Brave, talented young boys shine in ‘Falsettos’

Meet Joshua Ramirez and Marco Aytona – 13 and 12 years old, respectively. They are both performing the part of Jason in the New Voice Company 2002 season-opener Falsettos. Both were picked after exhaustive auditions, and are now neck deep into rehearsals for the musical. Joshua was a student at the NVC summer theater workshop this year, while Marco is an actor from the ABS-CBN Talent Center. Both will be making their professional theater debut with this production.

Falsettos is about the loves and loses of Marvin – Jason’s father – who leaves his wife and son for a man, who is later discovered to be dying of AIDS. Initially, Jason is afraid of growing up gay like his father. However, a greater part of the play deals with Jason’s confusion and realization about the changes happening in his life, as well as preparations for his bar mitzvah, or coming of age 13th birthday celebration.

As Jason learns to accept his life and embrace the changes that happen to him, he realizes what is most important in his life – his family – and also learns that love is the "most beautiful thing in the world." In the end, Jason decides to hold his bar mitzvah with his "family," unconventional as it maybe, in the hospital where his father’s lover is dying, together with the people he loves – his father and father’s lover, his mother and new stepfather, and his godparents, the lesbian couple from next door.

The part of Jason is one of the most difficult for a young boy in musical theater history. Not only does he have to sing-through an entire musical that contains 41 musical numbers, but also face up to the dramatic challenges of the role. The young actors playing Jason must possess a level of maturity and sensitivity to give depth and honesty to the sensitive and complex issues in the show. I talked to Joshua and Marco about the experience of being in Falsettos and certainly found a remarkable maturity, straightforwardness and sensitivity in these two uniquely talented young men.

The show’s director Andrew Vergara, NVC’s associate artistic director, describes the role as an extremely challenging one.

"A 12-year-old boy has to be able to act, sing and dance, note for note, step for step, moment for moment, with six adults – a challenging task for any newcomer, and more so for a teenager – because of the sensitive issues of AIDS and homosexuality," says Vergara. "Luckily, we have two young men who are brave and talented enough to take on that challenge."

I asked both boys how they are able to relate to the part of Jason, and Joshua is quick to respond, "My Dad also left my Mom – that alone makes me relate to him. We both have problems with our parents, just like a lot of kids out there. But we try to live as happily as we can, like Jason and his family, despite the problems."

Marco adds, "It’s not easy dealing with the problems Jason has. I come from a tight-knit family but I can imagine how hard it is for Jason to have to go through the changes in his life at the time when the physical changes confronting any adolescent confuse him."

Where there any difficulties in learning the part?

Marco replies emphatically, "It’s difficult to try and react to different situations in the show while trying to reach Jason’s high notes, keep up with dance steps and act alongside the adults. I had to really let go of my shyness and inhibitions, but the adults have been very supportive."

Joshua responds similarly, saying that "Jason‘s songs are high and the choreography is hard – so I have to practice double time and work twice as much."

And what do 13- and 12-year-old Joshua and Marco feel are the challenges in doing an unconventional yet funny and moving musical like Falsettos?

"To do the difficult combination of acting out a very deep and complex story while singing the songs well," says Marco.

"To make people understand that the characters in the play, whether gay or straight, married or not, are just as normal as any other family," says Joshua.

When we discuss the show’s theme of love and family, Marco says, "The show demonstrates how people can and should co-exist peacefully despite their differences."

He then relates how "the family in the play lead unconventional lives – lives that many in Philippine society frown upon." However, he believes that it’s the "importance and value Filipinos give to family, no matter what makes up that family – mothers, fathers, lovers, stepfathers, friends – that will make audiences relate to the show."

Not only brave and talented are these young boys but emotionally honest as well. Qualities that will certainly make them touch your heart, in a musical that can alter your life forever.

With a moving honesty and maturity, Joshua defines the essence of the show: "However dysfunctional or different a family is, it’s love that eventually brings them together."

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Falsettos will have performances at the Music Museum until Aug. 3, with Friday and Saturday evening performances.

The show also stars Lynn Sherman, Joel Trinidad, Jake Macapagal, Rito Asilo, Jenny Jamora and Lily Chu. It is directed by Andrew Vergara, with set design by Denis Lagdameo, musical direction by Bond Samson, vocal supervision by Ningning San Jose and assistant direction and stage management by Rabbi Gannaban. Production management is by Lisa Santos with administrative direction by Ronalyn de Lim. Photography is by Erika Fife, with poster design by Third Gonzales. Executive producers of the show are Rossana Abueva and Teresa Wilson.

Falsettos is generously supported by NVC Actors Studio, Music Museum, Joey 92.3, Sound Design, Crescent Moon Café, Revlon, Absolute, Pottery Exchange, Avic Inc., Jaime Unson, Comrades Prints and Warm Company.

Call 891-56-10 for inquiries and ticket reservations. Tickets are also available at all Ticketworld outlets, National Book Store branches, Robinsons’ Department Stores in Malate and Galleria, Tower Records in Makati and Alabang, Music Museum and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph. Tickets are priced at P1,000, P800 and P500.

For tickets, show buying and sponsorship inquiries, call the New Voice Company Actors Studio at 896-66-95 and 896-54-97, telefax 899-06-30, e-mail nvc@pacific.net.ph or visit its offices at 8020 Tanguile St., San Antonio Village, Makati City.