The cast of 'Noli Me Tangere, the Musical'

MANILA, Philippines – It could be said that Tanghalang Pilipino’s restaging of the classic “Noli Me Tangere, the Musical” reminds us Filipinos of our history at a time when interest for all things foreign is especially high.

Many who studied high school in the Philippines are most likely familiar with the story of and behind Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” (1887). Because the novel criticized the Spanish clergy and government through its corrupt and abusive characters, it was branded “subversive” work to the point where possession of or reading it became illegal.

More, according to the book “Lolo Jose” as quoted in the play’s souvenir program, a Spanish senator identified only as Vida condemned Rizal and called his work “anti-Catholic” in 1888. The following year, a man named Dr. Luis M. de Pardo was said to have delivered a speech criticizing Rizal and “Noli” before the Spanish Congress.

While “Noli” tackled many subjects, it raised uproar because it highlighted the wrongful deeds of the Spaniards. It also served as a wake-up call to Filipinos who, for the longest time, were enslaved by Spanish rule. Through the characters of “Noli,” Rizal mirrored the different types of people he encountered during his time. But Rizal did not fail to include his fellowmen who practically bowed down to the Spain and threw their nationalism away. This was best exhibited through the character Doña Victorina, a pure Filipina who married the Spanish quack doctor Don Tiburcio and chose to imitate the way female Spaniards dressed and carried themselves.

In “Noli, the Musical,” certain memorable scenes and characters from the novel were either skipped entirely, mentioned in passing or merely implied in the musical. It’s safe to say that the musical will be enjoyed and clearly understood most by those who already have read or at least are familiar with novel’s plot. It seemed the musical was laid out in a way that assumed its viewers already know what it was portraying on stage.

The performances of all cast members, from the leads down to the extras, are excellent because it’s apparent that each one of them gave his best no matter how small his role was. As a result, all their numbers were good to watch and hear.

The main characters of the story, Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara, were played by Mark Bautista and Cris Villonco respectively. For his first foray into theater acting, Bautista looked almost like a pro thespian himself and belted out songs with his powerful voice perfectly. On the other hand, Villonco’s voice seemed to befit her as Maria Clara.

As the proverbial “icing on the cake,” “Noli, the Musical” boasted of gloomy-colored yet very beautiful and elaborate costumes designed by National Artist for Design Salvador Bernal. It’s amazing how detailed they were and looked exactly like what people from the 1800s would wear. The simple set design – which consisted basically of an elevated, tiered stage/stairs on stage center and a raised translucent panel painted to look a bit like capiz windows – balanced the sophisticated look of the costumes.

“Noli Me Tangere, the Musical” is adapted to musical by Ryan Cayabyab and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera (libretto), and directed by Audie Gemora. Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal alternate acting duties as Crisostomo Ibarra, while Cris Villonco plays Maria Clara, Bodjie Pascua as Padre Damaso, Al Gatmaitan as Padre Salvi, Aireen Antonio as Doña Victorina, Garry Lim as Don Tiburcio de Espadaña, Red Nuestro as Kapitan Tiago, Jennifer Villegas as Tia Isabel, Paolo Rodriguez as the leper, Jerald Napoles as Elias and Angeli Bayani as Sisa.

“Noli Me Tangere, the Musical” is currently being staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) as part of Jose Rizal's 150th birthday anniversary celebration. It will run until Aug. 28. For tickets and schedules, contact the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.