Experience the Magic of Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness!

POTATO ON THE GO REVIEW (Theater):

I was one of the lucky people to learn about the evolution of Trumpets' The Bluebird of Happiness, from the concept stage, to its press preview, to its gala night and actual run.  At first, I was thinking how Trumpets can transform this material into something exciting for the Filipino audience.  How can the journey of two kids be able to bring life to the musical?

The Bluebird of Happiness tells the story of two poor children, Mytyl and Tyltyl who go on a magical adventure in mysterious lands, meeting fantastical characters as they try to find the bluebird of happiness that will make their life happier. It has a 50-strong cast of seasoned actors including, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, Jennifer Villegas-dela Cruz, Lynn Sherman, Robie Zialcita, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, Joy Virata, Steve Cadd, Joel Trinidad, Reymund Concepcion with the four kids alternating as the central characters, Guido Gatmaytan, Anton Posadas, Chimmi Kohchet Chua and Alessa Zialcita


I bet you know by now, how discriminating our Filipino audience is, well, in terms of entertainment value. But Trumpets is known for presenting entertaining yet value filled plays and musicals.  And that I guess is the seal of excellence that The Bluebird of Happiness has.  And upon seeing the musical in its gala night, I can't help but get impressed and be moved.  Meralco Theater doesn't have an ultra modern stage but Trumpets was able to present The Bluebird of Happiness in a creative and engaging way.  They were able to bring audience from a simple house to a happy fantasy place, from a dark world to a glorious hall.

They don't have popular or blockbuster actors but the performers are of top caliber, veterans and rookies alike.  From kids to oldies, audience will fall in love with them. I am particularly impressed with Carla Guevarra-Laforteza's divine portrayal as Light, Robie Zialcita's comic and entertaining performance as Tylo, Lyn Sherman's sophisticated interpretation of Tylette and of course, Joel Trinidad's multi-faceted acting as Night!  Scene stealer, and that's on a positive note, for me is Raymund Concepcion II as tree and the father!  His voice is just so big and moving!  The kids Anton Posadas as Tyltyl and Cheyenne Konchet-Chua as Mytyl are also lovable and fascinating to follow.

But most of all, I just fell in love with the music!  Now I know why they say it's proudly Filipino musical because aside from the actors and the people behind the stage, the music is created by a Filipino.  And the music, if I may say, is comparable if not better than Disney musicals!

And of course, the message is very timely, especially for the Christmas season.  I just do hope that the musical will be extended until December or even January as the play is perfect and very timely for every Filipino family.

The musical though is quite long and may not be appreciated by very young and impatient kids.  So I guess their parents and guardians must really guide them well.

Ultimately, I could say my friends and I left the place with smiles because of the The Bluebird of Happiness experience.

It will have its final weekend performances at the Meralco Theater on Oct. 12 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm, Oct. 13 at 3:00 pm, Oct. 19 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm, and Oct 20 at 3:00 pm. For tickets, contact Trumpets Office at 901-4364, TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.TicketWorld.com.ph.



Photos courtesy of The Bluebird of Happiness.