First - the venue. Of course, it is SM Cinema I. What else can you ask for? The cool dark ambiance was excellently conducive to the play which directed all the audience attention to the stage – the only part of the area that was lighted with added features of spotlights to emphasize a character or a part.
Second – the costumes. The casts’ relevant costumes shimmered against the light making them more glaringly attractive in the contrasting dark area. I supposed the costs being invested on those attires were rocketing. Later, I found out that their price were not at all unreasonable.
Third – the production. The overall production was good and the choice of the story, perfect. It gave a huge platform for featuring not just acting but dancing and singing knacks as well.
Fourth – the background music. Whoever the musical director is, I salute him/her. I was very much impressed with the choice and timing of the music. It added life to the play.
I love the singing voices of the choir and of Mulan herself which was not far from the real singer of Reflections – Lea Salonga. My most favorite performance is the white soldiers who performed their dances in unison. I was impressed with the main characters like Mulan’s family, the emperor, emperor’s secretary, soothsayer, Captain Shang, Mushu, hunts and many more.
The little performers whom I know are from the pre-school and elementary departments, looked like unwinged angels who went down from heaven for a while for that day alone. The young ladies and gentlemen from the high school department were very lovely and handsome. They took the helm of the most performances. I know their parents should be very proud of them.
Though there were areas for improvement which I know can be credited to the less frequency of rehearsals, it was understandable for the level of the performers but I still wish they can go far more than expected in the future. Part of my expectation is for them to perform outside Cebu, or even outside the country.
I commend the teachers for being responsible of the overall success of the stage play; more so to the SDS Management for creating an arena on which the artistic ingenuity of its teachers and students are expressed in the most exquisite way.
