Rockstar of ages

MANILA, Philippines - If there is one musical that can cater to theater fans, rock fans, and even those who don’t like musicals, it’s Atlantis Productions’ staging of Rock of Ages.

It was nominated for five Tony Awards and continues to sell out on Broadway, the West End and the US Tour. What’s not to love? It’s a comedy, it features hit rock songs, mostly from the ’80s, and the cast is awesome. 

How awesome? Well, we have no less than MiG Ayesa on board. He plays Stacee Jaxx, the same character he portrayed on... drum roll... Broadway! Apart from being a successful stage actor, he gained additional fame by being one of the finalists in the worldwide hit, Rockstar INXS.

A down-to-earth, all-around nice guy, MiG answers a few challenging questions from yours truly.

JETT PANGAN: Are you comfortable being called a “rockstar”? 

MiG AYESA: Absolutely. Totally. Thank you very much.

Are you comfortable in briefs?

Totally.

Do you wear briefs?

I am wearing them now. In fact, sometimes it’s the only thing I wear.

David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar? Why?

David Lee Roth. They both have awesome voices, but David Lee Roth was the ultimate front man. He was larger than life, energetic and athletic and you could not take your eyes off him. His sense of humor and rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities made him an instant mega star. It was his antics as well as his killer vocals that helped launch Van Halen into the stratosphere. Sammy Hagar’s voice was probably better, but it’s all about the show...

Styx or The Alan Parsons Project? Why?

Styx. They were more experimental with their styles and musically, for me, more dynamic. The lead singer of Styx, Dennis DeYoung, had the most awesome voice! 

How do you take care of your voice?

Alan Parsons songs.

How do you take care of your flawless complexion?

Hydrochloric acid...Dude! It’s far from flawless, but at my age, I’ll take all the compliments I can get. But I do use sunscreen every day...

As a child, which rock singer did you emulate? 

It all started with Billy Joel. I wanted to be just like him. Suits with white sneakers and I wanted curly hair, too! He’s the reason I got into piano and singing in the first place. I then progressed into Kiss, but I started to scare myself. After a few tragic attempts at Duran Duran quiffs and Tears for Fears jackets and some misguided moonwalks, I just decided to be MiG.

As a child, did you like broccoli?

Yes.

Why?

I would pretend I was a giant and the broccolis were trees in a forest... and I would eat them.

Do you think Vina Morales is sexy?

Is a frog’s ass watertight?

Do you think Nyoy Volante is sexy?

I plead the Fifth Amendment.

Did you ever think that one day, you’d be doing a choreographed dance number on a rock song? ‘Cause I sure as heck didn’t! 

I always hoped I would, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be with the great Jett Pangan!

Do you think there’s a bit of Stacee Jaxx (your role in Rock of Ages) in you?

I’d like to think there’s a bit of MiG in Stacee Jaxx and not the other way around. Stacee needs to stay in the Rock of Ages world, locked up in a cage at the theater, away from society for the sake of public safety and personal hygiene.

What’s your favorite song in Rock of Ages?

I love Wanted Dead or Alive, but the medley of More than Words/Be With You/Heaven is awesomeness personified!

What’s your favorite Filipino word? 

Merienda.

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Catch MiG Ayesa and Jett Pangan in Rock of Ages from June 15 to July 8 at the Carlos Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets and inquiries, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.