MISS SAIGON's Isay Alvarez Plays Cory Aquino In Musical

Isay Alvarez, “Miss Saigon” original London production’s Gigi Van Trahn, dons contemporary Philippine democracy icon Cory Aquino’s trademark yellow dress in the restaging of original Filipino musical “Cory” at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Theater in Manila on August 30, 2009.  The restaging of the musical serves as a timely tribute to the country’s beloved leader who succumbed to colon cancer early Saturday, August 1. 

Aquino was installed as the 11th President of the Philippines by the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled President Ferdinand Marcos’ 20-year long dictatorial regime. Aquino was married to Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., a political prisoner during Marcos’ reign.  After her husband was assassinated upon his return to Manila on August 21, 1983, Aquino, who had no political ambitions, and her advisers challenged Marcos in a snap presidential elections in 1986. Widespread reports of electoral fraud culminated in a peaceful mass uprising in support of Aquino.

“Cory” the musical reunites Alvarez with acclaimed writer and stage director Nestor Torre (Katy!, Magnificat).  The director first worked with Alvarez in the Filipino landmark musical “Magsimula Ka” in the early ‘80s, some years prior to Alvarez’ hosting career on Philippine television, and her West End debut as Gigi in the megamusical “Miss Saigon.” 

A press statement says that, “After more than two decades, Alvarez and Torre are working together again, in one of the most significant projects of their careers. A lot has happened since "Magsimula Ka," but the actress and her director have been rehearsing so well together that it sometimes feels like their first musical ended its run only yesterday…

And yet, Alvarez and Torre have indeed changed as they have matured as theater workers from the many productions they have separately been involved with through the years, and they have become better artists. Instead of being daunted, however, both have focused on working as hard and insightfully as they can, to make the musical a fitting tribute to Cory Aquino.”

The life of President Aquino is much intertwined with the unfolding events that shaped the political climate in the Philippines -- the assassination of her husband, and her ascent to presidency after the bloodless People Power Revolution. Drawing from her inspirational life, writer and composer Lourdes Pimentel (Nasaan Si Hesus, Pag-ibig Sa Bayan) thought of gifting the former president with a musical chronicling the reluctant leader’s earlier struggles, after learning that President Aquino was diagnosed of colon cancer.

After President Aquino surrendered her battle with cancer, many thought it fitting to revisit the life of the country’s icon of democracy. As the Filipino Nation reminisces on the great courage, faith and selflessness that pervaded the life of the former president, the message of the People Power Revolution has again resurfaced, and made even more resounding.

With the Filipino youth today only having a vague idea of the 1986 revolution, President Aquino's legacy is a staunch reminder that the freedom the Nation presently enjoys did not come at a cheap price. Aquino’s devotion to the country and the Filipino people was a crystal clear embodiment of what was intrinsically in the hearts of those who joined the mass demonstrations against President Marcos, that a nation, regardless of background or social stature, can come together to launch a peaceful struggle against despotism and oppression.

“I don’t think I will be portraying President Aquino any different now that she’s passed on.  I have studied and prepared for this role and I think I already have poured my best to it during the first two runs of the musical.  But, I must admit that I’m more nervous this time because I saw how loved and very much respected the lady I’m portraying.  I guess the Filipino people are expecting a lot from me,” Alvarez told BroadwayWorld.com.

With Alvarez in the title role, and classical singer Sherwin Sozon as Senator Aquino, the new musical’s Manila premiere was an outstanding success, drawing huge audiences to its performances in November to December 2008 and January 2009.   

Other remarkable Filipino thespians featured in the musical are Robert Seña (Ms. Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Ferdinand Marcos, Pinky Marquez (Beauty and the Beast) as Imelda Marcos, Tommy Abuel (Into the Woods) as the reporter, Rito Asilo (Aspects of Love) as Senator Pimentel, Asilo, Andy Bais and Lou Veloso as the Narrators. 

Choreography by Asilo, musical arrangement and direction by Leo Quinitio, and light design by Martin Esteva (The Sound of Music, Man of La Mancha). 

“Cory” will be restaged on August 30, 2009, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the AFP Theater.

Tickets are available at Ticket World at telephone number (632) 891-9999 or web site www.ticketworld.com.ph.