Theater Review: They're Playing Our Song

Fallin' is one of my most favorite songs back in my younger days. I didn't know, at the time, that it came from a musical and that it was originally sung by a guy! The other night, I heard it sang live, in context, on stage by the talented Lorenz "Loy" Martinez. 

I am so glad I got to watch the press preview of 9 Works Theatrical's wonderful, wonderful production of They're Playing Our Song. Get ready to hear some of the best songs composed for theater! Once again, this theater company managed to blow away the audience with a beautiful story, a very talented cast, an awesome orchestra in 9PO, and great music along with the efforts of the hardworking people behind the scenes. 

I'm likewise glad to see Nikki Gil back on stage and playing the lead role again. Nikki's portrayal of Sonia Walsk is endearing. She is very impressive especially when she sings and make those funny expressions.

I also love how Loy played Vernon Gersch. After his fantastic portrayal of Snoopy (where he shone even as a dog!) in last year's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, I'm glad he's finally playing the lead role. As mentioned during the Q and A after the show, we had glimpses of Chandler Bing's (played by Matthew Perry in hit sitcom Friends) character in Vernon which is a good peg given that the story is set in New York.

Audiences would likewise enjoy hearing Sonia's "girls" and Vernon's "boys" sing along with the main characters as they add entertainment and more comic relief to the musical numbers. They are composed of some of today's finest theater personalities including Peachy Atilano, Anna Santamaria, Jill Pena, James Stacey, Reb Atadero, and Noel Rayos.

The set design is really something. Kudos to Director Robbie Guevarra and Mio Infante for pulling off the smooth transitions from one scene to another. Congratulations are in order too, to choreographer Gemini Quintos, and, of course, musical director Joseph Tolentino. For the complete list of the artistic and production teams, please read my previous blog post where I've also included the storyline and other backgrounders about They're Playing Our Song.

This not-to-be-missed show runs until March 3 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Makati. For tickets, call 9 Works Theatrical at 586-7105, 0917-5545560, or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.9workstheatrical.com, like their Facebook fan page (9workstheatrical) or follow them on Twitter (@9WT).

You can see more photos taken during the press preview here. Thanks a heap Direk Robbie for giving me permission to take pictures! :)