A Christmas Carol is definitely the show to start the holiday season on a happy note, When in Manila. Not only does it give you a wonderful experience of music from different genres, but also a reminder of the story about a man who had conquered himself to realize what Christmas is all about — the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Written by the well-loved author of all ages, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol unfolds the personal journey of Scrooge, the “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as a flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features… and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice.”
A Christmas Carol: Story Re-told Through Ballet
Such a heavy description breeds high expectations of the actor who plays the role. Fortunately, it was no less than Nonoy Froilan who was chosen as Scrooge. Famous in the field of ballet and theater, Froilan manages to balance the discipline ballet entails and the emotions the character asks of him.
A Christmas Carol provides a visual and eargasmic feast that suits all audiences. Edna Vida Froilan, highly recognized as one of today’s leading dance artists, did justice to the story with her excellent choreography.
I was in awe of how classic ballet meets other types of dances! Two of my favorites were the scenes of the Pocket Calculator song and when the dancers performed their hearts out in hip-hop costumes. The play only heightened my admiration for Katherine Trofeo and Carissa Adea who never fail in giving a great performance!
What makes A Christmas Carol distinct is the use of specific modern props which is not a common approach in ballet performances. The video images and laser lights could have been better, but the use of chains and amusing costumes is commendable.
Upon seeing A Christmas Carol, it is easy to say that the actors, actresses,dancers, and people behind the stage are all dedicated to their roles and responsibilities.
One does not need to think much to know what the lesson of the story is. However, one has to really feel so as to make watching this play worthwhile. For what good does it do to watch an inspiring play if he plays the Scrooge in real life?
When in Manila, recent events make Christmas 2013 even more important. Watch A Christmas Carol today and tomorrow, and learn from Ebenezer Scrooge. Dance to the rhythm of giving, and sing happy tunes of hope and joy.
For tickets and inquiries, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.
