Parokya ni Edgar members on 'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy' musical: 'An audiovisual extravaganza'
In Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, the musical featuring the songs of Parokya ni Edgar, 47 of the OPM band's songs from about seven of their albums are played by a 14-piece orchestra conducted by Mickey Jacinto and performed by a fantastic cast of “triple threat actors” who can sing, act, and even dance.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy is about four women: high school student Aiza (Kyle Napuli), matron Norma (Tex Ordonez-de Leon), scavenger Jen (Marynor Madamesila), and lady guard Girlie (Natasha Cabrera) who are having the strangest birthday of their lives on the 6th of December, and are all about to undergo “a radical transformation.”
“’Nung una, akala ko parang mababaw na patawa lang. Medyo nakornihan pa nga ako n’ung simula eh. Naisip ko, ‘Ang labo naman nito, patawa lang sila nang patawa.’ Buti na lang nakakatawa talaga sila,” wrote PNE frontman Chito Miranda in a social media post about the musical that premiered at the Newport Theater at Newport World Resorts last April 26, and had its gala on May 2.
“Siguro I was trying to look for something deeper, and was hoping that things would soon make sense… or at least, magkaroon ng satisfying amount of substance in their world of absurdity. Sure, it was fun and funny… and how the songs were used and how the actors performed there, were amazing, and the visual assault was spectacular,” he added.
On that aspect of the production, vocalist Vinci Montaner agrees.
“It is an audio-visual extravaganza,” Vinci told PhilSTAR L!fe as to how he felt about Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. What a treat it was indeed—with fab scenic design by Lawyn Cruz, lights design by Meliton Roxas Jr., and video projection design by GA Fallarme and Joyce Anne Garcia.
The costumes were meticulously designed by Raven Ong. And there was constant movement and action in something like 6-8 platforms or levels on stage with Stephen Vinas’ well-thought out and entertaining choreography. Truly, there was never a dull moment. The stage was constantly pulsating with action.
But Chito kept asking, “’Yun na ba talaga ‘yun? Isang nakakatawang trip na may simpleng closure sa dulo?’ Then looking back, I soon realized how dark and simple the narrative was. Para akong binuhusan ng isang timba ng malamig na tubig. It was brilliant!”
What made Chito think so?
“Like a deep disturbing track disguised as a novelty song, every single line and element pala were symbols and clues on what the story was all about, even the stupidest little things. Everything was precise and calculated. Lahat sinadya,” he said, commending writer Rody Vera.
“Sobrang in your face pala ‘yung kwento. Sobrang dark and twisted, pero may subtle, at simple, and beautiful na silver lining,” Chito said.
California-based PNE bassist Buwi Meneses agrees with Chito.
As soon as the play started, “Both of us (his father Danny and himself) were glued to each moment as the script and direction (Dexter Santos) of the cast were so unpredictably fascinating!”
“Sobrang galing ng dynamics at segue from spills to songs namin,” Buwi said in an interview with L!fe. “Nakakaaliw ‘yung plot ng story, ‘yung pagtagpi-tagpi ng kwento gamit ‘di lang mga kanta, kundi pati fillers. Tawa ako nang tawa kaya kahit may jetlag ako, buhay na buhay ako, parang nag-walong tasa ng kape.”
As to what tickles him pink, he said, “’Yung Yakinikutumbo, kinumpleto ‘yung gibberish lyrics na inimbento ko!”
Buwi, a dog lover, also couldn’t help but marvel at the participation of the Belgian malamute as Murlock, the pet of one of the lead actresses of the musical, Aiza. The collective sigh of the audience as soon as Murlock appeared onstage was so palpable and real.
“Lakas ng arrive talaga ni Mr. Suave (Pepe Herrera)! Panalo! And favorite ko ‘yung part ni Girlie na nag-freestyle showdown siya,” he continued.
A viewer noted how the male actors did just as well as the female leads: apart from Herrera, Noel Comia Jr. as Tikmol; Jasper Jimenez as Tito Ralph; and Nicco Manalo as Mang Jose, among others.
Buwi also mentioned the “undeniably witty and funny skits,” and the “flawless” actors, singers, dancers, as well as the lighting and costumes.
Now and then, Buwi glanced at the pit of the musicians “to watch them play our music so fine and sophisticated!” Maestro Rodel Colmenar is the musical director of the Manila Symphony Orchestra; and Mickey Jacinto, the conductor. Ejay Yatco is the production’s musical director and arranger.
A former stage actress who was in the audience, however, remarked that between the sound coming from the orchestra/band and the stage, there was a need to achieve balance by increasing the volume of the sound from the stage.
The musical delves into the depths of all albums of Parokya. One must be familiar with all albums to understand Buruguduy,” Vinci wrote in a post. He still performs with PNE at 12 Monkeys and some gigs, locally or abroad. He also is with a merchandising agency, a family business of the Montaners.
Chito expressed his excitement to watch it again to “just sit back, and simply enjoy the ride, without thinking too much.” However, this time around, “I’ll be looking out for more clues, hints, and Easter eggs.”
Lent may be very much over, but yes, this musical has lots of “Easter eggs” you should look out for. Brace yourself for the endless surprises then.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy opened at the Newport World Resorts Theater on April 26, followed by sold-out shows for the rest of the month. Fans of Parokya ni Edgar can check the musical out by watching it at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, until June 8.
Editor's Note: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket to Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical by Full House Theater Company and Newport World Resorts.