Review Roundup: MAXIE by Bit by Bit Company

Manila, Philippines, November 28, 2013--Together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and PETA Theater Center, Bit by Bit Company's screen-to-stage adaptation of "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" ("The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros") held its world premiere November 9, and is running at PETA Theater Center (5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City) until December 8.

The original Filipino musical titled "Maxie: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" stars Jayvhot Galang (Maximo Oliveros), Roeder Camañag and Nazer Salcedo (alternating as Paco Oliveros), Jojo Riguerra (Victor Perez), Al Gatmaitan and OJ Mariano (alternating as Boy Oliveros), and Jay Gonzaga (Bogs Oliveros).

The show features book and lyrics by Nicolas B. Pichay, music by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio, and Janine Santos, and direction and choreography by Dexter M. Santos.

It tells the story of Maxie, a gay teen, who belongs to a family of crooks living in Sampaloc, Manila, where daily living has been a struggle to its settlers.

Now let's hear what the critics had to say:

Vladimir Bunoan, ABSCBNNews.com: It is but fitting that one of the most prolific years for local theater should end with "Maxie the Musical," the stage adaptation of the acclaimed indie film "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros."

It is also heart-warming to note that this original musical, mounted by the relatively New Group Bit by Bit Company, proved to be much more satisfying compared to the big Broadway extravaganzas being mounted at the same time by more established theater groups.

In fact, it is already safe to declare that "Maxie the Musical" is definitely among the year's best, particularly in terms of book, music, direction and even set design and lighting.

This shouldn't come as a surprise since its source material, the 2005 film written by Michiki Yamamoto and directed by Aureus Solito, was excellent to begin with -- a heartwarming coming-of-age story of a 12-year-old gay boy who falls in love with an honest cop, much to the dismay of his father and brothers who work as petty thieves.

"Maxie the Musical" successfully took this simple tale of puppy love to the stage, while incorporating some big bombastic numbers at the same time. Those who expect outlandish scenes and bawdy humor given the musical's gay theme will have their fill of comedy-bar jokes and even displays of male flesh. There's a musical shower scene ("Tabo-tabo") with cops in jock straps taking a bath; a fantasy sequence about love in the movies ("Pelikula"); and a 15-minute gay beauty pageant number ("Beaucon"), complete with a talent contest and a question-and-answer portion.

Kiki Tan, FringeMag.net: ...Pichay's music more than suffices. Yes, it can be argued that (at least for me, and for the friends I watched with) there's no stand-out piece, but the songs progressed the narrative as needed. So - as it was with us - don't expect to hum (as you may) pieces from the show (as you would after watching, say, Wicked or Evita or Cats); but at least expect to feel (as a companion said) "happy"...

...the key players (most of them, anyway) fit the characters aptly - e.g. fresh-faced Jojo Riguerra befitted the concept of clean-cut policeman Victor (and he looks way better in person, by the way), Aaron Ching was sassy as Nar, and Jayvhot Galang easily brings to mind Nathan Lopez's Maximo Oliveros in the film version.

This isn't perfect, mind you (but then again, what is?).

On the songs, for me, some of the songs sounded (sorry for borrowing Madonna's reference to Lady Gaga's songs) reductive. At certain points during the opening number, for instance, I was waiting for the cast to start singing parts of Hotdog's O Lumapit Ka (i.e. "Kung gusto mo akong halikan, Ba't kita sasawayin?"). And at another point of the show, I was expecting to hear parts of VST & Company's Tayo'y magsayawan (i.e. "Tayo'y magsayawan, Sumabay sa takbo ng tugtugan").

Marcella Licuanan, Yahoo News Philippines: The play is both funny and heart-rending.

Jayvhot Galang is impeccable as Maxie, no less outstanding as Nathan Lopez who played the role in the film.

Galang gives justice to the songs composed by William Manzano, JJ Pimpinio, and Janine Santos.

Impressive as well are the "Bekimon" gang of Maxie - Aaron Ching as Maxie's bekfriend Nar.

Not far behind is the adorable 12-year old Nomer Limatog Jr. as Leslie.

A standard feature in any gay show is a beauty pageant, referred in gay lingo as "beaucon." It is hilarious.

Roeder Camañag as Paco is superb, while the Nazer Salcedo's rendition of songs expressing his love for his family even if it means going against society's moral fabric, is heart-rending. Jay Gonzaga as the chiseled and blundering Bogs is adorable for his affection for Maxie, while Al Gatmaitan deserves the most praise for his acting of guilt-stricken Boy.

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