A happy reunion for Trumpets Playshoppers

The recently-concluded auditions for STAGES and Trumpets Playshop’s production of Disney’s High School Musical (HSM) may well be just like any other casting event with long lines of nervous hopefuls, a panel composed of respected names in the musical theater scene, and numerous camera set-ups, but STAGES top honcho Audie Gemora transformed the whole activity into what may be called a reunion of sorts with his fatherly words and gestures.

Audie, considered King of Philippine Musical Theater, almost instantly connected with the auditionees since most of them are part of the Playshop family.

Gio Pineda, 14, one of the first who auditioned, has been a Playshopper since he was nine, so when he stepped into the room clad in oversized orange polo shirt, and dished out his audition piece, Audie just quipped, "If you receive a call back, I want to see you dress your age."

Another standout in the auditions was Kathleen Francisco, a member of the second batch of Playshop Kids. She was the voice behind the theme song of ABS-CBN’s  Kampanerang Kuba.

Upon seeing her, Audie immediately noticed how the once plump little Kathleen turned into a leaner lady and warmly said, "Sayang, there’s a role for a chubby kid."

Steph Cuevas, who was recently seen on Super Inggo, proved why she is one of STAGES’ most prized talents with her impressive take on Fine, Fine Line from the musical Avenue Q.

Upon seeing her perform, member of the panel David Cosico, talent manager of the musical’s lead Sam Concepcion, said, "Steph has always been professional. She always prepares well in all her commitments. She is, indeed, one of the group’s most prized talents."

Being paired with Sam is not something new to Steph. In fact, they worked together in the said ABS-CBN superserye and Nickelodeon Channel’s Whacked. They are now featured in Hero TV’s latest animé show Beck.

Sam, a special member of the panel, beamed his endearing smile upon seeing his longtime partner audition for the musical.

The young Crush ng Bayan, who was last seen on stage in Trumpets’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 2004, is also excited that he is once again sharing the stage with fellow Playshopper Iñaki Ting, Sam’s alternate in the said musical.

Sisters Tippy and Jackie Dos Santos, who were with Sam in the Korea World Travel Fair last year, wowed the panel with their presence and charm. But when Kevin Concepcion stepped in the room, the musical’s lead Sam suddenly turned into a very proud brother.

"Playing Troy Bolton on stage is very exciting," admitted Sam. "But working with my longtime friends is the most thrilling part of the project."

Amazed of the talent his friends from Playshop exhibited during the auditions, Sam quipped, "It will be very nice to share the stage with equally-talented, grounded fellows."

The auditions, however, were not only limited to Playshoppers because even newbies took part in the activity and members of the panel, including choreographer and assistant director Chinnie Nepomuceno, took notice of Little Big Star alumnus Krissha Viaje with her enchanting voice.

With the turnout of the auditions, STAGES and Trumpets Playshop’s staging of High School Musical, which will start on June 22 at the Meralco Theater, is all set to celebrate the Filipinos’ artistry and power of unfeigned friendships in one big musical production.