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Theater review: ‘Bituing Walang Ningning’: This star still sparkles
The tale is as old as time. Well, not quite, but it’s certainly not new: a wide-eyed but spunky country lass obsessed with a white-hot, self-centered singer metamorphosizes into a recording artist and, by some twist of fate, becomes her idol’s bitter rival. In the end, virtuous ingenue must choose between the certainty of stardom and the murky, unnavigable complexities of true love.
If the plot sounds familiar, then chances are you’re a pop culture junkie of a certain age. We’re talking, of course, of "Bituing Walang Ningning," whose most popular incarnation is perhaps the 1985 movie starring Sharon Cuneta and Cherie Gil. Only the most diehard of cinephiles would know that this classic Viva film was adapted from a komiks penned by Nerissa Cabral, but a new generation of boob tube addicts would no doubt also remember the 2006 teleserye version.
There must be some shimmer left in this celestial body, as "Bituing Walang Ningning" is back in the limelight, this time by way of a stage musical produced by Resorts World Manila. Directed by stage veteran Freddie Santos, the production premiered Wednesday night at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Newcomer Monica Cuenco and seasoned theater actress Cris Villonco resurrect the talented, starstruck fan Dorina Pineda and cunning, hyper-ambitious Lavinia Arguelles, respectively.
Joining them are Mark Bautista as Nico Escobar, the man who comes between the warring divas; and Ronnie Liang as Garry Diaz, a songwriter and musical producer who harbors feelings for Dorina.
Others in the cast include Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Edith, Jon Santos as Auntie, Michael Williams as Larry Calma, Jay Roa as Zosimo Blanco, and John Nite as Kuya Germs (yep, THAT Kuya Germs).
The obvious first audience for this new production are those who know about the komiks, movie, or TV series, and are curious about how the story is translated onstage. But the themes of ambition, hope and sacrifice, which form the foundation of "Bituing Walang Ningning", are universal, and even those who have never heard of it will find something to appreciate here. Of course, the movie is perhaps best-known for that one iconic line uttered by Lavinia: “You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying-hard copycat.” It would probably be number one on a list of the most memorable lines in all of Philippine cinema.
Santos, who also wrote the script, said his biggest challenge was that the original story wasn’t a musical. “But…the storyline allows the containment of much music,” he said. And so he kept the basic framework of the narrative intact and added the songs, most of which come from the repertoire of the great Filipino composer Willy Cruz. OPM fans will no doubt find themselves misty-eyed when the actors start belting out true classics like “Pangarap Na Bituin,” “Sana’y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan,” “Init Sa Magdamag,” Kumusta Ka,” “Magandang Gabi,” and, of course, the titular song, “Bituing Walang Ningning.” It’s one of those times when one can say, “They sure don’t write songs like they used to,” and really mean it.
Thankfully, Mr. Cruz’s songs are not wasted on the singers. All the leads brought their A-game to the premiere, particularly Villonco and Bautista. I imagine there is always hesitation and a bit of anxiety when breathing new life into roles made famous by super...I mean, megastars, but Villonco, in particular, imbued Lavinia with gravitas, and in the process managed to avoid turning her character into a caricature. Bautista, meanwhile, impressed with his solid vocals and commanding stage presence.
It is perhaps unfair to judge the new Dorina against the actors who previously played her, but Cuenco shattered doubts about her vocal abilities as soon as she opened her mouth to sing the Visayan folk classic “Usahay.” This is her first major production and, in time, just like her character, she will grow more comfortable into her new stature as a star.
Yulo, Williams and Santos are Filipino theater stalwarts, and their genius is always self-evident. They’re no different here, despite playing relatively minor roles. Whatever newbies would like to know about performing live onstage, they can learn from watching these three.
"Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical" is significant as it is the first production by Resorts World Manila based on source material that is thoroughly, unequivocally Filipino. Clearly the leisure company is serious in investing in high-concept entertainment that not only celebrates the stage musical as an art form, but also puts a premium on world-class Filipino talent. And for that they should be applauded. — BM, GMA News
"Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical" has performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 3 p.m. until July 18, 2015. For more information, phone 908-8000 local 7700 or visit rwmanila.com.
Paul John Caña is a magazine writer and live music geek. He is also co-founder of libreto.org, an online collective of writers and artists. Email him at pjcana@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pauljohncana.
