Members of Filipino theatre group TOPi who will feature in “Scenes from the Stage: A tribute to Original Filipino Musicals” this coming Eid Al Adha (Photo: Rovic Cruz)
DOHA: Four of the most popular Filipino musicals are set to enthrall Filipinos in Doha this coming Eid Al Adha with the staging of “Scenes from the Stage: A tribute to Original Filipino Musicals” by Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy (TOPi), the only Filipino theatre group in Qatar.
“It’s a combination of four major Filipino musical plays namely “Katy,” “Magsimula Ka,” “Kenkoy Loves Rosing” and “Alikabok.” The two-hour show is sub-divided into four sections presenting highlights of the plays, so it’s like watching four musicals in one show,” Bryan Ricafrente, TOPi president, told local media yesterday.
The four featured plays, Ricafrente said, were chosen because they depict quintessential Filipino culture and heritage that overseas Filipino workers here can relate to.
“For instance, “Kenkoy and Rosing” has some portions which present something about overseas Filipino workers which will leave a mark in the hearts and minds of the audience,” he explained.
The show will feature excerpts from works of award-winning Filipino composers and lyricists including selections from “Magsimula Ka” written by Nestor Torre and Gines Tan which premiered in Manila in early 1980s known as the golden years of original Pilipino music (OPM).
The company will also breathe life into the works of Boy Norriega, Jr titled “Kenkoy Loves Rosing” with music by Bob Serrano and Archie Castillo and excerpts from the Filipino biographical musical based on the life of Katy de la Cruz, known as the Queen of Philippine vaudeville and jazz, written by Jose Javier Reyes with music by Ryan Cayabyab.
Completing the repertoire is another Cayabyab masterpiece titled “Alikabok” written by Noel Balmaceda.
Twenty-two active members of the non-profit group will feature in the show, each of whom will play several characters, noted Ricafrente.
Around 1,600 people are expected to watch the two shows (matinee at 3pm and gala (7pm) to be held at City Centre Rotana on September 2.
Since its inception 12 years ago, TOPi has been presenting shows comprising mostly Filipino musicals to bring Filipinos in Qatar closer to their country.
“Apart from showcasing Filipino talent and culture by bringing the shows here for those who cannot watch them in the Philippines, we also extend assistance to others,” he said.
This show, which is organized in cooperation with United Filipino Organisations in Qatar and Alliance of Filipino Journalists in Qatar, also aims to help in several projects of the Philippine Overseas Labour Office and UFOQ.
