THE stellar names that make up the original Filipino production, titled Dirty Old Musical (DOM), are more than enough to arouse interest for theater fans to catch it on its third run starting February 22.
Dexter Santos is directing from the script of Rody Vera. These two names alone are more than enough to ensure that quality is up on the list of must-haves for this musical undertaking. We have very high respect for these two creators, who are both low-key and definitely not into egoistic self-promotion strategies like some people we cringe at every time we open our social-media accounts. Both take their projects very seriously, produce excellent outputs and let their works speak for them.
Then there is musical director Myke Salomon, who is a composer, actor, singer, producer all rolled into one handsome package.
Of course, there is no need to introduce the frontliners. Nonie Buencamino is a thespian through and through, with decades of experience as a respected actor. His filmography is colorful, and he has been recognized for his many unforgettable performances in film, television and theater.
“I love doing musicals,” he volunteered, adding, “there’s something in a production where spoken words, melodies, and lyrics mix and create magic.”
We saw him in a local production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I a few years ago, and thought that his performance there was world class. We also saw him shine with his actress-wife Shamaine Buencamino in Mario O’Hara’s Stageshow at the Cultural Center of the Philippines some years back.
Miss Saigon alumnus Robert Seña is wearing two hats for the musical—he is both producer and actor. Coproducing is his wife Isay Alvarez-Seña, herself an accomplished performing artist. One of the songs in the musical is an original composition of Seña, titled “Tunay na Kaibigan.”
Seña shared, “In a way, the musical also pays tribute to the many wonderful original Filipino songs created by the masters and the icons of the music industry. We have songs from the newly proclaimed National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, rock icon Mike Hanopol and the late novelty artist Yoyoy Villame. The musical will also feature the hits of Wadab, Hajji Alejandro, Gary Valenciano, the Hagibis, Randy Santiago and the late Blakdyak.
Acclaimed rock star Jett Pangan has also joined the cast after John Arcilla begged off for this series, slated at the Music Museum in Greenhills.
We saw Pangan at his best in the local productions of Nine, Shrek the Musical, Jekyll and Hyde and Rock of Ages. We look forward to seeing him do the lead role in Sweeney Todd in the third quarter of this year.
“I am so passionate about theater. It gives me a unique kind of artistic high, too,” he said. For DOM, Pangan needs to rehearse the dance routines, a skill which he said he still needs to embraced fully.
Carlo Orosa is also part of the main cast, giving life to a closet who comes out to his band members. “It’s my first gay role ever and I’m glad that it’s very relevant during these times when people are more open and accepting.”
Also included is Bimbo Cerrudo, who hasn’t changed much after many years. Still as dashing as he was decades ago, Cerrudo, who is also a Miss Saigon alumnus, continues to be a sought-after performer for concerts and corporate events.
Cerrudo did a remake of Wadab’s “Pag Tumatagal, Lalong Tumitibay” during his younger years, which became a hit. And like the many inevitable cycles of life, this song is included in the musical.
These five men will be supported by Ima Castro, Tricia Jimenez, Neo Rivera, Kitkat, Anthony Castillo, Matel Patayon and Carlo Matobato. The musical, which we hope will be able to tour the key cities of the Philippines and a few overseas venues where there are a good number of Filipino residents and contract workers, runs until March 23.