Jukebox musical brings ‘70s nostalgia on stage
THE younger generation may know APO Hiking Society through the modern remakes of their hits. But what if their classic songs become the backbone of a story that is set back in time but still holds true today?
That amount of nostalgia and intrigue is exactly what 9Works Theatrical and Globe Live had in mind when they created the blockbuster “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!”
The musical — which had its premier run in August 2018 — features the original songs written by the legendary trio of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garovillo but given a new twist.
Written and directed by Robbie Guevara, the restaging of the show opened on February 2 and will run until March 17 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater. And while this year’s edition features new cast members and alternates, EtoNa!Musikal
nAPO! is once again expected to see sold-out nights.
According to theater fans, given that jukebox musicals rely on songs that are already hits, the plot and writing comes next in giving a cohesive and memorable show.
Set in the 1970s during Martial Law, Eto Na!Musika ln APO! follows a group of friends in college who work hard to win a singing and songwriting competition amidst troubled relationships, insecurities, and self-discovery, all while hurrying home to make it on time for curfew.
Right from the opening song “Blue Jeans,” the show stays true to tell a story that keeps the audience’s attention on stage. Because intense political and coming-of-age themes are still relevant today, Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! allows all generations to relate and understand one another.
Just like its first run, a mix of both OPM and theater fans were in the audience. Millennials would bring their parents to the show to relive the colorful 70s era. Parents, meanwhile, take their millennial kids to learn history through music.
Arguably, the musical is a hit for both generations because it mixes serious theme with comedic elements.
Now, if that cannot convince people to go and catch Eto Na! Musikal
nAPO!, maybe the legendary APO Hiking Society members’ approval will do the trick.
“Quite honestly, I was not prepared to see what I saw. I was more than surprised and delighted. I was ecstatic!” Jim Paredes proudly expressed in a statement.