PHILOSOPHY alumna Mariane Abuan gives a raw depiction of infidelity and young love in Sa Wakas: A Pinoy Rock Musical, a play she co-wrote with artist Andrei Pamintuan that ran last February at PowerMac Center Spotlight in Makati.
The musical featured songs by the defunct rock band Sugarfree written by its lead vocalist, Ebe Dancel.
A former fellow of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, Abuan said she was a fan of Sugarfree and the play she wrote had been inspired by the band’s 2003 album.
“It felt very fulfilling to interpret the work of someone you admire so much,” Abuan said. “Also part of the idea of writing the musical was because of the Filipino’s inclination to karaoke and jukebox singing.”
The musical revolves around the freelance photographer Topper, alternately played by Victor Robinson and UST Conservatory of Music alumnus Pepe Herrera.
Topper has been cheating on his longtime girlfriend Lexi (Caisa Borromeo and Cara Barredo) with boss and eccentric magazine editor Gabbi (Maronne Cruz and Justine Peña), risking relationship for the sake of career.
The story was presented in reverse chronology, opening with the bitter breakup of Topper and Lexi.
Each scene was portrayed with a tting Sugarfree song arranged with counterpoint melodies by musical director Ejay Yatco.
The cast’s vocals blended well with the live band. As in Greek drama, a chorus guided the audience into the action of the play and even commented on the story. The chorus was composed of actor Hans Dimayuga and the three- member Chuwariwaps.
Highlight of the production was Topper and Lexi’s duet of Dancel’s “Bawat Daan”—a performance evincing regret and sadness for their failed relationship.
Dreamy lighting by Miggy Panganiban emphasized the play’s nostalgic element.
Overall, Sa Wakas was an impressive musical portaying love’s bittersweetness rendered in songs that the audience could easily relate with.
