Photo / Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
If I had my way, I would classify Bar Boys: A New Musical as a work in the fantasy genre.
There are no dragons, a magical wardrobe, or a great wizard (though there is a Big Baddie), but a fair world where justice prevails? That’s about as fantastical as a book by J.R.R. Tolkien or Ursula K. Le Guin.
Don’t get me wrong. I thought Bar Boys was a terrific musical that reflected our times. It tackles relevant themes like justice, doing what’s right vs. wrong (or what’s easy), class struggles, friendship, and going after your dreams, no matter how big they are. Its greatest strength is its sincerity, its iron-clad conviction that we can change the world.
Bar Boys, which returns to the stage following its first run, or “semester,” last May, is a stage adaptation of the film of the same name, directed by Kip Oebanda. Playwright and director Pat Valera and his co-director Mikko Angeles take creative liberties to adapt the film to the stage, but its essence remains: four friends try their luck in law school.
The musical follows Erik (Benedix Ramos), who comes from a working-class family; Chris (Alex Diaz), a wealthy student with lofty ideals; Torran (Jerom Canlas), who may be carrying a big secret; and Josh (Omar Uddin), who is passionate about social causes.
Photo / Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
All four actors are wonderful, each with their distinct personalities and struggles.
Diaz is an undeniable leading man, and his looks are complemented by his commitment to his role. Uddin has matured, honed undoubtedly by the physical and emotional demands of his role in Mula sa Buwan, which was staged directly between Bar Boys‘ two runs. There’s a restraint in his current portrayal that serves him well. Canlas is establishing himself in a particular niche: the lovestruck comic. He played a similar role in Mula sa Buwan, and it’s one that he does well. Canlas effortlessly brings the laughs and the kilig (even if his love story in Bar Boys seems somewhat questionable).
It’s Ramos that shines the brightest in Bar Boys. Viewers may argue that the most heart-tugging storyline props him, but he has the talent to bring it to life. Bar Boys‘ intimate staging allows you to see the nuances in his acting, from the sad smile to the grim determination in his eyes. Ramos and Juliene Mendoza, who plays his father, Paping, are highlights of the show.
Sheila Francisco is also a joy to see as Justice Hernandez. Although she is terrifying (affectionate) as the boys’ professor, Francisco grounds her performance with a maternal presence. She is charismatic, and your eyes are drawn to her when she steps on the stage. Topper Fabregas contrasts Francisco as the substitute professor, Atty. Victor Cruz. If Justice Hernandez is intimidating, Atty. Cruz is funny and more approachable.
Photo / Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
The ensemble also does an incredible job. Bar Boys has an electric energy, and the supporting cast has tireless stamina, especially when it comes to the choreography.
In terms of music, the musical also gets an uno. This marks Myke Salomon’s first original work, following a career-high marked by musical direction and arrangement of jukebox titles like Rak of Aegis, Ang Huling El Bimbo, and One More Chance. Bar Boys‘ soundtrack has bangers, from the catchy “May Singil ang Pangarap” and “Cross the Line” to the rousing “Dear Future Lawyers” and “Daan ng Pag-ibig.”
I still think Bar Boys: A New Musical is a fantasy, but I would like to unpack my thought process. The musical is a fantasy in that this is my dream: a world where people like Erik, Chris, Torran, and Josh are willing to put in the work to create a better world. And they have adults like Atty. Victor Cruz and Justice Hernandez who encourage them to fight for it.
Perhaps realism is not the point but the goal. That for this world to be possible, we must first dare to dream it and then put in the work. Maybe then, Bar Boys: A New Musical will go from fantasy to nonfiction.
Bar Boys: A New Musical runs for a limited five weeks, from October 4 to November 3, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati. The musical is directed by Pat Valera and Mikko Angeles, with a book and lyrics by Valera, music and lyrics by Salomon, and movement design by Jomelle Era.
Tickets to all show dates are now available on Ticket2Me at bit.ly/barboystickets.
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