BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
Chesie Galvez-Cariño has been writing witty, and pithy, comedic dramas that often revolve around a milieu she’s very familiar with - that of society women, the women who lunch, and the Titas of Manila.
Philippine theater does not live on musicals alone, even if appearances may make it seem so. Chesie Galvez-Cariño has been writing witty, and pithy, comedic dramas that often revolve around a milieu she’s very familiar with - that of society women, the women who lunch, and the Titas of Manila. Her theater company, Theatre Titas, is known for producing dramatic plays, and finding original material that’s both entertaining and illuminating.
Come March 29, a twin bill of two short plays under the working title of Dedma, will start its run at the Mirror Studio Theater 2 (2nd floor) at Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, until the 13th of April. Five performances on the weekend, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Book your tickets at TEEQ.Live. The twin bill consists of Let’s Do Lunch and The Foxtrot, both from Chesie's pen.
I had the opportunity to watch a preview of Let’s Do Lunch last year; and it’s a hilarious, then touching, dissertation on friendship when there’s a whiff of scandal. It examines how deep (or shallow) friendship goes among these social circles, and explores the primal urge of saving face, and hanging out with the right people. Issa Litton reprises her role from the preview I watched, and she’s now cast with Naths Everett and Ash Nicanor. Trust me, you do not want to miss this; as you’ll laugh, you’ll tear, you’ll sympathize, and be moved by the material. Maribel Legarda directs.
Then there’s The Foxtrot, where a society maven and her DI (dance instructor) lock horns right before they enter a dance competition. JC Santos will portray the DI, and it’s a nostalgic return to the stage for Jackie Lou Blanco as the doña benefactress. Former Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales takes on the directing chores for this one.
I always enjoy watching Issa shift from hosting to acting, and for many, Jackie Lou Blanco's appearance in the second play will be of interest. So book your seats early, and be treated to home-grown original material, drama with strong shafts of humor.
Enjoy plays that reflect on us and may remind us of people we know or be an unexpected mirror to our inner workings. A matinee and evening performance on Sunday, March 29, kicks off the run.
