Philippine STAR: At what age did you join theater?
Charlie Barredo: I dont remember precisely but Ive probably been doing this since I was in diapers.
What made you pursue this craft?
Need I say more? My family, of course. Theyre the ones who inspired me to join Repertory. Honestly, its one of the best decisions Ive ever made in my entire life.
So, it runs in the family?
Well, I guess you could say that.
What are some of your most notable works?
In Secret Garden, I played Mary Lennox the young, sickly girl who befriends Colin. It was a challenge for me, both in acting and singing as her character required so much depth and emotion. I also starred in Forty Carats which was I consider to be my first straight play. Although technically, Miracle Worker was my first play. But I was a kid back then. It was different.
How has theater changed your life?
Well for one, its done wonders for my personality. Theatre gives you the confidence to go out into the world headstrong to not be afraid of meeting new people and living out new experiences. Likewise, the discipline that is taught in Rep is seriously one of the most helpful lessons youll come by in life.
Kare, whats your dream role?
Evita! Definitely Evita! I can picture myself in her shoes, overcoming all those ordeals that she had to go through to get to the top. In a way, Im like her defining myself with each new trial that comes my way. And, ahem, Id like to own Argentina someday.
Who do you look up to in this business?
Besides my tata (referring to the late Bibot Amador) and my mom, I really admire Lea Salonga. That girl started from scratch and made a name for herself on her own. Look at her now. Shes gone to international lengths with Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Flower Drum Song and so many other accomplishments honestly, one of the greatest Filipinos of today. Go, Lea!
Hail Lea! Hail! Whats it like to be a Barredo?
Im proud of the history, hard work and passion that have gone into shaping the Barredo name. Im very privileged to be one but I try not to take advantage of it.
Do you feel any pressures of any kind with being a Barredo?
Yes, yes, yes and yes! Though, I try not to be consumed by it too much. Like most teens, Im also still trying to figure out what I want to do in life. A lot is expected of me but I try to keep it real pursuing what I want to pursue and not what others deem me to.
What are you up to besides theater?
Im taking up Media Production at the Assumption College. I want to be an anchorwoman someday.
Fantastic! Who are your idols?
Without a doubt, Maria Resa and Veronica Pedrosa.
What else are you into?
I like painting with acrylic, reading although now I cant seem to find the time to read, hanging out with friends and going out at night. P.S. I absolutely hate waking up in the morning.
Tell me about it. How are you able to balance school, your other interests, and acting?
I honestly dont know. Kare, I want you to put in there: "I look at her and I see the pain and agony in her eyes." (Note: And so I put it.) Its stressful but Im still alive.
How are you still alive?
Major sucking up to teachers. Im kidding. Well, it takes a lot of patience, determination, the drive to succeed, 99 percent perspiration and that 1 percent inspiration.
Ok, lets get to Nobodys Perfect. What role do you play here?
I play the role of Dee Dee, the daughter of Leonard played by Miguel Faustmann. Shes a spunky, intelligent teenager who knows her way around and gets what she wants.
Can you relate to this role?
Sorta. Although were total opposites, I really like how shes so smart for her age. Shes very open-minded and liberal about things, probably because shes European. I also like that she has a close relationship with her dad. Oh, and I love the British accent!
Wow, I cant wait to see the show! To sum up, what advice can you give to young people out there who are aspiring to become theatre actors someday?
Know what you want and know who you are before you get into anything. Once you do, youll have to stick to it and do whatever it takes. Never-ever quit and for starters, join a workshop! Believe me, itll be one of the best things youll ever do in life. Right kare?
Amen!
The musical will be staged at the Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt 1 tonight at 8 p.m., tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Feb.5 at 3:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Repertory Philippines at 887-0710.