Q2 LESSON 4: MUSICAL THEATER OF THE PHILIPPINES

Musical Theater

• a type of play that mixes acting, singing, and dancing to tell a story.

• characters also sing when their feelings are too strong to just say in words.

Mix of Arts

• acting, singing, dancing, and design work together.

Songs Tell The Story

• music shows the characters’ feelings.

Teamwork

• many people work together: actors, musicians, choreographers, and designers.

Entertaining

• bright costumes, lights, and fun scenes.

Shows Culture

• it reflects the life, values, and struggles of the people.

Strong Emotions

• characters sing or dance when words are not enough to show their feelings.

Zarzuela

• a Spanish-influenced musical play in the Philippines that combines singing, dancing, and acting.

  • usually talks about love, family, social issues, or daily Filipino life.

Walang Sugat

• by Severino Reyes, about Tenyong and Julia.

Bodabil

• Filipino version of vaudevill—a fun mix of songs, dances, and comedy acts that entertained people during American time.

Katy! The Musical

• by Jose Javier Reyes, about the inspiring journey of Katy de la Cruz, from a poor girl with a dream to a world-class performer loved by many.

Katy! The Musical

• this musical shows that with hard work, passion and determination, you can reach your dreams—even if the road is difficult.

Contemporary

• after World War II, Filipino musicals started to grow, influenced by Broadway but made with a Filipino heart.

• Original musicals were written about Filipino life, history, and culture.

  • Some used popular OPM songs or traditional music.

Mula Sa Buwan

• by Pat Valera, a Filipino musical about Cyrano, a smart and poetic man who secretly loves Roxane but feels insecure because of his big nose.

  • When World War II reaches Manila, Christian dies, and years later Roxane discovers the truth—that it was Cyrano’s words and heart she loved all along. Cyrano also dies, but his love and poetry live forever.