Sunday, July 20, 2008 (More than just a) High School Musical! By Luis A. Quibranza III
WITH high school kids dominating the pop culture today, it is endearing to see little children take over the stage for a change as they sing, dance and act.
There is a song by the Irish rock band U2, which reminds the “young once,” with a line that goes a little something like this:
“Please stay a child somewhere in your heart.”
Isn’t it just splendid to break away from the trend for a while and see young children conquer both their fear and the stage? Little kids in a way teach us grown-ups a few lessons.
Last April, Play House Children’s Center and B.R.I.G.H.T Academy staged “It’s a BRIGHT World! A Musical,” in partnership with the internationally acclaimed Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Pilipino. This was held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.
Everyone involved in the play ranged from toddlers as young as one year and six months old, kids in their elementary years, to teenagers, teachers and staff members. It was a whole happy bunch estimated to be over 700, singing and dancing to their heart’s content with a bright smile to go along with their already inspiring acting.
This was the school’s first attempt to produce a grand-scale musical.
It had two screenings, both attended by hundreds of guests. The musical showcased numerous acts all mixed into one production. These are Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Wiz, Lion King, High School Musical, Les Miserables, West Side Story and Grease.
Now talk about a production!
The play begins as we see Alice, played by then high school senior June Marie Jumao-as, in a garden looking at the wonderful world around her. She then spots a rabbit (holding a pocket watch), played by Macauly Gary Lofgren, a grade four student, and follows the animal.
Of course, the rabbit leads Alice to numerous places and situations, and finally into a “musical world.” where she finds herself in the midst of various numbers from different stage musicals.
Written with a “trip-around-the-world-and-through-time” theme, the musical portrays the school’s journey from 17 years ago as Play House Children’s Center to the graduation of their pioneering high school students from B.R.I.G.H.T Academy. The school is geared towards the years ahead.
Indeed, no one knows for sure what the future holds. But if we live according to the laws of God and man, it sure does look bright.
