My journey ‘Into The Woods’: A fun challenge

Seeing Lady Gaga’s tribute to the iconic film The Sound of Music at the 2015 Oscars brought back many happy memories of my first ever performance on stage — or anywhere for that matter. 

I watched The Sound of Music for the first time when I was 6 years old, and since then – like many Pinoys – I’ve probably seen it a few hundred times and memorized every single line. When I was just 8, I auditioned and got Marta Von Trapp’s part in The Metropolitan Theatre’s production of the play. I literally felt like Cinderella, my wish granted by a fairy godmother. 

For two months, I was in heaven as we rehearsed and performed. But then during one of the shows, I had a sudden inspiration to deliver my lines differently. I was caught by surprise when the audience laughed and laughed. That was it. From that moment on I was hooked. I knew right there and then that was my purpose – that my deepest heart’s desire is to entertain. 

When I first met my husband, I awkwardly blurted out that if I could be any other human being, I would choose to be Will Ferrell. “He gets paid to make people laugh and work with his best friends. What could be a better life?” I said. Carlos probably thought I was weird. Actually, I told him that so he would instantly get a sense of what I’m all about. 

Like Marta, through the years I’ve been given dream roles such as Mimi in Rent, Kate Monster in Avenue Q or Amneris in Aida. I visualized myself in those roles when I watched them on Broadway, and found myself playing them in reality years later. My manager would always say: “Your wish factor is stronger than you think!”

I must admit, though, that I did not see it coming that I would one day be offered the role of The Witch in Upstart Productions’ Into The Woods. I knew little about the material before the Disney movie version was released, but I often thought to myself — how wonderful it would be to work again with my old friend Joel Trinidad, Upstart’s founder and director, after so many years.

For those who have not seen or heard of the film, The Witch is the role played in the recent film by Oscar-nominated (yet again) Meryl Streep.  

When Joel texted me about it, I immediately said yes, not knowing or caring what it entailed. He could have offered me the role of Milky White, The Cow and I would have agreed. I just knew it would be fun. 

And what fun we’ve been having! The actors alternating as The Baker (Loy Martinez and Noel Rayos) and Juliene Mendoza who plays Cinderella’s Prince are three of the funniest guys on the planet.

On top of that, in rehearsals we constantly cracked each other up as we fumbled through James Lapine’s tongue-twister lyrics and dialogue, not to mention Stephen Sondheim’s impossibly difficult melody lines.

Cursing was rampant, and we often mentioned the inside joke among Broadway and West End theater actors that Sondheim secretly hates singers. 

Don’t get me wrong. This is a cast full of stellar actors, the best of the best. I have to bring my A-game to each performance. The result? A highly entertaining show with no special effects of any kind, just world-class Filipino talent.   

It’s been so well-received so far that even this early in the run, we’re almost out of tickets. I would not be surprised if Upstart announces an extension or repeat very soon. But in case that doesn’t happen, do get your tickets so you don’t miss it!

I believe the reason the play appeals to audiences of all ages is that even if the plot revolves around fairytales, we can all relate to the plights and struggles of each character. We all remember a moment or two in our lives when we had to risk everything we had to get what we want, all the while questioning if we had done the right thing. 

As for me and my good buddy Joel, our journey Into The Woods has been challenging most definitely, but nothing short of magical. I would like to share with you a portion of his message in our souvenir program, at least the part of it that resonated with me:

Wishes are the main theme of Into The Woods, so it’s only fitting that the show itself represents many of my own wishes fulfilled. I get to mount one of my favorite Broadway musicals, one that I’ve loved for more than two decades. I get to work with some of the most talented performers I’ve ever worked with, many of whom also happen to be my closest friends. I get to finally direct my amazing father, whom I have idolized my entire life. I get to celebrate the fifth anniversary of my own Upstart Productions, a theater company whose very existence in itself is a wish fulfilled. And although that’s a lot of wishes, I’d like to make just one more: that you enjoy watching Into The Woods as much as I enjoyed directing it. Since my Fairy Godmother is clearly an overachiever in the wish-granting department, I just thought I’d push my luck.

Hmm… getting paid to do what you love side by side with those you love. Sounds like Will Ferrell’s life to me! – Rappler.com

Rachel Alejandro is a singer-actress and entrepreneur. Catch her remaining performances at Kasalikasan Garden BGC in the musical ‘Into The Woods’ on Sat/Sun from Feb 28 – March 15, 2015. For tickets, visit the Upstart Productions website or the Ticketworld website.