Zarzuela US smash hit / Toronto Cantata Choir

For days we were on tenterhooks wondering about what a response the US tour of the zarzuela “Something to Crow About” would receive. The suspense is finally over with this report.

The four-day premiere Off-Broadway at NY’s La Mama Theater of the Aliw award-winning modern zarzuela in English, “Something to Crow About” created by National Artist for Literature Dr. Alejandro R. Roces was a smash hit.

“There was prolonged thunderous applause after every show. They were asking for extension but we needed to go to our next performances in Glendale and San Jose in California,” says Cecile Guidote Alvarez, the award winning musical’s equally multi-awarded director, Presidential Adviser on Culture and NCCA Executive Director.

In the Big Apple foreigners and Pinoys were unanimous in their reaction: “beautiful,” “hilarious,” “excellent,” “very Pinoy,” “brilliant!” UN Permanent Representative Hilario Davide, who led the standing ovation in a Sunday matinee, was profuse in his praises. He said:

“Thank you very much Cecile and Dr. Roces, cast members and participants who made my day today. Never before have I seen a zarzuela as beautiful as this. Outstanding, magnificent and beyond forgetting. When I received the letter from Cecile she made special mention of the zarzuela generating pride of habitat, heritage and history. Dr. Roces, you made history. You all made history. What a beautiful twinning you did for the celebration of our 109th Independence Day and the 146th birthday observance of Dr. Jose Rizal. These would make us a people proud of ourselves. At no other time have I been prouder as a Filipino.”

Consul General Cecile Rebong, in partnership with various overseas Pinoys in New York City, was delighted that the Philippine Consulate had cooperated with Ellen Stewart and the Asian Cultural Council in hosting the 15 member troupe.

“Something to Crow About” was endorsed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to begin institutionalizing cultural care-giving services to Pinoys abroad. The trip was made possible by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the PCSO, PAGCOR, McDonald’s Philippines, Supreme Master Ching Hai Foundation, NCCA and Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Music and lyrics were by Ferdie Dimadura, orchestration by Nonoy Diestro, additional lyrics by Isagani Cruz. Choreography by Gigi Velarde David and Benjie Goquingco who reprised the classic cockfighting dance sequence of his mother the late National Artist for Dance, Leonor Orosa Goquingco. Conducting was by Hermie Ranera, technical, sound and light design by Joey Nombres, set design by Len Santos. Special fiesta costumes were provided by the Dance Orosa Foundation.

Leads were Cynthia and Lionel Guico, Joel Trinidad and Liesl Catherine Batucan, Frank Rivera, Bong Embele, Ronan Ferrer, Nenen Espina, Thea Perez. In cameo roles were businessman tenor George Yang and veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo.

The UST Liturgikon choir led by Eugene Delos Santos and the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble. UNESCO Artists for Peace comprised the dancers and actor-acrobats.

The show moved to Glendale, California at the Alex Theater on June 28, coordinated by the FASGI headed by Executive Director, Susan Dilkes with Glendale Commissioner for Arts and Culture Zen Lopez and TDRZ Production founder Ted Benito in cooperation with Consul General Mary Jo Aragon. A Filipino reporter wrote “the zarzuela was something to brag about.”

The final run was in San Jose at the Santa Clara U. Theater for the SF Bay Area on July 1, in partnership with Con. Gen. Rowena Sanchez and endorsed by the DFA American Desk headed by Asec. Rey Carandang and Executive Director Jun Cardenas. Glendale’s Mayor Ara Najarian gave a citation and expressed appreciation to the cast.

Author, artist and lecturer Carmencita F. Davino, Ph. D., of L.A. Unifed School District, commented: “‘Something To Crow About’ captured the essence of Philippine culture — a riveting combination of drama, comedy, dance, song and history. I came out feeling like I just visited my hometown. I left the theater with ‘something to smile about.’”

Bernie R. Sabillo of US Trust Company, L.A. added, “My guests really enjoyed the show and we could not stop laughing all the way home. they could not believe how bold Filipinos are and our eternal youthful exuberance is so contagious.” Nora Aunor congratulated the cast.

Jose Estevez, Filipino mayor of Malpitas who attended the show and gave a key to the city, was profuse in his praise and welcomed the President’s policy of having a cultural highway paved between Pinoy overseas and those back home. The project was given a send-off message by Vice President Noli de Castro, FA Secretary Alberto Romulo and Speaker Jose de Venecia.

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Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland pointed to the motley 20-member Toronto Cantata Chorus whose performance at the Century Park Hotel was part of the Canada National Day celebration. The Caucasians, Orientals, a soprano from Jamaica and a tenor from Trinidad moved Mr. Sutherland to say, “This is Canada today.”

The non-professional choir sang in a  highly professional manner, conveying spirit and vibrancy under Chinese conductor Tak-ng-Lai in New Foundland folk songs, Dahil Sa Iyo and Usahay — enunciated with surprising clarity and rendered with moving expression  — Oriental selections conducted by the wonderful soprano, Cebu-born Chinese Aileen Lee, an ethnic number with bongo drums and “Westside Story” excerpts which captured the breezy spirit of the Broadway musical. “Amazing Grace” was interpreted fervently and soulfully.

The choir was cohesive and worked closely with Tak and Russian Marina Nikiforova on the piano. The audience enjoyed the concert as much as the singers did giving it.