FOA production gives life to timeless Broadway classics

 Several Broadway classics headlined the Friends of the Arts’ latest production, Beyond Memories: A Revue of the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, presented at the American Memorial Park Visitors Center Theater over the weekend.

The production featured three nights of entertainment with timeless compositions of the English composer who has achieved popular success in the musical theater industry.

Performers presented some of the songs and dances from Webber’s 13 musicals, including Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera, Song of the King (Seven Fat Cows) from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar, and Memory from Cats.

In an interview after Sunday’s show, musical director Paul Dujua said most of the songs they selected for the revue were not only Broadway hits but also chart-toppers throughout the world.

“I know he wrote so many great songs, some of which we’ve already performed in the past. But you would want to sing those songs over and over because they’re timeless. Of course, I carefully considered the people that I have who want to participate in the show and the ideal songs that you would like to bring out from the selection of his Broadway pieces,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Dujua said the most challenging parts of the production included putting the materials together and having talents who will volunteer to do the show. “We have a lot of talents. However, not everybody is always free to volunteer their time and share their talents. But I’m very thankful that a lot of the kids participated.”

Cast members included Wincel Mae Bubos, Darren Cajipo, Melanie Choe, Anna Rose Deleon Guerrero, Paul Dujua, Harold Easton, Mariel Ferrer, Leo F. Goode, Jr., Mark Gonzales, Matthew Lopez, Ruth de Lemos Loyola, Jezziel Lazalita, Rolando Sangalang, and Romy Silvano. Production staff comprised of Paul Dujua, musical director, choreography, and poster/artwork; Harold Easton, director; MariLou Conner, producer; Kristine Valencia and Ken Manalo, lights and sound; Frank Gibson, advertising/program; and Gemmilie Anne Eugenio and Lady Dominique Canape, MHS Tech Crew.

Seventeen-year old Jessiel P. Lazalita said her first venture in an FOA production was both nerve-wracking and gratifying. “I was overwhelmed but they always encouraged me to be myself. Now I look forward to participating in future shows.”

Romy Silvano, a daycare teacher by day, said he used to take part in school productions in the Philippines. “Music is my passion. So when the producer asked me to audition, I thought, why not?” said Silvano. “We’re so grateful. I was worried that the audience might not appreciate our performances but in the end, our efforts paid off. It was so worth it.”

Sixth-grader Melanie Choe said her second FOA production was a walk in the park. “It was not that hard because they’re really a fun group to work with,” said Choe, who hopes to participate in more shows.

As director, Harold Easton noted that it is always challenging to combine singing, dancing, and acting in any musical production. Fortunately for this revue, he said, acting was just “an ancillary” or “an embellishment” since the most significant part was giving life to the character through the song.

For FOA production first timers, Easton hopes that they will “come back.” “We need the talent,” he said. “We wish more people in the community would come and try out for these shows.”

Opportunities are coming up soon, said FOA president Susan Fishman-Tudor. The group is scheduled to stage in December The Miracle Worker, a three-act play by William Gibson based on Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life.

For their Valentine show, Fishman-Tudor said they have agreed to present Aida, a Broadway musical that features the music of Elton John.

While they appreciate the good turnout in their show for three nights, Dujua remains optimistic that their audience will grow in numbers for future productions. “Of course, we always hope that more people would come to watch and support the arts. Aside from sharing our talents and showcasing what we have, it’s always our dream to teach the children.”