Saturday, September 08, 2007 Jewel of the Sea By Janette Huang Teves Mom-about-town
WHEN I announced to my daughter that we will be watching the "Little Mermaid" musical, she let out a shriek of delight and excitement. This well-loved fairytale is certainly among our kids' all-time favorites.
Manila-based theatre group Trumpets recently wowed the Davao audience when it showcased its "Little Mermaid" adaptation at CAP Grand Auditorium. Staged during the Kadayawan Festival, this was the first ever provincial tour of the talented theatre company organized by Davao-based McDale Events and Productions Group.
The succeeding leg of the tour was held on September 2 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
Trumpets
Trumpets is Asia's first professional gospel theater group known for "its high quality productions, superb artists, first class performances, great music and a definitive approach -- a "mestizo" blend of theater and concert which appeals to both die-hard theater enthusiasts and those more partial to the pop concert style", according to its official website.
It boasts some of the biggest names in the local theatre, film, television and music industries. Some of the celebrated showbiz personalities who have been part of Trumpets' productions include KC Concepcion, Carol Banawa, Antoinette Taus, Karylle, Gary Valenciano, Mari Kaimo, Nannette Inventor, Side A Band, among others.
Even their production people are the finest coming from talent management companies, commercial production houses, advertising agencies, television stations and various theater groups.
For Trumpets, "theater is the means, not the end". They seek not only to entertain but also to change lives. Their laudable mission is moral regeneration through entertainment.
Hence, their plays carry universal messages of family solidarity, love, hope, forgiveness, reconciliation and faith, which are basic themes that overcome socio-cultural barriers.
Where is Flounder?
The Trumpets' "Little Mermaid" musical, however, was not inspired by the Disney movie but on the Hans Christian Andersen version of this cherished classic. So, we didn't hear the more familiar tunes like "Part of That World" and "Under the Sea". The adorable and loyal Flounder was nowhere in sight, too.
Nonetheless, the predominantly young audience did not seem to mind.
This was because the 1 1/2-hour show had parallelisms with Disney's take. It had a similar plot and set of central characters, albeit with a different sad and yet touching ending.
The little mermaid was the headstrong Jewel (Ariel); the dashing prince was Christian (Prince Eric); the commanding father was King Argo (King Triton); the scheming villainess was Crustacea (Ursula) and the ever-reliable sidekick/choirmaster was not a crab but a squid named Calamari (Sebastian).
Jewel of the Sea
The magnificent production design, costumes and props were breathtaking. The tails of the mermaids were created in such a way that it appeared lifelike. There were no legs and feet exposed so the movement of the tails seemed fluid and graceful.
In addition, the musical utilized puppetry to project the vibrant and colorful underwater world. It also creatively portrayed the action-packed confrontation between Prince Christian and Crustacea through shadow play.
The catchy musical scoring by Lito Villareal was romantic, cheerful as well as melancholic. It featured well-written original songs such as "He Brought Me to You", "The Gift", "I Am Loved", "You and Me", "You Can't Cross Crustacea" and "I Am Complete".
Directed by Jaime Del Mundo and written by Del Mundo and Luna Inocian, the gifted performers impressed the audience with their powerful singing and excellent acting.
The brilliant lead characters are Bea Garcia (Jewel), George Gabriel (Prince Christian), Maita Ponce (Princess Sapphire), Raymund Concepcion (King Argo), Pinky Marquez (Crustacea) and June Veras (Calamari).
But, don't expect Disney's "happy ever after" finale. I'm sorry to break this to you: Jewel and Christian did not end up together. The latter married Princess Sapphire.
When Jewel was given the ultimatum by Crustacea to kill Christian so that the little mermaid could return to the sea, she gladly sacrificed her own life to save her beloved prince. It undeniably delivered the message of unconditional love.
Jewel's heroism was rewarded by the gods of the air. She did not turn to foam, like what happens to other mermaids when they die. Instead, the selfless little mermaid was brought to a heaven-like world full of peace and joy. It was a blissful conclusion to an otherwise heartbreaking story.
Truly, Trumpets' "Little Mermaid" is a treasured jewel of the sea.
Special thanks to Mr. Janton Cuaki of 1001 Digital Photography (2nd level, SM City Davao, tel. 2991001) for the fantastic photos you see on this page.
(For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)
