Living up to its commitment of uplifting the legacy of Original Pilipino Music, Spotlight Artists Centre brings back the glory days of Filipino jazz and vaudeville when it restages KATY: The Musical at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) in January 2013. The musical, originally staged in the ‘80s, chronicles the inspiring story of legendary jazz chanteuse Katy dela Cruz, who ro
se from the ranks to become one of the most illustrious, internationally-acclaimed and highest-paid performers of her time. From the 1930s onwards, throughout a prolific career that stretched out to more than six decades, the iconic stage livewire endeared herself to both foreign and local audiences with her mesmerizing stage presence, classic style and elegance, as well as her playful wit and irreverence. Given the breadth and longevity of her stellar career, it’s hard to imagine what kind of multimedia frenzy Katy could’ve triggered if she were alive today. While her name might not ring a bell among Twitter and Youtube denizens, her legacy has been immortalized in the annals of local entertainment history. She was the Charice Pempengco and Jessica Sanchez of her generation. Her voice had the same knockout power as Manny Pacquiao’s. And her wit and humor was no doubt an inspiration to the equally-iconic King of Comedy, Dolphy, whom she shared the stage during their vaudeville days. Such an uplifting, inspiring and culturally-enriching story definitely needs to be rekindled and passed on to younger generations. It is this noble mission that Spotlight Artists Centre undertook to take pride and glorify our roots. Thankfully, the artistic community has wholeheartedly thrown its support to the project. Spotlight’s producers, led by Robert Seña, Carl Balita and Tricia Amper-Jimenez, are happy to announce the musical’s powerhouse cast, led by Isay Alvarez-Seña in the title role, along with Dulce, Tirso Cruz III, Lou Veloso, Gian Magdangal, Epi Quizon as ‘Golay,’ and an ensemble of prodigious Filipino talents. Nestor Torre directs, with original music composed by Ryan Cayabyab and interpreted live by the AMP Nonet Band under the baton of musical director Mel Villena. The libretto is by Jose Javier Reyes. While the main cast has already been finalized, the search is still ongoing for the actress who will play the young Katy. Aspiring stage performers, ages 5 to10, may call Spotlight Artists Centre (899-8089) for audition schedules. Interested show buyers may also avail of premium discounts for special booking packages. Log on to www.spotlightartistscentre.com for more details.
