An emotional ride for Christian

Award-winning pop singer Christian Bautista returns to the musical theater stage in the lead role of Sam Wheat in Atlantis Productions and Ten Bridges Media Corp.’s highly-anticipated staging of Ghost the Musical which runs from April 25 to May 11 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Christian was last seen on stage as the Prince in Cinderella and as Tony in West Side Story. The role of Sam in Ghost is his biggest and most challenging stage role to date.

Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost the Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. Ghost was nominated for three Tony awards and five Olivier awards. Also starring in the Manila premiere are Cris Villonco as Molly and Ima Castro as Oda Mae.

Director Bobby Garcia says, “I am thrilled that Christian is playing Sam. I am so impressed with his work ethic, desire to excel and passion for his work. He comes into rehearsals every day prepared and willing to do anything to tell this beautiful love story as best as possible. I have no doubt in my mind that audiences will fall in love with his version of Sam. I can’t wait for everyone to see him shine in Ghost.”

Although Christian is rehearsing daily for the musical, we were able to catch up with him and ask him a few questions.

When did you get started in theater?

“My first stage role was in the musical The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe where I was part of the ensemble. That was 12 years ago in 2002! I played the role of a faceless and nameless evil Narnian ghoul.”

What is it about musical theater that you enjoy?

“I enjoy the combination of song, dance and drama on stage. The three elements combined bring a more heightened experience for me, especially when the music kicks in.”

What are the similarities and differences of being a musical theater performer and being a pop singer?

“The similarities would be that they both require live singing. No lip-synching. And I guess the use of a stage as you perform on a stage most of the time as a pop singer, too. The biggest difference is that in musical theater you have one to two months to prepare before you are ready to welcome an audience. Pop singing preparation sometimes can range from two months to even less than an hour before you need to sing a song in front of an audience.”

What can a pop singer learn from performing in theater?

“I would say that there is a lot one can learn. Discipline, professionalism, punctuality, preparedness, camaraderie are just a few of the things.”

What attracted you to Ghost?

“I fell in love with the music of Ghost when I first heard it. Even when I found out that Molly has the better songs! The role of Sam is also incredible. His journey is amazing. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done to date.”

Tell us what the music of Ghost is like?

“The music of Ghost written by Glen Ballard and Dave Stewart is a mix of romantic, ethereal and bittersweet melodies. It’s a great emotional ride.”

Is the musical faithful to the film? Is it just as romantic?

“The musical has its own freedom enjoyed outside the film. It is its own thing. It’s more romantic and more intense. I feel I now like the musical more than the movie.”

The movie is iconic to a generation who grew up with it in the ’90s. You will now be introducing it to a new generation. Do you think the story holds up in the new century?

“I think a story about true love resonates in any era, in whatever medium, in whatever place whether in the world or in the supernatural. The story will hold up in whatever century and whatever place it is introduced in. It is a beautiful love story.”

Ghost is about true love, fate and destiny. Do you believe in these things?

“Ghost tackles many things, and yes true love, fate and destiny are definitely a huge part of its core, and yes, I do believe in all of those things. But more importantly, what strikes a chord with me more in Ghost is how, no matter who we are or no matter what our imperfections are, love can cover a multitude of wrongs.”

What is in store for you after Ghost?

“After Ghost closes, I will be starting to promote a new album under Universal Records with your favorite timeless love songs.”

(For tickets to Ghost, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.)