Footage taken from the two dress rehearsals. (Pardon the shaky hands.)
Take note: REHEARSALS kaya babangon mula sa pagkamatay si Mimi sa first video. Still, they're great, right?! And NO microphones were used! Their voices just soared over the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Helen Quach) to fill the Main Theater.
Mimi's Death Scene (Act IV)
1 October 2008
Rodolfo- Gary del Rosario
Mimi- Jennifer Uy
Musetta- Ana Feleo
Marcello- Lawrence Jatayna
Colline- Joseleo Logdat
Schaunard- John Campos
Alcindoro- Nomer Son
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Quando Me'n Vo (Musetta's Waltz, Act II)
2 October 2008
Rodolfo- Dondi Ong
Mimi- Maribel Miguel
Musetta- Elaine Lee
Marcello- Jesus Baang
Colline- Joseleo Logdat
Schaunard- John Campos
Alcindoro- Nomer Son
4 comments:
How does one enjoy an opera without hearing it? You can’t!
Immediately after Act 1 of “La Boheme”, at least 20 people left the theatre. Some went straight to the parking lot. While others, Filipinos and foreigners alike, went straight to the table (where the programs were sold) to express our disappointment and frustration. We simply could not hear the opera. With the exception of Rodolfo, one can barely hear the rest of the characters. Only Rodolfo’s soaring high notes that made an impression. This would have surely been a goose bump moment had there been a sound system.
The lack of acoustic enhancement was the tragic mistake. It is mind boggling to me that the Philippine Opera Company did not take careful measures to ensure the enjoyment of the first ever, full length opera with an all Filipino cast.
It was also quite annoying to see some characters dressed as if they were appearing in “Rent”. Layers of clothing, beanies and scarves were worn while they huddled in front of a fire. Seriously, it never gets that cold in Manila. The set design was a very poor and uninspired version of the “Rent”set design.
Whenever I watch an opera, I am prepared to hear magnificent voices, spectacular sets and grand costumes. Now, take the period costumes away and you are left with what looks like a run-through or rehearsal for an opera. I am not saying they need to be in evening gowns or showgirl costumes. But they could have at least given it more thought.
Rodolfo and Mimi’s outfits in Act 1 were beyond horrendous. Being Bohemian does not mean being “baduy” or devoid of style. In fact, the Bohemian style has even inspired haute couture.
Only three things were praise worthy of the October 4 performance: Rodolfo, Musetta and the video backdrop.
I immediately texted everyone I knew of this utter waste of time. Many had planned to go on the last night but opted not to because they have received similar warnings from other victimized friends.
@anonymous:
I've heard about similar complaints in other forums. True, it's disappointing that it turned out that way.
Our experience regarding the sound was completely different, but then again, we were at the rehearsal with just about 50 warm bodies in the orchestra section.
In our interview with Direk Floy after one of the rehearsals, he said that he suggested setting microphones on the sides or the floor as they do in the NY Metropolitan Opera. I believe he even warned the cast about a full house absorbing the sound. Our impression from his response was that the artists thought they wouldn't need the mics any more. Don't know really why they eventually opted not to have the sound system.
Regarding the modernization, I agree with you that some of the clothes and scenes just wouldn't work in the Philippine setting. My friend and I also laughed at the useless scarves they had.
The production's look did try to approximate the RENT feel, and I guess those familiar with the musical will really feel that something's lacking. They may have also used the recent RENT productions and the film as pegs for the look. We don't really know.
The difficulty in modernizing may also lie heavily on the material. The factor of the "cold" is very important for me in La Boheme- the artists burning materials for heat, Mimi's cold hands, Mimi's worsening tuberculosis due to the cold winds coming in Rodolfo's apartment, the muffs given to Mimi to warm her hands as she dies. However, like what everyone immediately notices, it's never that cold in Manila, haha.
Ang nasasabi na lang talaga ni Mr.Quintos sa informal interview ay grabeng suspension of disbelief na lang talaga ang kailangan. Who dies from TB due to the worsening cold in modern Manila, right?
I agree with you on the video backdrop by Furball. True, Rodolfo (especially if it was Gaerlan that you saw), and Musetta (be it Ana Feleo or Elaine Lee) were great.
Thanks for your input. Let's hope the next full opera staged won't have as many problems as the Oct.4 show.
Did anyone see the Sunday show? I had no problems hearing Mimi throughout. The Rodolfo needed work.
Anon: Who were the cast members on Oct 4th?
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