By ISABELLA OLIVARES
When Filipino jukebox musical Sa Wakas announced its return to the stage four years after its debut run, many theater fans cried out in joy. But is the new production worth a trip to the theater?
(Love triangle: Lexi, Topper and Gabbi find themselves trapped in their own relationships)
Set to the songs of popular rock band Sugarfree, Sa Wakas depicts the end of the five-year relationship between photographer Topper (played by Vic Robinson and Pepe Herrera) and surgeon Lexi (Caisa Borromeo and Cara Barredo), as well as the beginning of Topper’s relationship with writer Gabbi (Justine Peña and Maronne Cruz). It is directed by Andrei Pamintuan, who co-wrote the script with Mariane Abuan and Charissa Pammit, and is musically arranged and directed by Ejay Yatco. The play reopened last Jan. 12 at the Power Mac Spotlight Theater with Vic, Caisa and Justine in the lead roles.
(Sweet beginnings)
Told in an inverted time structure, the plot revolves around the typical love triangle: an indecisive protagonist finds himself torn between two women who are polar opposites — one an ambitious type-A personality, and the other an artistically inclined free spirit. This formulation is inevitably accompanied by a number of romantic clichés (moments of potential discovery, coincidental meetings, etc.). But these clichéd moments and characters are what speak to the audience; everyone can identify with Lexi’s heartbreak, Gabbi’s lovelorn grieving or even with Topper’s stubborn indecision. Rather than being hindered by its commonplace tropes, the play takes ownership of them. The audience is kept engaged by the use of familiar jokes, catchphrases and pop references that serves as a time capsule of the era in which the story is taking place, without having to be too specific.
Beautifully arranged and performed, the musical numbers definitely tug the heartstrings in most of the scenes. But like many relationships, Sa Wakas isn’t always perfect. Some may diasgree but for this writer, Topper’s exchange with his brother in “Dear Kuya” is an unnecessary for the development of the plot as a whole, and gives the impression that it was written into the story as a way to include as many Sugarfree songs as possible.
Still, the music gives the show its pulsing energy, especially when it’s brought to life by the talented actors who perform them. Theater veteran Caisa absolutely shines as Lexi and weaponizes every syllable with her powerhouse vocals and seamless acting. Vic’s gorgeous rock star vocals are enough to give a whole new meaning to the words “rock musical.” Justine’s performance as Gabbi is quite charming, but it’s when she sings that her acting comes fully into its element. Accompanying the three leads is a terrific ensemble made up of Hans Dimayuga, Abi Sulit, Moira Lozada and Laui Guico. These four elevate the show with their comedic timing and palpable presence.
All in all, Sa Wakas is a refreshing theatrical experience for both the slightly jaded romantic and the OPM fan alike. While not entirely flawless, it does enchant the audience with its emotional familiarity and its soaring rock score.
(The cast of Sa Wakas takes a bow on opening night)
Sa Wakas runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 12 at the Power Mac Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati. For tickets, visit www.sawakasmusical.com or www.facebook.com/SaWakasTheMusical
