Bituing Walang Ningning, a comic series turned movie turned TV series and now, a musical production, is indeed an ultimate throwback full of good music and entertainment.
It’s a story about Dorina Pineda, a die-hard fan of the singing superstar Lavinia Arguelles. Perseverance, determination, and hard work paved Dorina's way to stardom that even made her the toughest competition her idol, Lavinia, can ever have.
After seeing the musical, I had to watch the movie again because it's been years since I've last seen it and I already forgot what really happened. There were some changes made but not as much that you'll get lost if you've seen the movie prior to watching the musical. Of course, you'll still get one of the most iconic lines in Philippine Cinema: You're nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat!
What I loved most in this production is the choice of songs. The people behind the musical decided to replace the songs with OPM hits from the great composer, Willy Cruz. Some of the songs added in the musical are Magandang Gabi (which I think was the best song to open the show), Sa Duyan Ng 'Yong Pag-ibig, Pangarap na Bituin, Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, Kumusta Ka, and Init sa Magdamag. I also loved Cris Villongco (Lavinia Arguelles) and Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)'s rendition of Louie Ocampo's Points of View.
Among all the actors performing, you'll really notice those who are experienced in the theater scene. Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar), Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles), Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo (Edith), and Jon Santos (Dorina's Auntie) are the standouts for me. Though they're new to theater and were actually known as singers, we cannot discount the fact that Monica Cuenco and Ronnie Liang (Garry Diaz) did a really good job in showcasing their singing prowess. I also loved how some scenes were made interactive, it appeared as if this production is a musical play and a concert rolled into one.
As for the set design, Bituing Walang Ningning made use of big LED screens spread all over the stage. Though they also have those "traditional" set that we usually see in plays, the LED screens definitely added value to the production and I think it's very effective in bringing everyone to the scene. And that part where Monica first sang Bituing Walang Ningning with stars everywhere on stage? It's just magical!
What I loved most in this production is the choice of songs. The people behind the musical decided to replace the songs with OPM hits from the great composer, Willy Cruz. Some of the songs added in the musical are Magandang Gabi (which I think was the best song to open the show), Sa Duyan Ng 'Yong Pag-ibig, Pangarap na Bituin, Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, Kumusta Ka, and Init sa Magdamag. I also loved Cris Villongco (Lavinia Arguelles) and Monica Cuenco (Dorina Pineda)'s rendition of Louie Ocampo's Points of View.
Among all the actors performing, you'll really notice those who are experienced in the theater scene. Mark Bautista (Nico Escobar), Cris Villonco (Lavinia Arguelles), Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo (Edith), and Jon Santos (Dorina's Auntie) are the standouts for me. Though they're new to theater and were actually known as singers, we cannot discount the fact that Monica Cuenco and Ronnie Liang (Garry Diaz) did a really good job in showcasing their singing prowess. I also loved how some scenes were made interactive, it appeared as if this production is a musical play and a concert rolled into one.
As for the set design, Bituing Walang Ningning made use of big LED screens spread all over the stage. Though they also have those "traditional" set that we usually see in plays, the LED screens definitely added value to the production and I think it's very effective in bringing everyone to the scene. And that part where Monica first sang Bituing Walang Ningning with stars everywhere on stage? It's just magical!
Bituing Walang Ningning runs until July 18, 2015 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.
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Since photography isn't allowed inside the theater, just feast your ears with this medley from the main cast of Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical taken during Mark Bautista's concert.
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