Carlo Orosa, Sheila Francisco, and the Sison brothers in ‘N.O.A.H.’

Enter the Creator of all things – God! And instead of giving Noah a clear-cut answer, He tells Noah to build a boat… but not just any kind of boat… a very big boat – an ark! He also instructs Noah to bring two of every kind of animal in the world into the ark and commands the entire Noah family to leave everything they have behind and come onboard as well.

Though initially distressed by the idea, Mr. Noah – who refers to God as his “Heavenly Father” – obeys. He naturally has difficulty convincing his wife and three sons to join him in this daunting task but, eventually, they too learn to trust and obey “The Father.”

Unceasing rain breaks lose from the storm clouds and the earth is submerged in water for 40 days and 40 nights. Noah and the animals are safe but they got bored inside the Ark. But after the initial complaining, Noah’s family and the animals all realize just how lucky they are and that they have a responsibility towards future generations.

Soon after, the ark hits land. The garbage problem is solved. No surprise there. Noah and family stand in awe at God’s big picture sealed with a reminder of His promise, a beautiful rainbow!

That is the story-in-a-nutshell of Trumpets latest musical – “N.O.A.H.” (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat). The modern re-telling of the beloved Bible tale is narrated in song and dance by teen idol Sam Concepcion alternating with theater newcomer Fred Lo, who also double as a very hip God. In the title role is stage veteran Carlo Orosa. Though he has of late become better known as the manager of Christian Bautista and Karylle, Carlo is an accomplished singer-actor with a flair for comedy – exactly what the role requires. The endearing Sheila Francisco, who made waves when she played Bloody Mary in London’s National Theater staging of “South Pacific,” plays Mrs. Noah. Playing their kids Ham, Sham, and Japeth are real life brothers Marek, Enzo and Ruiz Sison. An ensemble of skilled theater performers gives life to the different animals.

Besides the powerhouse cast and fabulous sets and costumes, there is the heartwarming book and lyrics of Director Jaime Del Mundo, the catchy tunes of first-time composer Rony Fortich (who presently works as a Musical Director of Hong Kong Disneyland) and the combined choreography of musical theater stalwart Audie Gemora, modern ballet danseur Gerald Mercado, tap expert Patricia Borromeo and hip-hopper Alfred Luason.

“N.O.A.H.” has two such messages – to trust and rely on our Heavenly Father because He always sees the bigger picture and that we must first cleanse our hearts before we can cleanse this world of “garbage.”

Trumpets’ “N.O.A.H.” (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) opens at Meralco Theater on Sept. 4 and will run till Sept. 27, with shows every weekend in between. For tickets and/or more information, e-mail trumpetsinc@gmail.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld.