MCS Theatre Club presents jukebox musical, True Colors

Kyla Cabrera, center, directs Bernice Sabino, left, as Iris and Joey Hong as Luke through a scene in the next production by Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club, True Colors, an original jukebox musical. (MCS)

Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club proudly presents its next theatrical production, True Colors, an original jukebox musical about a girl on the autism spectrum who struggles to find her place and her voice at a new school. As a jukebox musical, the show will blend an original script with pop music favorites from the 1970s through the present, including the show’s title song from Cyndi Lauper.

The show is directed by senior and Theatre Club veteran Kyla Cabrera, who also co-directed the club’s production of The Sound of Music last year. In preparing for the production, she said, “Directing this production for me has been an absolute honor and dream. I get to work with so many people who are at different levels of experience and expertise. …I am truly in awe having seen my cast and crew develop as professionals under the guidance of great [advisers]. Witnessing everyone come together to work on this production is what makes me truly grateful and proud to be its director.”

Junior student Bernice Shane Sabino, who played Maria in last year’s The Sound of Music, is back to play another lead role, this time as Iris, the central character of the story who is on the autism spectrum. Falling on the non-verbal side of the spectrum, Iris communicates primarily through song and dance. While both come naturally for Bernice, who is an esteemed local vocalist, representing autism with dignity and authenticity was a challenge for her. “Getting this role was especially challenging because I have never played a role like this before,” she said. Despite that difficulty, Sabino said, “Thankfully, I had a lot of help in finding ways to portray this character with respect. …This is our chance to speak out for voices that aren’t being heard.”

To help ensure that the overall show was sensitive toward disabilities, the school enlisted the support of Eileen Babauta, the director for the CNMI’s University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Babauta brought in disability self-advocates from the CNMI’s Consumer Advisory Committee to talk and work with students, helping them learn more about creating a more inclusive and accessible atmosphere for everyone.

The script for True Colors was written by Theatre club founder and Northern Marianas College president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., who wanted to further explore autism and how it affects adolescents. He said, “Being a teenager is hard enough as it is, so when we add autism to the mix, it challenges all of us to examine how inclusive we are for those who are different and who struggle to fit in. …And what better way to do that than through the performing arts?” He further noted, “The music, choreography, acting, sound, lights, and overall art design will help accentuate that struggle within a theatrical context, making it more visceral and engaging for actors and audiences alike.”

Echoing Deleon Guerrero’s sentiments, Cabrera said, “We approached the story with respect as our main character is on the autism spectrum and we want to be able to portray her character properly.” She added, “I know that the audience will find this production very relatable and intimate, and in a way, allow themselves to witness and see each person’s true colors through the show before their eyes.”

True Colors will be presented on Jan. 27 and 28 at the Pacific Islands Club’s Charley’s Cabaret with doors opening at 6:30pm each night. Tickets are $25 for limited premium seats and $10 for general admission, and may be purchased at the Mount Carmel School Business Office. For more information, call 234-6184 or visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (MCS)