The Bluebird of Happiness: A triumph of family entertainment

MANILA, Philippines - An absorbing story with delightful characters, lovely music supported by fantastic stagecraft, plus poignant moments and valuable lessons. These are all the ingredients that make up The Bluebird of Happiness, a must-see musical from Trumpets that runs until Oct. 20 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

After a hiatus of three years, Trumpets, the first professional gospel theater group in Asia, makes a triumphant comeback with The Bluebird of Happiness. The proudly Filipino production is based on the classic play L’Oiseau Bleu by Belgian author Maurice Maeterlinck. Theater veteran Jaime del Mundo created a brand-new book and fresh lyrics, set to original music composed by Rony Fortich. The latest Trumpets offering is in line with the company’s mission of producing wholesome, family-oriented entertainment, including musicals such as The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Joseph the Dreamer and The Little Mermaid.

In The Bluebird of Happiness, spirited Mytyl and her brother Tyltyl embark on a magical journey to find the elusive winged creature and save their mother from illness. They are guided by a quicksilver fairy named Berylune and accompanied by various spirits, as well as their now-humanoid pets — the cat Tylette and the dog Tylo. As they go along their way, the children visit places both fantastic and wondrous, gaining strength to finally face the forces of darkness to complete their quest.

A remarkable company of 50-strong actors will give life to the Trumpets adaptation, led by Alessa Zialcita and Chimmi Kohchet-Chua as Mytyl, as well as Anton Posadas and Guido Gatmaytan as Tyltyl. Also in the cast are Mayen Bustamante-Cadd as Mama Tyl, the children’s mother; Lynn Sherman and Robie Zialcita as the transformed pets Tylette and Tylo; Jennifer Villegas-dela Cruz as the mercurial sprite Berylune; and Joel Trinidad as Night, the wicked villain determined to thwart the children at every turn.

This is precisely why Trumpets saw the importance and timeliness of The Bluebird of Happiness. “Everyone in this world is looking for happiness in one form or another. Through this musical, we hope that the audience sees themselves reflected in the lives of the central characters, Mytyl and Tyltyl,” says director Del Mundo.

Indeed, the search for happiness is a universal drive that people go to great lengths to achieve. As Audie Gemora, president of Trumpets, explains, “Nowadays, people do not know what will make them happy anymore, we seek material things and do crazy things that sometimes make us forget what is essential. Sometimes happiness is already staring at us in the face but sadly, we do not recognize it.”

Ticket inquiries may be coursed through 901-4364, 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more details, Like the Official Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdbyTrumpets) and follow the Official Twitter Account–(@TheBluebirdMNL). #livemanila #TrumpetsBluebird.