Experience this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic like never before in this innovative "deconstructed" production from Toff De Venezia!
After nearly three years away from the stages of Manila, Repertory Philippines makes its triumphant return to live performances with one of Rogers & Hammerstein's most beloved pieces, the energetic, emotional, and stirring classic Carousel. Originally slated to become the hallmark of their 2020 season, the pandemic caused the whole theater industry to come to a long dramatic pause, so it never materialized. However, many things had happened in the last two years including sex scandals, the Me Too movement and the Depp vs. Heard case sparking conversations about domestic abuses, as well as the effects of long isolations under lockdown restrictions as well as the aftermath of a chaotic Philippine presidential elections, the musical's message of never walking alone and wanting to get another chance in life is ever so timely and fitting as we enter the holiday season and the onset of 2023.
And not only is this musical timely and relevant, but also the show's director Toff De Venezia enhanced the Carousel experience even further to help connect it to millenial and Gen Z theatergoers by adding unique elements that reflect the emotions of abuse in the post-MeToo society and how making known its effects can spark conversations and bring light and help to people affected by this. The musical emotion is leveled even further by bringing the show to a much smaller stage and condensing the orchestra down to only two pianos as well as reducing the whole ensemble, bringing attention the the struggles and shortcomings of the primary characters. However the overall message of this show (and never will get old despite how this show was altered) is that "You will never walk alone". Despite how bad things in the world will become, there will always be hope of starting again and working to become better people and live to understand how to ease the pain of life.
In the midst of all the drama that had unfolded in this next-gen production of a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the fact that two of the country's prime TV and music talent are at the helm of this cutting edge production, namely Karylle Tatlonghari, well-known recording artist, and Gian Magdangal, who has had numerous starring roles on TV and the stage. The chemistry between Karylle and Gian as Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow respectively is, in my honest opinion, a very thoughtful choice for the two lead characters because of the way they can truly bring justice to the delivery of roles that have become iconic in the musical theater canon. I could speak for hours about Gian's portrayal of Billy Bigelow , because the simple truth is that he never chose the role, rather, the role of Billy chose him. And that is evident enough in how much emotion and devotion that he gave to the role, how much he wanted to spend his time with Julie Jordan, and after his suicide, how much he wanted to make amends to Julie and give her another chance in life. He is absolutely phenomenal in this role and it surely hits him very well.
Karylle on the other hand, is very darling in this presentation. The role of Julie Jordan brings out all the best she could ever be, whether it be belting out high notes or reaching her low point in the death of Billy Bigelow as well as finding a new passion in life when raising her daughter Louise, she brings her grace to the stage and never drops an ounce of spirit in bringing such an iconic character to life. Top that all off with razor sharp dance moves then you get a emotional rollercoaster ride that takes you to the depths and heights of humanity in an unforgettable thrill ride of a musical.
The emotions of the story, the weight and relevance of the show's themes, and how Toff brought the show to a whole new level just by deconstructing it, it is such a perfect combination for the comeback of one of the country's most respected performing arts organizations. No wonder tickets are selling out faster than a spinning carousel.
Make sure you catch this ride while you can, the last show on Sunday December 17 is completely sold out and all other subsequent shows before that are close to selling out, so if you can, never miss this chance to experience this beloved tale reimagined and remastered for modern theatergoers.
Tickets are available through TicketWorld at 8911-9999 or at the CCP Box Office.
