Nikki Gil: Fears, wedding bells, a musical comedy

MANILA, Philippines – Nikki Gil’s nightmare is to blank out on stage.

“That’s my biggest fear because before going on stage I like to be equipped and prepared for battle,” the actress tells Rappler.

Nikki is currently playing Sonia in the musical comedy “They’re Playing Our Song” produced by 9 Works Theatrical. While preparing for the role, she took voice lessons with vocal coach Kitchie Molina.

“It does not mean that singing took a back seat,” Nikki clarifies. “I just did more drama and soaps in 2012.”

“They’re Playing Our Song” is Nikki’s 3rd stage musical. In 2010, she played Elle Woods in Atlantis Productions’ “Legally Blonde”; in 2011, she played Charity Hope Valentine in 9 Works Theatrical’s “Sweet Charity.”  

Timeless love story

“They’re Playing Our Song” is a love story between lyricist Sonia (Gil) and composer Vernon, played by veteran theater actor Lorenz Martinez. 

Executive producer Santi Santamaria says the story is set in 1981. He adds that Nikki fits Sonia’s character perfectly because they are both “eccentric.” 

Nikki points out one difference: “I don’t hold on to the past so much. I let go easily as opposed to Sonia who’s so stuck in the past.

“I’m more forgiving, a little bit forgetful; in that sense, we’re different.”

Fictional Vernon and real-life Billy

The 25-year old singer-actress says the meeting of Sonia and Vernon in “They’re Playing Our Song” reminded her of how she and boyfriend of 5 years Billy Crawford met.

“In the play, Sonia tries to keep it cool and make it appear like she has it under control. I guess it was the same for me; I tried to hide my being starstruck from Billy,” Nikki says.

When asked if marriage has ever entered their minds, Nikki says that she and Billy have talked about the possibility of marriage but there are no final plans yet. Their faith in God is at the “center of their relationship.” – Rappler.com

(“They’re Playing Our Song” runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City until March 3. For tickets, call 9 Works Theatrical at 586-7105 and 0917-5545560 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.)