Exploring the boundaries of theater

Michael Dalke (Willy Wonka), Oliver Wong (Charlie Bucket), and the cast inside the Chocolate Factory | Photo courtesy of GMG Productions

As a prelude for the second half of the year, where Manila’s theater scene is set to introduce several new original works, July’s major theater productions show the industry playing at the margins—showcasing impressive work (as expected of Filipino talent), and letting audiences imagine how much further we can push the boundaries.

“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t, it’s Live sa Cheter!”

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)

Until Aug. 16

PETA Theater Center, Quezon City

The greatest draw to the newest addition to the “Septic Tank” franchise—aside from the iconic Eugene Domingo, of course—is how PETA’s “Septic Tank 4” promises to be real and raw about the theater industry and its so-called “golden age.”

They approach the subject with comedy and satire, tackling too true issues, like matters of creative direction, whether to cater to “trends” or what the audiences like, all while giving us a glimpse into what goes on behind the curtain.

We’re introduced to realities for theater practitioners: how they’re often filling multiple roles not only on stage but also off. It’s also a crash course into the lore, so to speak, of Manila’s theater scene, as the actors show (to comedic effect) the different styles and artistic choices characteristic of the industry’s most prominent companies. It’s funny, cheeky, and makes you think about just how much of this is real and how much is comedy.

Eugene Domingo gathers her friends from the theater industry: Marlon Rivera, Melvin Lee, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, JC Santos, and Joshua Lim So, to help her stage Aurelio Tolentino’s “Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas” | Photo courtesy of PETA

The beautiful thing “Septic Tank 4” shows us—beyond its plot—is how theater’s ensemble magic works. As the lead, of course, Domingo stands out, but here you can truly see how she can do so because of the great chemistry and rapport she has with her co-actors—each one generously matching each other’s energy, carrying wit and jokes and comebacks seamlessly through every scene.

From her handpicked crew consisting of director Marlon Rivera (who directed the first “Septic Tank” film), PETA director and producer Melvin Lee, critically acclaimed actor JC Santos, theater stalwart Stella Cañete-Mendoza, PETA actor-teacher Meann Espinosa, and Palanca-winning playwright Joshua Lim So, to her endearing Ugeng-gengs (composed of PETA’s ensemble), there is no missed mark.

Eugene Domingo in “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4” | Photo courtesy of PETA

It’s a small industry, theater people often say, but the stories, concerns, and issues within it are complex. Too complex to condense with justice into a play of roughly two and a half hours.

What “Septic Tank 4” succeeds in is showing audiences that theater isn’t always glamorous or spectacular. That sometimes, try as we might to be different, to make a change, to be “brave” and “[have] teeth,” we unconsciously slip back into the tropes and systems ingrained in us. That a gathering of greats isn’t a magic pill to cure a system’s ills.

Eugene Domingo and the Ugeng-gengs | Photo courtesy of PETA

And that, as with any industry, career, or business, unfortunately, profit will always be a factor—and sometimes, decision makers just manage to package it beautifully or cleverly enough to make it look like… well, art.

But as with any art, “Septic Tank 4” also leaves us with a reminder that to make great theater, it takes conscious growth, improvement, and awareness—not just from its makers but from its audience, too.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

Broadway International Group, Broadway Asia Group, AMA Group of Companies, in association with GMG Productions

Until July 26

The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City

Based on the beloved novel and film, the mysterious and magical “Chocolate Factory” has finally opened its doors in Manila. This touring production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a perfect treat for theater-goers of all ages, with a story that’s easy to follow and enough spectacle to keep even the most excitable youngins engaged.

This staging of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” follows a rather brisk pace, which I find diminishes the gravity of the disobedient kids’ consequences, and somewhat glazes over the surprisingly dark system Willy Wonka runs in the factory. But perhaps by keeping the story streamlined and running cleanly (like a well-oiled machine), it foolproofs the message so it doesn’t get lost amid the sprinkles.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Cast | Photo courtesy of GMG Productions

And perhaps that’s the goal: to simply and clearly drive the point that not following the rules gets you in trouble (or worse), and that being good (as much as you can) gets you the gold. Or rather, the chocolate factory.

Despite the quick pacing, this production remains enjoyable and spectacular, thanks to the strong cast. Add to that the impeccable stage and production design—the grand reveal of the Chocolate Room is just as magical as I imagined—making good use of set pieces, projections, and video to put together captivating scenes.

While I can imagine more elements could be added to make it even more magically immersive, this production is tight enough to keep audiences satisfied.

“On Your Feet”

9Works Theatrical

Until Aug. 2

Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati

As the title suggests, this Gloria Estefan bio-musical will definitely get you up on your feet dancing and swaying along to the beat. Infectiously fun with music that’s just famously familiar, “On Your Feet” is an easy choice if you’re looking for a fun night at the theater.

9Works Theatrical seems to have finally found its footing in staging musicals at the Proscenium Theater with this one. The production’s design—especially the stage, lighting, and projections—all worked well with the ensemble, who were all also beautifully blocked and choreographed to make each scene look full and dynamic.

Molly Langley as Gloria Estefan | Photo courtesy of 9Works Theatrical

There’s a great and globally resonant story to be mined from Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s struggle to be recognized for their music beyond the confines of the Latin genre (today, we see that through Asian acts being boxed into Asian Pop categories despite global acclaim). But it seems there’s much of Gloria’s life and music to cover to dwell too much on this.

If there’s anything the musical does devote a lot of time to, however, it’s Gloria’s relationship with her family—a chord that’s equally resonant with Filipino audiences, just as much as her hits.

Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan | Photo courtesy of 9Works Theatrical

Speaking of family, Ayen Laurel delivers a compelling performance as the mother, Gloria Fajardo. Her performance of “Mi Tierra” was a showstopper, and her scenes with Gloria—both the tough and the tender—add a beautiful layer of depth to the story.

Meanwhile, Jason Canela adds charm to the musical as Emilio, opposite Molly Langley’s Gloria Estefan, who manages to capture the young woman’s growth from shy girl with a voice to the grit and power of a star.