‘ONE MORE CHANCE, THE MUSICAL’...

The songs are wonderfully woven together by Myke’s wizardry to fit the text and the narrative. It helps that he’s also a fan, likening the composers to “the APO of our generation, who will stay forever and we will grow old with them.”

Myke also shared how the casting was difficult because “the chemistry between the characters is so delicate. At the same time, you have to sing and dance well. They need to be triple threats in telling the story.”

Sam Concepcion, indeed, lived up to this requirement, making the perfect Popoy which was so convincing, from his nagging ways to his misery which you could even empathize with until you remember it was his controlling nature that got him there in the first place. His singing and dancing with the ensemble were always on point and a joy to watch.

Anna Luna, who does film but is also a PETA stage regular, did the transformations of Basha effectively from being kept in reins to her independence and moments of regret.

Sheena Belarmino, a Star Magic artist, was a revelation, with a lovely singing voice that scaled the heightened emotions of Tricia.

Among the barkada, Johnnie Moran as Popoy’s loyal friend Chinno, gave a notable performance of both joviality and heartbreak, as did Poppert Bernadas as the level-headed “sage” in the group. For comic relief, Via Antonio as the frank, tough-loving Anj always had the perfect timing ,and Noemi Gonzales as Tita Edith was hilarious with her K-drama affectations.

The energy of the ensemble dancing to songs like Riding Home was quite infectious, with the image and melody playing in our minds after the show, but even the sentimental songs like Leaves were quite haunting, with words that give hope.

The musical, in fact, instills a certain optimism to give ourselves second chances, “to give ourselves grace to learn from mistakes, to break down so we can get to our breakthroughs.”

* * * One More Chance, The Musical is showing at the PETA Theater Center at 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, QC until June 30. Follow @petatheater on IG and FB for updates and get tickets at Ticketworld.

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