‘CHALLENGE’ – What “Challenge” is Highspeed talking about?
Well, the “Challenge” to equal, or even top, the performances of previous “Larawan” actors.
Am referring to two past staging of “Ang Larawan” at Fort Santiago’s Raha Suliman theater, both directed by Lino Brocka. This was in the ‘70s.
Must be said though that Brocka’s version of “Ang Larawan” was the play, the adaptation in Filipino of Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.” The entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival is the musical version, topbilled by Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, and Paulo Avelino.
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FORMIDABLE – The first presentation of “Larawan” starred Lolita Rodriguez, Dante Rivero, and Miss Rita Gomez.
It was followed by the one topbilled by again Lolita, Phillip Salvador, and Charito Solis.
Truly formidable.
But Highspeed believes that Joanna (as Candida), Rachel (Paula) – the Marasigan spinster sisters – Paulo (Tony Javier) are equal to the challenge. Joanna is a West End star (“Miss Saigon” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”, Rachel is acclaimed movie-theater actress, and Paulo is Urian awardee for “Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa.”
Must be said that “Portrait” was made into a movie (black & white) in the ‘60s, directed by Bert Avellana and topbilled by Daisy Hontiveros Avellana, Naty Crame Rogers, and Conrad Parham.
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TIE FOR – Highspeed earlier asked if the stars of “Deadma Walking,” Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman, could tie for best actor at the MMFF. How about Joanna and Rachel for best actress. Years back, Lolita Rodriguez and Nora Aunor tied for MMFF best actress for “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” the first time it happened. Will there be a repeat this year?
Let’s wait and see. Highspeed believes “Ang Larawan” is a shoo-in for the Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award and a strong contender for best picture.
Set at the start of World War 11, “Ang Larawan” is directed by Loy Arcenas and produced by Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis (Culturtain).
Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
