Being the daughter of noted thespians Franco and Ayen Munji-Laurel can mean added pressure for a promising young artist, like Mariella Munji-Laurel. But she is taking everything in stride and certainly knows how to keep the pressure at bay. Like her folks, Mariella sings, acts and performs, and is taking each step toward her dream slowly but surely.
Interestingly, Mariella has added another facet to her artistic pursuits. She is making her debut this weekend as a director, by way of a musical revue, titled I Remember a Boy, to be staged at the performance venue called Arts Above along West Avenue in Quezon City.
Not only is Mariella directing but she’s also part of the young cast that includes Cathrine Go, Joe Henson, Miko Manguba, Philippe Go and Kathleen Francisco. She gladly shared with us the concept of her baby project, which is the Track Two of the Artist Playground Playlist.
“It’s about six close friends who got together and reminisced about their college years. Over food and drinks, they talked about beautiful memories and recalled unforgettable anecdotes. Things that needed closure were tackled, and feelings that needed to be dealt with were freely discussed, some even reopened.”
Wearing two hats is a formidable challenge, the young artist said. “Being both the director and part of the talent pool not only require a lot of focus but I needed to always strike a balance. I want each member of the cast to shine and I need to highlight each of their strengths as performers. I also needed to make sure that the narrative is clear and comprehensible, and the choice of materials are apt and well-suited. I’m just fortunate the team I’m working with is always on the same page as I am, that’s why working always feels light and fun.”
Mariella is lucky to have the multiawarded composer Jesse Lucas working on the songs, the arrangements and the overall content and flow of the musical aspect of the revue. “I strongly believe in what Mariella has to offer as an artist,” Jesse said. “She knows what she wants, and although this is her debut as a stage director, she is showing a lot of control, and her leadership comes with a lot of careful assessment and care. She keeps on surprising me.”
The musical director added, “The members will perform original Filipino songs from generations older than theirs, mostly classics and time tested, and give these songs a new dimension and interpretation. This musical revue excites me, as well, since I’m working with very young and promising artists and, who knows, future stars of the live performance circuit.”
After this weekend, Mariella has her sights already on the holiday performances of the local staging of A Christmas Carol.
Tickets for the 7 pm shows of I Remember a Boy on November 11 and 12 are available at Ticketworld. For inquiries, call 0975-9193179.