By JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
In recent years, the local theater scene seems to have found its voice in contemporary music, what with the prevalence of jukebox musicals such as Sa Wakas (which featured the songs of Sugarfree) and Rak of Aegis. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before one of the most iconic bands of the ’90s gets its theatrical treatment.
Well, the long wait is over. The Eraserheads is now part of musical and theatrical history with Resorts World Manila and Full House Theater Company’s Ang Huling El Bimbo. Produced in cooperation with Ultimate Shows, Inc., the story follows four friends who spent their youth together, before life got in the way and tore them apart.
Directed by Dexter M. Santos and co-directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, the play opens with a rather morbid scene featuring Jon Santos, Gian Magdangal and OJ Mariano. However, the gritty beginning soon evolves into something more youthful (and almost too saccharine) as the stage transforms into a carnival of nostalgia, with the likes of “Minsan,” “Tindahan ni Aleng Nena,” and “Pare Ko,” playing into the story.
To be honest, the ensemble scenes, which can be polished some more, at times feel a little too noisy and hyperactive. There’s drinking, horsing around and bumming around. There’s dorm life, love life, slice of life… chummy little innuendos that lead one into believing that Ang Huling El Bimbo is an indulgent fare for the ’90s kid.
Yet after lulling the viewer into a false sense of security, it delivers a sucker punch – and there, the play finally establishes its tone. This is not Ang TV or TGIS. And in its darkness, it finds its brilliance.
The dark side
The stark contrast of the ultra-upbeat start and the grim realities presented in its second half make each ends of the spectrum more effective. Dingdong Novenario effectively pens a story that brushes on the many realities of life; touching on sensitive subjects like abuse, drugs, marital strife and violence, without the tackiness and heavy-handed approach that usually plague such subjects.
Ang Huling El Bimbo also evolves into something more engaging as the story zeroes in on its four leads. The lead actors – Tanya Manalang, Topper Fabregas, Boo Gabunada and Reb Altadero – display chemistry and charm in all their scenes, which capture the almost nonsensical yet genuine bond we share with the friends of our youth. The actors, especially Tanya and Reb, also effectively portray the cluelessness of teenagers when “it” hits the fan.
The older versions of the leads – played by Gian Magdangal, Jon Santos, OJ Mariano and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo – also effectively portray the quandaries of people who have been hardened by life. Each one gives a convincing and nuanced performance, although it’s Gian who stands out, especially when he sings his parts. Menchu, on the other hand, exudes impressive depth as a woman hardened by her own tragedies (although her singing may sometimes strike the viewer as too posh for the role she is portraying).
Another standout is Sheila Francisco, who plays the doting, sacrificing aunt/voice of wisdom with much passion. Her operatic voice, juxtaposed with numbers like Shirley is as amusing as her character is endearing.
One thing that works against the actors are the giant screens of the Newport Performing Arts Theater. While well-meaning, the screens zoom in and break some illusions that the distance between stage and audience protects. (For instance, Jon Santos, while in great shape, is obviously no contemporary to Gian Magdangal, once the cameras get up close and personal). Best to train your eyes on the main stage at all times to immerse yourself in the story completely.
All in all, Ang Huling El Bimbo is easily one of the best from Resorts World Manila. The storyline borders on the exceptional, the music is good, and of course, Eraserheads is magic. Moreover, it has a haunting quality that makes you love, hate and empathize with its characters – even long after the curtains are drawn.
Yes, it may betray you with its grit, but its one traitor you couldn’t help but love.
Ang Huling El Bimbo runs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in RWM until September 2, with shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets are now available at the RWM Box Office and all TicketWorld outlets.
