After 100 Years, What Next?/'Little Women': Delightful!

The latest book of former V-P Salvador “Doy” H. Laurel, entitled “After 100 Years, What Next?”, was written in 1999. His charming widow Celia Diaz Laurel, who had discovered the manuscript in a drawer, finally decided to publish it.

At its launch at the Manila Polo Club, Lyceum President Peter Laurel, Atty. Ave Cruz, Sen. Ralph Recto and former Prime Minister Cesar Virata referred to Doy as a “visionary”, Cruz likening him to Nostradamus and his book to Rizal’s “The Philippines a Century Hence”. Virata, whom emcee Iwi Laurel said Doy had regarded as the only saving grace of the Marcos administration, quoted extensively from the book, stressing that if Doy’s suggestions therein had served as guide to past regimes, our country would not be in its present distressing plight.

The speakers emphasized Doy’s patriotism, his unwavering love for country, his keen perception of its problems, and determination to make it a better place to live in.

The speakers had glowing praise for Celia, the devoted and loving wife who steadfastly stood by Doy through triumph and travail.

Every adult Filipino should read “After 100 Years, What Next?” It is a “must” for all government officials who have sworn to serve the country with absolute loyalty and integrity. As Doy writes in his dedication: “Ang bayan higit sa lahat!”

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In a scene from the Broadway musical “Little Women”, Repertory Philippines’ current production at Onstage Theater, the cast members alternately say “Delightful!”. The word totally applies to the show directed by Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, with Baby Barredo as artistic director and Joy Virata as her associate.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiography, Little Women depicts four daughters, their mother and an unseen father who is Union Army Chaplain to soldiers in the American Civil War. The March family is very much like a Filipino family with its petty jealousies, quarrels and confrontations but deeply united in love, nevertheless.

The dominant daughter is played by Caisa Borromeo. She is magnificent as Jo, the passionate, determined, indomitable writer who desperately wants to be published.

Every member of the cast fits her/his role admirably. Miguel Faustmann portrays to perfection Mr. Lawrence, the neighbor who hides his soft-as-putty heart beneath a hard-as-nails exterior. Joy Virata, Aunt March, dressed to the gills to indicate her immense wealth, is terrifyingly haughty and cold as ice. The romance angle is provided by a most convincing Jeff Arcilla. As Professor Blair, he is a charmingly awkward, timid, reluctant suitor whose demeanor is eloquently complemented by Caisa who, despite her overpowering literary ambition, is after all a real woman with feminine fantasies.

The other male players — Jack Salud as the ardent suitor John Brooke, Jaime Barcelon as Mr. Lawrence’s buoyant grandson Laurie — considerably heighten the veracity of the plot.

Lora Nicolas as the romantic Meg, Cara Barredo as the sickly Beth, and Kelly Lati as the jealous Amy who burns Jo’s manuscripts delineate their respective roles exceedingly well. So do Pinky Marquez as Marmee March, a very affectionate if not a very strong-willed mother, and Mayen Bustamante as Cadd.

Set designer Joey Mendoza deserves lusty plaudits for his towering, transparent glass curtain through which the audience sees characters miming the dialogue. It creates the ambiance of the period, its painted horse-and-carriage, pedestrians and huge edifice harking back to the 19th century.

The other stage props are all of a piece with the glass curtain as also the costumes designed by Tuxos Rutaquio. Kudos as well to production manager Ria Pangilinan and stage managers Ed Lacson and Mercy Undaundo whose seamless, smooth and swift scenery changes point up professionalism as one of Repertory’s trademarks.

FilHarmonika director Gerard Salonga displays his versatility conducting popular music as well as he does classic, his flair and brio enhancing the not-so-lyrical songs vibrantly rendered by the cast, and most dazzlingly by Caisa.

To repeat: “Little Women” is a truly delightful, must-see musical.