Arnell traces roots to theater

Most people know him as a TV host and stand-up comedian, but Arnell Ignacio’s roots are actually in theater. Lately, he has been doing more and more theater work, which makes him happy.

“Matagal na ako sa theater, actually, bago pa ako lumabas sa telebisyon, voice coach na ako sa Repertory Philippines,” says Arnell, who counts among his students respected stage director Chari Arespacochaga, who has directed a number of local productions.

According to Arnell, the demands and discipline required by theater are what make it fun for him. It’s taxing, yes, but there is a certain satisfaction that comes with being part of a medium that you know always pushes the envelope as far as it can. As an artist, Arnell found that very satisfying. There were times, he says, that he would look at himself and wonder what else he could do. It had reached a point where it seemed like he was just doing the same roles or taking on the same hosting jobs over and over again. “Naisip ko, ano pa ba ang gagawin ko dito?” says Arnell. “Hindi ko naman sinasabi na hindi na ako happy sa ginagawa ko, pero at one point, nasabi ko din sa sarili ko na sana hindi na ‘yung laging baklang clown or comic relief.”

What saved him from that was being able to do out-of-the-box projects, particularly independent films — like the Cinema One Originals Film Festival entry Melodrama Negra, a tale about three wandering ghosts and “the innate darkness of humanity” — and of course, the occasional theater production, of which his last was the musical The Full Monty.

In Melodrama Negra, Arnell appeared in only one scene, “but it was a beautiful scene.” Arnell also tried doing radio, which he enjoyed, but the unfortunate fact that his show came on at 4 a.m. did not do wonders for his health, so he eventually had to give that up as well, focusing instead on his various businesses which include buying and selling houses, a palaisdaan in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and his hair restoration business.

Another project he found very exciting was Titser, a docu-drama about a girl from an impoverished family who wanted to become a teacher, and struggled to make her dream come true.

But the most artistically rewarding and satisfying for Arnell so far has been theater. “It’s such an exciting craft,” he says. Arnell seizes every opportunity he gets to do theater or other projects, even if it’s a small role. All he wants is to be able to stretch his wings creatively in directions other than those he has already done. He likes trying new things, and finds them exciting. Thus, when he found out that Atlantis Productions was mounting the stage musical version of The Addams Family, he begged even for a small role — but was surprised when he was given the main role of Gomez, the patriarch of the Addams Family. “Sabi ko, kahit walk-on role lang, and they gave me the part of Gomez,” laughs Arnell.

It’s a long role that combines acting with singing. He even has solo numbers. How is he preparing for them? By doing his homework. It’s one of the things that make theater as a craft so exciting. “Pinapakinggan at minememorya ko (ang mga kanta),” he says.

He’s excited to be portraying the role of Gomez. Starring opposite him, in the role of his wife Morticia Addams, is Eula Valdez. K-La Rivera, who was last seen playing Princess Jasmine in a production of Aladdin, is playing their daughter Wednesday Addams. Rehearsals don’t start until October, but already, Arnell is filled with anticipation. “Actually, ang ganda ng kuwento,” he says of The Addams Family, which became both a cartoon series and a movie, aside from a stage musical. “It’s fun. Nakakatuwa ang weirdness nila. For all we know, sila ang normal, at tayo pala ang weird.” (The Addams Family runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 1 at the Meralco Theatre. Select shows are now available for show buying and fund-raising opportunities. For details, call Claire at Atlantis Productions at 892-7078).

Atlantis Productions’ Bobby Garcia, who directs the musical, says, “It has always been a great way for us to end the year and start off the holiday season with a family musical comedy. And this year, The Addams Family is that show. It’s wacky, zany, good fun that really celebrates and sends up the Broadway musical comedy form. And it is perfect for the entire family. I am thrilled that Eula and Arnell are taking on the iconic roles I grew up with!”