By DR. FERNANDO HOFILEÑA
The Ateneo Theatre, a peda gogical tool of Jesuit edu cation, is as old as the Ateneo de Manila University itself. Through the decades, it has affected the lives of the Ateneans in myriad ways as recorded faithfully by the school historians.
Former director Mariano Singson, Jr. of the Ateneo Children’s Theatre (ACT) brought into focus the group’s activity as a vehicle for values education. Among the values imparted to the students were creativity, discipline, particularly punctuality, resourcefulness, humility, helpfulness, respect for the properties of others, patriotism, appreciation of Philippine culture and love of God.
‘’Seussical, the Musical’’ which is scheduled to be presented at the Irwin Theatre on Feb. 3 and 4, is envisioned to add more values as the author asserts his belief in helping a friend, in not giving up, in keeping a promise, in respecting the value and dignity of others, in working to preserve the fragile sweetness of the natural world and in peace, the ultimate ideal among nations and in the heart of every person.
Carolyn Clay, a critic who wrote about the play when it opened on Broadway in 2000 wrote: "He also believes in the pure power of imagination. This is the heart of Seussical," she concluded.
Opened by the master of ceremonies, the Cat in the Hat, the play invites the audience to explore with their imagination and see "what kind of things" are lurking there.
Then the MC tells the story of Horton the Elephant who saves his friend; a boy named Jojo and the other people living on a small speck of dust. The determined Horton, loyal to his friend, fights for what he knows to be true.
The play is a totally new full-length musical which weaves together the most famous tales and characters as well as wonderful creatures, places and things included in Dr. Seuss’ book.
The real beauty of this show is the music which is extremely varied. It contains references that range widely from Isaac Hayes’ "Shaft" to Cy Coleman’s "Sweet Charity." Some of the best songs are the high octave number "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think," the funny Gospel number "Biggest Blame Fool," the sweet song of Hope, the traditional ballads like "Alone in the Universe," and the oft-repeated theme song "How Lucky You Are." It is a fusion of the wacky and the classic, a welcome departure from the music of the immortal musicals: Oliver, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Fiddler on the Roof and King and I which ACT has creditably produced.
Director Jervy Rosales, a faculty member, debuts with this 74th production of ACT.
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