Reminiscing 80’s Through Xanadu

I had my hesitations watching Xanadu. I had no idea about the plot and it did not really appeal to me while I was in NYC for a vacation. Several months before the run, I found out that this was going to be staged here. I try as much as possible to watch musicals because not only is it way cheaper to watch in Manila, I also want for the Theatre Industry in our country to continue to encourage the production of this kind of art.

I didn’t know that Xanadu was a parody until I read a few articles about the musical. That got me wanting to watch because I am an easy audience. Also, I learned that there are on-stage seats. Meaning I will be watching the musical from the stage. I thought I will be seated on one of the sides, just how Ticketworld has laid-out. But I was directly behind the actors, and we, the on-stage audience, were actually part of the play. Now that was something new. 

After watching, I thought of how brilliant it was for the producers to think of this idea (I’m not sure if productions elsewhere do this). The producers did not have to get and pay extra people, and they were able to get us to pay them instead. Wise indeed. It was a good and fun experience as we were treated not only a closer look (albeit back view) of the actors, but to be part of the musical (I, in particular, got to hold one of the swaying clouds, haha).

I understand the lure of the stage. I had been part of it tirelessly when I was in school (not theatre in particular, since we did not have that back then in my school). Once a person is on stage, that person gets to be the centre of attention instantly. However, It is up to the person to maintain that attention. I was overhearing from where I was seated how the person behind me misses the stage. Truth be told, I do to. So much. It was where I felt most alive (several academic contests, declamation contests, recitals, etc.) though I equally love being behind the scene as well. For now, I treat my blog as a stage… a place where I am heard and where my works are showcased.

Upon going to RCBC, I forgot the most important thing. I left my wallet at home and it was a few minutes before the show started. I still had to get my ticket from Bel Pacheco (who’s very accommodating by the way) and subjected myself to a quick orientation regarding instructions on watching from the stage.

I was so shy letting Bel know but she even agreed for me to get the ticket and pay her after. Good thing the money came prior the show started and so I was able to pay and get the ticket, and made my way in the auditorium, then onto the stage.

Xanadu is a story about a bunch of muses, led by Clio (played by Rachel Alejandro), who wanted to go to Venice Beach, California, to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny Malone (played by Felix Rivera), to create a roller disco. The trouble was that an Australian in rollerblades Kira, Clio’s disguise while she was with Sonny, started to fall in love with the artist which would cause her eternal damnation.

Anyway, the following were my favourite parts:

• Suddenly number. This was hilarious. Clio and Sonny would instantly switch from being serious to suddenly singing once they get the cue that they would be singing. It was fun to watch.
• Melphomene and Calliope’s acts. I have to give it to Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda’s acting. They were great at throwing lines to each other and getting the audience involved in the musical. Chari was even touching one of us on-stage audience while she was singing which sent the audience laughing.
• Noel Trinidad was effective in portraying the role of Danny Maguire. He fits the role and he did some cool numbers although the younger version of his role, played by Anthony Ong, did tap-dancing that was quite impressive and made me hold my breath a little bit as he was doing a part of it on top of a table.
• The pastel world of Mt. Olympus which were the colours of the costumes of the actors. They were good to look at and would pop out of the black background I have (remember, my background was the audience). The costume of the horse (I failed to get the name of the character) was fantastic and the one who was playing the role was really funny. I wish they did this costume for Equus as well.

I wasn’t really fond of…

• my seat, or where I was seated to be exact. But for Php 400, I can’t complain. I’d probably not do this again unless I’d be placed on the sides. But then again the acoustics from where I was seated was a bit off. It was quite confusing for me too as I hear the actors speak and sing in their true voices and hear them from the speaker at the same time. Also, I like seeing the details of a musical that’s why I mostly watch in front center or front sides.

The stage was humble yet effective. The audience was given a lighting device or a lighting toy to which we used when the stage turned into one big disco party.

For those who didn’t catch the run last time, fret not. There will be a repeat, end of November until early December if I’m not mistaken. But if you’re free on the 27th of November, you can call 09155036218 or 09228237175. I’m not quite sure if there will be on-stage tickets this time around. Enjoy!