Why Mark Bautista declined and then accepted job to direct Mr. Streisand

MANILA, Philippines — Known primarily as a pop singer and TV/film/stage actor, Mark Bautista is embracing the challenge of directing a unique concert that features Philippine theater's best male singers performing Barbra Streisand songs.

Recalling how he initially declined the opportunity, Mark said, “Project head Stella Sison asked me to direct a particular concert, na hindi rin natuloy and at that time I was hesitant. I felt I was not ready and didn’t see myself yet as a director, so I told her, ‘Pass muna ako.’”

Then, at the Hamilton gala last September, Stella chanced upon Mark and asked him again if he’d be interested directing a concert of Barbra Streisand songs featuring male singers.

He shared, “Akala ko pa nga ako ba kakanta? Kasama ba ako?” Stella replied, “Ikaw ang gusto kong mag-direct, (I) will call it ‘Mr. Streisand.’”

Audie Gemora, touted as the King of Philippine Theater, has played lead roles in almost all the theater companys in Manila. He was head of the theater company TRUMPETS, Inc. and holds the positiin as president of Philstage, a local alliance of professional companies in the theatrical arts.

At first, Mark thought Stella was joking. “Akala ko pa it was a joke,” he laughed, “or will this be another project na hindi matutuloy? Weeks after the gala, she called again and asked if I were up to the job directing it. I told her, ‘Give me two more days to think about it.’ Then, I called her and asked questions like who’s performing in it? What’s the venue?”

Film and TV actor Michael de Mesa has played lead roles for musicals like Tick Tick Boom and La Cage Aux Folles. In 1987, he was Gawad Urian’s Best Actor for the film Unfaithful Wife.

“I gave suggestions, ideas without confirming that I would do it,” he continued. “Still, it took me a week to decide and eventually I said yes. Then, she served me a contract. After that, I said to myself, ‘Oh, no there’s no turning back on this. This is it.”

Arman Ferrer is the most promising theater actor who has played leading toles in Rama Hari, Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical, A Comedy of Tenors and Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag.

He admitted to experiencing apprehension at the outset, saying, “May fear sa akin because first time kong mag-direct at hindi lang ‘to isang artist, but anim na batikang performers.

Jett Pangan began his career as the lead singer of the highly aclaimed rock band The Dawn. He has successufly transitioned in the world of musical theater for leading parts in Sweeny Todd, Tick Tick Boom, DOM Musical, to name a few.

“Iba pa sa kanila nakatrabaho ko na, dinerek na rin ako sa isang musical, naging coach ko pa sa isang musical, sina Michael Williams and Audie Gemora. So, dun ako lalong nagkaroon ng fear.”

Michael Williams is one of the first Philippine actors cast in the original version of West End’s Miss Saigon. He has played most lead parts in Repertory Philippines productions. He is also an accomplished stage director for plays like Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Despite his fear, Mark viewed it as a chance for artistic and career growth.  

He said, “but then, I thought this would be good for my artistry, my career. It will be something new to expand myself and since I’m celebrating my 20th year, I thought it will be something different, instead of doing a concert.”

Franco Laurel has played lead roles for musicals like Honk, Joseph The Dreamer, Sweeney Todd and Rama at Sita. The TV and film actor has appeared in hit dramas, such as FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and The Broken Marriage Vow.

The singer revealed that he has directed portions of his GMA 7 weekend show All-Out Sundays and collaborated with other directors, but nothing like a concert of this scale.

Mark’s directorial concert debut centers around a group of male friends who come together in a lounge or a green room where they exchange stories and experiences relating to Streisand songs.

Mark expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “It still has to be presented in a theatrical way, and at the end of the concert, I want the audience to say na sila pala talaga ang ‘Mr. Streisand!’”

Presented by Stages Sessions, Mr. Streisand will be staged on Feb. 10, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum. It will feature the country’s Filipino musical theater actors Audie Gemora, Michael Williams, Jett Pangan, Franco Laurel, Arman Ferrer and Michael de Mesa. Musical direction is by Rony Fortich.

(For ticket inquiries, call Jhun Aycardo at 0917-8298921, Nezzel Sacdalan, 0917-3185686 or Music Museum, 0917-5130909.)