‘One More Chance’: Differences, similarities between movie and musical
MANILA, Philippines — Did “One More Chance, The Musical” live up to the expectations set by the blockbuster movie? The stage play adaptation of ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.’s “One More Chance” was faithful to the original movie in terms of the storyline, dialogues, themes and the characters involved.
It was like watching the romantic-drama film come to life and reliving the love story of Popoy and Basha (originally played by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo), a long-time couple navigating new challenges in their relationship.
The inclusion of folk-pop band Ben&Ben’s song in the remake of the 2007 hit movie blended well in executing the poignant scenes from the flick.
The STAR was able to see the musical at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater Center in Quezon City last April 27 during its 2 p.m. run co-presented by Metrobank.
Sam Concepcion was the one who portrayed Popoy and Nicole Omillo as Basha during the three-hour Saturday show.
The reimagined version presented the unforgettable scenes from the motion picture — Popoy and Basha unexpectedly meeting at a hotel, exchange of conversations inside Popoy’s car, the confrontation part, and the “chicken skin” scene. The steamy bed scenes of Popoy and Basha were also carried out with Sam and Nicole having to share a real kiss on stage.
The awkward scenes of Popoy, Basha and the former’s new girlfriend Trisha — essayed by Maja Salvador in the movie and Kiara Takahashi in the stage adaptation — were also reenacted. Such sequence involved the first encounter of Popoy’s ex, Basha, and Trisha inside a car after Basha’s vehicle broke down and the current couple came to pick her up. They met again in a hospital when their friend Chinno (played by Johnnie Moran in the musical and Janus del Prado in the movie) was admitted because his fiancée ended their engagement.
In the musical, they incorporated the use of modern technology and digital elements, like the water flow effects, as shown in the projection stage backgrounds and new models of smartphones used by the actors.
“Hard launch,” “talking stage,” and other modern dating terms were likewise embedded into the script.
Nevertheless, the famous “hugot” lines of the lead actors were integrated as well — when Basha told Popoy, “Sana ako pa rin. Ako na lang. Ako na lang ulit,” “I wanna stop wondering, ‘What if,’ I want to know, ‘What is.’” And when Popoy said to Basha, “She (Trisha) had me at my worst. You had me at my best. Pero binalewala mo lang lahat yun,” “And you chose to break my heart,” and other heart-wrenching dialogues that made an impact on both movie and stage play audiences.
Hope, love, and chances as themes, in general, were tackled in the show. It also delved into issues that resonated with the audience, such as self-esteem, self-worth, self-love, and mental health.
The performances of the actors were commendable as they showcased their acting, dancing and vocal chops in the show. Sam (“Little Big Star,” “Mga Anghel na Walang Langit,” “Super Inggo”) and Nicole’s (“The Rain in EspanÞa,” “Safe Skies, Archer”) chemistry was there.
During the Saturday’s run, the cast members who comprised the Thursday Barkada were Johnnie as Chinno, Jon Abella as JP, Dippy Areo as Anj, Rica Laguardia as Krizzy, and Paji Arceo as Kenneth. Jat Gonzaga as Mark, Basha’s male friend, who was portrayed by Derek Ramsay in the movie.
The featured tracks of Ben&Ben encapsulated the dramatic scenes of the play, triggering certain emotions among the audience. The poetic, earnest tunes of Araw-Araw, Maybe The Night, Dahilan, Magpahinga, Upuan, Pagtingin, Doors, Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay, Leaves, The Ones We Once Loved, Kathang-Isip, and other songs perfectly reflected the themes and message of the story.
“Embarking on this journey has been a profound experience for us. It fills our hearts to witness the lyrics, melodies, and instrumental arrangements we crafted, combined with the rich tapestry of emotions in ‘One More Chance’ — heartbreak, growth, and maturity,” remarked Ben&Ben in a statement who were thrilled over the inclusion of their music into the play.
Overall, the “One More Chance, The Musical” is worth a watch. One can glean valuable lessons on relationships, friendship, and other related themes, and of course, experience the story of Popoy and Basha and enjoy the musical treatment of Ben&Ben hits.
Both the movie and the play had a happy ending for the two lead characters. Given that the film released a sequel “A Second Chance” in 2015, it begs the question, “Will there also be ‘A Second Chance The Musical’ sometime in the future?”
“One More Chance, The Musical” was helmed by Maribel Legarda (“Rak of Aegis,” “Caredivas,” “William,” “Pamana”) with playwright by Michelle Ngu-Nario (“Ang Parangal,” “Babae Ang Bukas,” “WFH,” and “Charot!”).
“One More Chance, The Musical” will run until June 30 at the PETA Theater Center.
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