Aboard the nostalgia train of hit PH musicals
Hit Filipino musicals streamed online are all the rage in the time of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), as evidenced by “Ang Huling El Bimbo” that got more than seven millions views during its two-day run over the weekend. What’s next?
The answer comes from the Cultural Center of the Philippines: Superhero musical “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal.”
To be streamed for one week starting May 30 via the CCP YouTube channel, the story is based on the graphic novel of the same title by Carlo Vergara and performed by Tanghalang Pilipino actors. “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal” follows the adventure of a gay beauty salon owner who transforms into a voluptuous superhero.
With this, many people wonder about the chances of musical “Rak of Aegis” for streaming. Is it possible, Philippine Educational Theater Association?
According to an article on The Conversation by Emily Abrams Ansari, “music critics have suggested there is an increased preference for music that is comforting, familiar and nostalgic.”
No wonder “El Bimbo” streamed online was a hit as it features songs by the iconic group Eraserheads.
“Rak of Aegis” uses the songs of another iconic group, Aegis, to move the story forward.
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The streaming of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Musical” is just one of many archival recordings and shows in HD of CCP to air in May dubbed National Heritage Month.
Catch one of Ballet Philippines’ most celebrated productions, “Tales of the Manuvu,” on May 14, 3 p.m. Choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes in 1976, this dance production tells the creation story of the Manobo tribe from Mindanao.
“Mir-I-Nisa,” another Philippine dance treasure, takes the virtual center stage on May 16, 3 p.m. Based on the story by National Artist for Literature Jose Garcia Villa, the Philippine Ballet Theatre dancers bring to life the tale of a Muslim princess who follows the Muslim betrothal custom.
“Ugnayan sa Sining: Perlas ng Silangan” streams on May 19. It features four prominent regional performing groups, namely the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) of MSU-IIT in Iligan City, the Maskara Theater Ensemble of USLS Bacolod, the Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts from
Angeles City, Pampanga, and the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe Rondalla from the National Capital Region.
Another Ballet Philippines production will premiere on May 21. The CCP resident dance company presents its version of the classic Shakespeare tale about star-crossed lovers.
Enjoy world-class orchestral music with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra on May 23. The online show will feature the PPO Concert Series V.
On its seventh week, fashion and ballet come together on May 26 with the Michael Cinco x Ballet Philippines Autumn-Fall 2020 show. Produced to celebrate the golden anniversary of BP, the one-night gala features Swan Lake-inspired dance choreography by Alden Lugnasin and the couture fashion collection by designer Michael Cinco.
Musician Joey Ayala and Ballet Philippines reunite in “Encantada,” premiering on the CCP YouTube channel on May 28. Presented as the opening salvo for BP’s 42nd dance season, it centers around the sovereign spirit ofthe mountain.