When In Manila, we should support our local theater scene as you might be surprised with what it has to offer! One notable production on my list would be Maxie the Musicale.

Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros

I can still remember seeing the movie Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros when I was in highschool and it was such an eye opener for me. It definitely made me more receptive to the gay community and even expanded my group of gay friends. In fact, I may have acquired a tad of their lingo! And yes, Maxie the Musicale is an adaptation of that movie by Michiko Yamamoto, directed by Aureus Solito.

Maxie the Musicale is produced by Bit by Bit Company in cooperation with the PETA Theater Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Its book and lyrics are by Nicolas B. Pichay; the music is by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio, and Janine Santos; and the direction and choreography are by Dexter M. Santos.

I got the chance to watch Maxie the Musical a few days ago and wow, it is definitely my favorite local production so far! I highly suggest that you go and see it! From the set design, music and direction, up to the littlest of detail — it is all delivered superbly. I honestly want to watch it again. And to put it in gay lingo, check na check! Pak na pak ng bonggang-bongga! 

Maxie the Musicale tells the coming-of-age story of Maxie, a 12-year old gay boy who fell in love with an honest cop (Victor) and got torn between his budding young love and his loyalty to his family (who work as petty thieves).

But Maxie the Musicale isn’t just about Maxie’s young love. I tell you, it will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Cliché, but that’s the plain truth. I laughed (A LOT!) at their witty lines and antics, got surprised by the “Tabo-Tabo” scene (you’ll have to watch it to know what I’m talking about), and admittedly shed some tears during the heart-gripping “Kupal” segment as I simply loved the relationship of Maxie and his brothers and how they wholeheartedly accepted the flamboyant Maxie and protected him at all costs.

And this deserves a special mention — the Beaucon. The 15-min beauty pageant segment made my decision for me: that I love Maxie the Musicale to bits. With that, I can say that Maxie the Musicale goes on my list of favorite theater productions ever!

Maxie’s lead role is performed by Jayvhot Galang whose performance is filled with immense energy. He perfectly recreates the lovable and sweet Maxie that I saw in the movies way back when. Maxie’s comical friends are played by Aaron Ching, Nomer Limatog Jr. and Teetin Villanueva. As for Victor, Maxie’s love interest, he is played by Jojo Riguerra.

Other members of the cast are Roeder Camañag and Nazer Salcedo (alternating as Paco Oliveros), Al Gatmaitan and OJ Mariano (alternating as Boy Oliveros), and Jay Gonzaga (Bogs Oliveros).

The ensemble is composed of Ruth Alferez, John Paul Basco, Jules Dela Paz, Irene Delarmente, Elliot Eustacio, Karyl Factora, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Francelle Fetalvero, Al Bernard Garcia, Jeffrey Hernandez, Ronah Rostata, and Christian Velarde.

When In Manila, don’t miss Maxie the Musicale and get your tickets now for its last week. Prepare yourself for a bonggacious Maxie-ficent show! Gora na!

 

Maxie the Musicale: Maxie-ficent! Bonggang-Bongga ka Maxie! 

 Another notable musical that you shouldn’t miss When in Manila? Grease! (https://www.wheninmanila.com/grease-manila-with-gino-magdangal-francheska-farr-and-iya-villania-will-multiply-your-chills/)

 

 

MAXIE THE MUSICALE : ANG PAGDADALAGA NI MAXIMO OLIVEROS

 

November 9 to December 8, 2013

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

All performances are at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City

(0917) 842-7346

maximooliverosmusical@yahoo.com

Twitter: @MaxieTheMusicale

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaxieTheMusicale

Tickets are available at all TicketWorld (891-9999) and SM Tickets (470-2222) outlets.

 

 

Maxie the Musicale: Maxie-ficent! Bonggang-Bongga ka Maxie!