Steven Silva: From Starstruck’s Ultimate Survivor to theater’s new romantic lead

Steven Silva has been a fixture of the Kapuso Network's shows as an actor, a host, and a dancer. Now he is showcasing another talent—singing—in one of the season's most anticipated productions.

“We're giving Steven Silva his break as a romantic lead,” said 9 Works Theatrical’s director Robbie Guevara in an exclusive interview with GMA News Online during rehearsals for the theater company's latest production, "La Cage aux Folles."

In the musical, the Kapuso actor shares the stage with theater stalwart Audie Gemora and TV/film star Michael de Mesa.

So, what made Guevara entrust the role to a relative newbie?

“What attracted me was during a rehearsal of 'Grease' [late 2014], when he sang the Teen Angel's part, I really liked his voice. That's when I told Santi [Santamaria, 9 Works Theatrical’s executive producer], 'You have to listen to this guy, he can be a Jean-Michel.' That's how he got the role—he wowed me when he sang 'Beauty School Dropout.' I hope people will be wowed when they hear him sing. Very warm, soothing voice,” he said.

Looks like Guevara’s hopes for the up and coming actor are starting to come true. "La Cage aux Folles" opened last February 27 to a standing ovation from the members of the press. Silva impressed the audience with his powerful singing voice and confidence, holding his own against the acclaimed veterans of the cast.

Journey to the stage

The actor revealed to GMA News Online that "La Cage aux Folles" is one of the highlights of his career. He admitted, however, that the theater world sometimes makes him feel out of place.

“Sometimes, I feel so unworthy because the people I’m with, they are so skilled,” he said.

Silva also admitted that entering showbiz was far from his mind as recentl as five years ago. At the time, he was in Davao on a foreign internship at a hotel as a student of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

But his love for singing prompted him to try explore another path. He auditioned for fifth season of GMA Network’s reality TV show "Starstruck"—and emerged as the show's Ultimate Male Survivor.

After winning, the next few years were spent molding Silva into a matinee idol. Although he really wanted to sing, he did not get the chance to showcase his talent.

That’s when theater came into the picture.

His first musical was 2012's "Hope for the Flowers" opposite fellow GMA Network talent Frencheska Farr.

He then appeared on 9 Works Theatrical’s rerun of "Grease" late last year as Johnny Casino and an occasional Teen Angel—which was where Guevara spotted him.

Silva’s theater credentials may not be that extensive yet, but his experience so far has already made him realize that theater is a demanding art form.

“Kasi bago pa lang ako, I really need to absorb everything… With theater, you really need to work hard for it. There are no shortcuts,” he said.

He may be a novice, but his performance in "La Cage aux Folles" proves that he belongs in the spotlight, on the stage. — BM, GMA News

"Cage aux Folles" is staged all weekends of March at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City. For more information, contact info@9workstheatrical.com.