The hardworking people behind BroadwayWorld.com/Philippines have uploaded videos of three numbers here, including the musical's now-classic song, Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako. I'll add to the pile with my own clips of Isay and company doing the toe-tapping showstopper Basta't Masasayaw, and--not among the BroadwayWorld vids--Dulce leading the cast in the patriotic anthem Luha sa Tinubuang Lupa, which Celeste Legaspi sent soaring out of the ballpark in the original Katy! run in the '80s. Watch:
More from Spotlight Artists Centre:
The cast and production crew of ‘Katy The Musical’ proudly staged their sneak preview to selected members of the local entertainment media last Sunday, October 14, at The Podium.
Led by Isay Alvarez-Seña in the title role, the powerhouse cast, comprised of Tirso Cruz III, Dulce, Lou Veloso, Gian Magdangal, Epy Quizon and other seasoned stage performers, wowed their audience with selected excerpts from the original Filipino musical.
Inspired by music from the big band era, Isay and company showcased their ensemble singing and tap dancing flair, dazzling their audience with brisk and swinging renditions of jazz, Broadway, vaudeville and cabaret-type theatrics.
This, after all, is the soundtrack of Katy dela Cruz’s life -- the same story that younger generations of Filipinos will get reacquainted with when the show premieres in January 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).
The musical, originally staged in the ‘80s, chronicles the inspiring story of legendary Filipina jazz chanteuse Katy dela Cruz, who rose from the ranks to become one of the most illustrious, internationally-acclaimed and highest-paid performers of her time.
From the 1930s onwards, throughout a prolific career that stretched out to more than six decades, the iconic stage livewire endeared herself to both foreign and local audiences with her mesmerizing stage presence, classic style and elegance, as well as her playful wit and irreverence.
Such an uplifting story of a truly celebrated Filipino artist deserves to be retold, and this is the reason why Isay’s group, Spotlight Artists Centre, took the initiative in producing and restaging the musical. “Her passion and commitment to her craft should rub off on every aspiring artist,” Isay shares. “She would perform no matter what, and she was still singing in top form even during her 80s!”
The gargantuan task of restaging a classic Filipino musical has its own setbacks, however. Despite the abundance of talented stage performers, the group laments the meager sponsorship funding coming from the corporate sector. “It’s ironic how a huge chunk of sponsorships are channeled to foreign shows, while only a trickle goes to local productions,” Isay shares.
With barely three months before their premiere, Isay remains optimistic about getting their much-needed funding and support from concerned sectors, who continue to believe and spread the good news about the Filipino artist’s world-class legacy.
Special thanks to The Podium, Artwork and CCP for their support.
‘Katy The Musical’ is directed by Nestor Torre, with original music composed by Ryan Cayabyab and interpreted live by the AMP Nonet Band under the baton of musical director Mel Villena. The libretto is by Jose Javier Reyes.
Katy is a licensed property of Actors Studio East Production. Call (632)899-8089 or (63)922-8986644 for more details.
