King book. The main story is very much the same, except of course for the music. There is also a lot more material for Carrie’s classmates who bully her. And of course, there are adjustments for the stage as certain things you see in the film or read in the book would be impossible to do on stage.”

How will Carrie connect and translate to the local audience? 

“I am just as curious as anyone else. Bobby and I wondered how audiences would react to Next To Normal and we were overwhelmed at the response. I think Manila will really enjoy this musical. I love that Bobby takes risks and stages musicals like Carrie because he believes in them.”

Do you still have dream roles?

“Oh yes, definitely! I would love to someday play Mama Rose in Gypsy, Dot in Sunday in The Park with George, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, Desiree in A Little Night of Music and I would also love to play the musicologist in 33 Variations.”

What do you have planned after Carrie? 

“Right after I close Carrie, I open Cinderella for Resorts World. I will be playing the Fairy Godmother until December. So from religious fanatic I go into fairytale fairy godmother. It’s going to be a fun year!”

Carrie is made possible with the support of The Philippine STAR and Metrobank. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.