If tonight was your last night on Earth, what would be your fondest memories?
Ateneo Blue Repertory, the foremost college musical theatre organization of the Ateneo de Manila University, in cooperation with Kawasaki, present their 22nd season with their take on the musical comedy A New Brain, directed by Toff de Venecia.
This musical comedy is the story of Gordon Schwinn, a talented song writer battling with his inability to compose a song that is comme il faut. In the beginning of the musical, we see him struggling to create a song of inspired taste. Schwinn becomes diagnosed with a rare medical condition wherein he needs to undergo a perilous brain surgery.
Throughout the musical, Schwinn’s fear of dying, of not leaving behind a legacy, and past emotional traumas are conjured up by Schwinn and manifested by the characters in the musical.
Gordon Schwinn (Sanchez) struggles to write a song.
The lead role of the uninspired and struggling composer Gordon Schwinn is played by Arion Sanchez. His agent and former flame, Rhoda is portrayed by Lara Antonio. Gelo Lantaco, a Blue REP alumni comes back to the stage to play Schwinn’s affectionate sailor lover, Roger.
The tyrannical Mr. Bungee is played by Storm Sevilla. Ciary Manhit and Tin Amante play Gordon’s mother, Mimi Schwinn. The “A New Brain” show we saw last Saturday showcased Tin Amante as Mimi.
Other characters featured are Dr. Jafar (Wrench Canicosa), the Waitress/Nancy D. (Bernice Reyes and Rio Tanchuling), the Minister (Ian Hermogenes), the Homeless Lady (Trish Arcega) and Richard the Nurse (Franco Ramos and Bryan Mendoza)
Arion Sanchez as Gordon Schwinn
Last Saturday, July 27 2013, Kiko and I had the privilege of attending Blue REP’s A New Brain musical on behalf of WheninManila.com. As a theatre enthusiast, I was absolutely stoked about this opportunity. We didn’t care about the Saturday traffic and braved through those bumper-to-bumper roads to get to Ateneo.
After about thirty minutes of searching the campus for the Black Box Theatre, we finally made it and were greeted by Joanna Kennedy, Assistant Production Manager of A New Brain. Upon stepping into the dimly-lit and aptly named theatre, I was suddenly drawn by the charming set.
The set for “A New Brain” was designed by CJ Francisco.
A voice comes over the speakers informing guests that the show will start in 15, 10 and 5 minutes. A voice that I later learned belongs to Storm Sevilla, who plays the domineering and tormenting Mr. Bungee.
Storm Sevilla as Mr. Bungee
