‘West Side Story’ stars discover the different facets of PH
Theater actors Lance Hayes and Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, an American and Puerto Rican, respectively, are excited to be in Manila for “West Side Story.”
Theater actors Lance Hayes and Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, an American and Puerto Rican, respectively, are excited to be in Manila for “West Side Story.”
Both first-time visitors, they are thrilled checking out different attractions in the metro.
Lance said, “We’re just walking around, exploring beautiful places.”
And food. Waldemar revealed ensaymada is now his favorite while Lance, who is familiar with Filipino food having grown up with Filipino friends, can’t get enough of fried lumpia.
“I’m obsessed with lumpia. As a kid, I was grabbing every single piece,” he shared.
Admitting they didn’t know much about the country before setting foot here, the two are thrilled to hang out with locals.
“Hanging out with people, some of them taking us out, now we know what we should do while here. We just need to find time to do them all as we are now busy with rehearsals,” Lance said.
They hope to learn some Filipino words and visit Philippine beaches in the coming days.
Emotional journey
Lance and Waldemar believe many Pinoys will enjoy “West Side Story,” which is based on Shakespeare’s, “Romeo And Juliet.” Set in New York, it tells the story of two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, led by Riff and Bernardo, respectively. The two groups are fighting over control of the streets. The conflict gets bigger when Riff’s best friend, Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with Bernardo’s younger sister Maria.
“The dancing is incredible, very timeless. The songs are beautiful, too. The show will definitely take you on an emotional journey,” Lance said.
They revealed the production stayed true to the original.
“It’s a classic, its very well written. I think it’s very well placed and I think it progresses in a very good way,” Lance related.
“The show is ageless,” Waldemar added. “Even if it debuted in the ’50s, many could still relate to it today.”
Lance hopes Pinoys would go beyond merely enjoying the fantastic choreography and the timeless songs but also grasp its message as “the world is full of racism and it’s still a very big deal.”
“I think it would be great if we all understand that we all need to be more accepting of other cultures, other races, and hope for a better world for everyone,” he added.
For Waldemar it all boils down to love.
“It doesn’t matter where, what, how, love will always win. It takes time but love always win over hate.”
The original 1957 Broadway production was nominated for six Tony Awards and won Best Choreographer and Best Scenic Designer.
Always new
Lance and Waldemar have performed as part of “West Side Story” all over the globe including London, Paris, Sydney, and Berlin – yet they still get nervous before every performance.
The actors try to relax themselves by doing vocal warm ups. They also have individual rituals.
“I like to take a hot shower just before a show,” Lance said. “Sometimes I fill the tub with warm water and just sit there and relax.”
Waldemar, on the other hand, relaxes by listening to music.
We asked the two how different audiences are from around the world and they said, “Some are quiet, some are loud, it all depends on the culture of the place but for most parts, people are really appreciative.”
Waldemar added, “The crowd reaction makes every performance unique and special, because we feed on it. We get pumped up depending on how people respond. In a way, this makes every performance always new.”
In the show, Waldemar portrays the role of Bernardo.
“Bernardo is very protective of his family because he has seen and experienced discrimination,” Waldemar related. “This is also why he is mad at the Jets, the rival gang.” Lance is Riff. “My character is no different from Bernardo,” Lance said. “He also feels discriminated for who he is. To protect himself, he joins the Jets, whom he considers family.”
The international tour plays for a limited three-week season at The Theatre at Solaire till Aug. 27.