Rachelle Ann makes a big splash

MANILA, Philippines - Rachelle Ann Go is earning nothing but raves for her stage debut in Atlantis Production’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid, now running at the Meralco Theater until Dec. 11.

“Consummate pro” is how Jinky Llamanzares decribes her co-star, who has been reported to have attended all rehearsals including one when she had a 40-degree fever. And that’s high praise, coming as it is from a theater veteran who has performed with the best of the best in the world. Llamanzares, who has likewise been receiving praises for her show-stopping turn as the villainous Ursula, gained international fame via Miss Saigon.

But perhaps there can be no higher acclaim that the one that Rachelle’s performance drew from the original Miss Saigon herself, Lea Salonga. “I don’t know that the superlatives in my vocabulary could cover just how wonderful I thought she was,” Lea writes in her column. “Bundles of charm oozed from her, as well as an easy sense of humor and adventure. Her voice was also a great mix of that clean and pristine Disney sound, plus a deep pop sensibility that made this score (and her Ariel) accessible to everyone.”

Lea knows what she’s talking about. After all, she has provided the singing voice to not just one but two Disney movie princesses — Jasmine and Mulan. She continues, “(Rachelle Ann Go) was a perfect Ariel, and her portrayal will only continue to deepen and improve. She blew me away on opening night.”

Rachelle’s efforts have clearly paid off big time. “Nakaka-overwhelm,” she says about the good reviews she has been receiving. “All I wanted was for my dream of being part of a special show like this to come true. Super happy na ako that I got this role. For people to be saying all these wonderful praises about my performance and the entire show is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Co-starring with Rachelle are Erik Santos and Calvin Millado. It’s the first time that the musical is being staged in Asia. It features the classic songs Kiss The Girl, the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song; Under The Sea; and Part of Your World, which is included in Rachelle’s current hit Viva Records album Unbreakable.