Body, heart and soul in a tale of dragons

MANILA, Philippines – DragonTales is a true-to-life story that dreams really do come true. It started in the mind of entrepreneur and true-blue Asian Top Gun winner Michael Chow who had created the Dragon family 12 years ago in Hong Kong — first on comics, then cable TV, then live-sized mascots. Where else would it lead but to a grander vision of an Asian production company called Asia on Stage (AOS) designed to harness the resources of Asia?

The enthralling concept on paper, however, had to be given “body,” “heart,” and most especially “soul.” It would be daunting to say the least within a regional scope. We recall our many experiments and failures. We cringe at the truth behind Nick Joaquin’s accusation of the Filipino’s Heritage of Smallness. But the Singaporeans were unflappable. From 2007, Chow communicated with Joaquin ”Jack” Yabut, PETA mainstay for over 30 years, likewise equally determined and resolute, until he convinced them to launch the project in Manila and became its Manila producer in 2010.

As we watch DragonTales at the PETA Theater, we are introduced to a magical kingdom where alternating realities co-exist between the real world of struggling writer Miki and that of the mythical Dragon Realm until they merge as one. With breathtaking Asian music, dance and drama, the original musical in English tells of power and treachery but also of the Asian values of family, respect, forgiveness and love.

Dragon Tales introduces one to scenes of a magical kingdom where alternating realities co-exist between the real world and that of the mythical Dragon Realm.

The “body” took shape from Singaporean writer-director Jeremiah Choy who transformed the story of Chow into the superb form it took, with the help of co-writer Vince de Jesus. Choy confesses to “doubts, disagreements and even disbelief.” But after a traumatic year plagued by Ondoy and Pepeng among other problems, the world premiere was unbelievably ready. Jack Yabut who has done many other international projects with PETA views this as the most crucial. “Producing DragonTales in Manila is like building a new bridge. We are all building a stronger connection… between people.”

Delivering the “heart” is the Filipino cast of Kalila Aguilos, Lex Marcos, Miguel Vasquez, Joel Molina, Banaue Miclat, Neomi Tabanao-Gonzales, Nar Cabico, Meann Espinosa, Carlon Matobato in dual roles in both real and magical worlds.

Singaporean actor, writer and itinerant performer throughout Asia and Asean capitals, Gani Karim plays the lead role of writer Miki who suffers from a fragmented relationship with his father Lex Marcos that reaches a finale both touching and heartbreaking. 

We confess to have been lured into watching Dragon Tales to see how our Phil-Canadian discovery of a decade ago was faring. Miguel “Michael Merchan” Vasquez came to the Philippines cajoled by tales of beautiful women and virgin beaches and like everyone else stayed and stayed. He still had that Canadian accent, but was willing to do anything. We had him audition for a musical Lapu Lapu shown at the CCP where he got into the chorus, but with the luck that has always trailed him ended up playing the lead instead.

Miguel’s role in Dragon Tales is Tazarek, first-born half-human half-Dragon, long hidden offspring of the head dragon’s (Lex) infidelity with a human (Kalila), who is determined to ascend the throne. But there is a legitimate heir (Joel), from a legitimate wife (Banaue). How will this tale end?

The “soul” of the musical, of course, is delivered by composer, lyricist and musical director Vince de Jesus who continues to marvel us with each work he does. When confronted with the gargantuan task of combining Asian-inspired musical motifs, Filipino musical theater aesthetics and contemporary pop-jazz, Vince relates, one would immediately expect a sitar, a kubing and the gamelan in the musical arrangements. What he did was use the piano to simulate the gamelan, the pizzicato cello for the bamboo kulitong, the violin because “it sounds like the soft wailing of the summer wind.” Truly inventive, this Vince!

Choreography is by lead actor Gani from Singapore; set, costume and production design by Gino Gonzales; lighting design by JonJon Villareal. DragonTales is showing at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Q.C. only until Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. Call DragonTales marketing at 881-0984, 0917-5562718 or 0915-2957550 or e-mail [email protected]. After its Manila performances, DragonTales will tour Asian cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai in third quarter of 2011. 

(E-mail me at [email protected].)