History vividly staged/3 pianists/RP Sinatra

With “Cory the Musical” set for Jan. 16 and 17, 2009 at the Meralco Theater, I deliberately delayed commenting on a past performance with the modest hope of renewing public interest in the forthcoming show.

Scene after scene — there are 30 scenes in all — recreates a most significant chapter in our contemporary history relating to the martial law period and shortly thereafter, and vividly portrays its principal characters. Singer-actress Isay Alvarez eloquently and persuasively delineates Cory; Sherwin Siozon takes on the role of Ninoy, forcefully singing and acting his way throughout the musical.

Robert Seña, who has an uncannily striking resemblance to the controversial President Ferdinand Marcos, both in manner and speech, is compelling and arresting in whatever scene he appears. Ninoy’s strong, often overwhelming presence occasionally reduces Cory to a lesser figure. Pinky Marquez is brilliantly flamboyant as Imelda Marcos; Robert Arevalo, a thoroughly seasoned actor, is the reporter who is initially at cross-purposes with Cory. Versatile Lou Veloso, Andy Bais, Rito Asilo and Ed Sicam assume various secondary roles indispensable to the all-too-familiar history being recounted.

The domestic scenes, tender and heart-warming, portray Cory and Ninoy as a devoted couple and caring parents. Ninoy’s striking imprisonment and isolation draw empathy and compassion; Cory’s fortitude shines as she suffers loneliness and defeat.

One of the most stirring and dramatic episodes, the Ninoy-Marcos encounter, conveys the stark and glaring contrast between the two protagonists.

The mourning and singing over Ninoy’s bier by Isay Alvarez (Cory) and Sheila Parducho (Doña Aurora Aquino) seem rather overextended but the entrance of the black-garbed singing mourners who encircle the bier is deeply moving. The playwright may have purposely blurred the focus of the rally — with several dialogues going on simultaneously — to heighten tension and suspense, and call to mind People Power at its fullest force.

Considerable research must have been undertaken by playwright-director Nestor U. Torre Jr. for his fast-paced, vibrant drama. Composer-producer Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel, wife of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel who himself was incarcerated during that turbulent period, describes the musical as “A tribute to a beloved President from a grateful nation.” A home-grown, self-taught musician, Bing comes up with beautifully lyrical and “singable” compositions.

“Cory the Musical” is the latest collaboration between Torre and Pimentel, one of their many resounding successes.

Lyricists are Nestor, Bing and Noelani Torre. Musical director is Leo Quinito. Choreographer Rito Asilo imaginatively enlivens the musical.

Every Filipino should see the presentation which instills in viewers patriotism, love of country and, not the least, love of freedom.

Outstandingly talented pianists Dr. Jose Artemio Panganiban III, Pia D. Balasico and Abelardo-Galang II will perform in concert on Jan. 9 at the CCP main theater.

Panganiban, holder of a BM degree (summa cum laude, UP) won an award at the 5th International Sonoda Contest in Oita, Japan, and was granted a German scholarship. He has performed in several local venues and in the CCP Filipino Artists Series.

A former child prodigy, Basilico has a BM degree (magna cum laude, UP). She won 3rd prize in a Beethoven tilt, and first in a Liszt contest. She was soloist with the MMSO for the 1980 Inter-Parliamentary Union delegates, and has played at major concert halls in Manila.

Galang, “grand prix” winner of the 1992 Philippine Piano Competition, earned an MM degree in Tokyo’s Academy of Music. He further studied in the State Academy of Sofia, Bulgaria, and in Berlin where he is finishing his doctorate.

In a Mozart Concerto, the PPO under Chino Toledo will assist the pianists.

Marc Andanar, touted as RP’s Frank Sinatra, gave a concert to lusty applause. To mark Sinatra’s recent birth anniversary, a video titled “Once upon a Turn Table” was aired over Channel 13 with Marc as performer and Pinky Amador as host. Marc sang again onstage, with pianist Greg Amaguin opening the show. How often clubs and five-star hotels invite Marc to sing!