Revisiting ‘One More Chance’ with Ben&Ben

The opening of “One More Chance” (“OMC”) did not hold much promise. Just a group of actors contorting their bodies in some sort of interpretative dance to the tune of Araw-Araw by Ben&Ben. But then there came this goosebump inducing moment.

The dancers moved back. The lights focused on the leads. Sam Concepcion and Nicole Omillo. And OMG, the dawn of recognition. The audience had come face to face with Popoy and Basha.

We never saw Sam or Nicole as John Lloyd Cruz’s or Bea Alonso’s lookalikes. But they looked and talked like we always imagined Popoy and Basha would, should we meet them in the flesh.

It was a brilliant piece of casting. It led to the cliché but oh so vital part of a show’s success, the suspension of disbelief. And with that PETA’s production of “One More Chance” as a musical directed by Maribel Legarda was off to a great start.

Sam as Popoy is joined on stage by PETA’s ‘One More Chance’ ensemble. —Photos courtesy of PETA

So, what is so important about Popoy and Basha? Some 15 years ago, there was this movie “One More Chance.” It was about college sweethearts Popoy and Basha getting ready to get married. But after five years of being together Basha had started to see Popoy as controlling, selfish, stingy, even lazy. All qualities you would not wish to have in a boyfriend, let alone a husband. She started fighting back. He didn’t like it.

Simply told the movie was about whether Popoy and Basha would stay or leave the relationship. But their struggle so resonated with lovers of all ages and the movie became a huge-box office hit. Those lovers and maybe their kids are those now trooping to the PETA theater to watch the musical “One More Chance.”

Now you need music to produce a musical. This is where Ben&Ben came in. Another excellent choice. The nine-man band produced some of the most popular songs of these past few years, a lot of which tackled complicated emotional entanglements with lots of angst. Not really much different from “OMC.” It is no wonder then that “One More Chance” and Ben&Ben music turned out to be a perfect fit.

For the most part, the musical stayed faithful to the movie. Nice because you get to hear those famous hugot lines again. “She loved me at my worst. You had me at my best. Ba’t binale wala mo lang lahat yun?”

But without the availability of editing and set changes inherent in motion pictures, the production had to resort to a lot of short scenes that were often distracting. Those could have been done away with or incorporated elsewhere. A little pruning here and there would have resulted in a better show.

I love the script though. Playwright is Michelle Ngu-Nario. Copied from the original, yes but also with new insights and language for today’s audience. It also spotlighted the supporting characters. They now not only provide support to Popoy and Basha, they are also at the same time trying to cope as best as they could with their own highs and lows.

Because of this, “OMC” is now also a story about friendship. And what friends they are, what well-written characters, and what a talented batch of actors playing them. What clever one-liners and so much laughter from the delighted audience.

Then there is the music. I like it that although he had a lot of Ben&Ben songs at his disposal, musical director Myke Salomon chose to use only those that would help tell the story and then arranged each to fit the scenes. Of course, Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay by Sam and Nicole was the show-stopper.

Three numbers stood out. Leaves, Upuan and Langyang Pag-ibig. Take note, no AI or any sort of special effects. Just a blending of drama and comedy with music and choreography performed with precision and the right emotions by the cast. Those are moments of true musical theater.

But while Salomon was prudent with his song choices, he was cruelty personified with his vocal requirements. I felt for the cast, particularly Sam and Nicole, singing and acting in almost every scene while also being Popoy and Basha throughout. Wow! They really nailed it.

“One More Chance the Musical” is one entertaining show. It also got me thinking like Popoy and Basha did. “When love ends, how long should you hold on?” How long should you keep thinking, “Sana ako pa rin.”