THE original musical, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, based on the songs of Parokya ni Edgar, is a “big gamble” for its producers, Full House Theater Company (FHTC).

The expensive budget became obvious in the show’s costumes, grand set pieces and 40-plus cast members.

“We decided that we will only do original Filipino musicals,” said Kingston Sian, president and CEO of Newport World Resorts. “We started with Bituing Walang Ningning (2015), followed by Ang Huling El Bimbo (2018) and now, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.

“This is our most expensive musical to date. You will see in the costumes, sets, graphics, we spared no expense because the Filipino audience deserves the best. Gusto naming ipakita na kung kaya nila sa Broadway, kaya din natin dito.”

Kingston acknowledged the production team of Newport World Resorts who put Buruguduystunstugudunstuy complete onstage, headed by Ana Chua, the head of entertainment, all the sponsors and buyers.

He also mentioned the creative team headed by co-artistic directors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams, with director Dexter Santos.

“They assembled a fascinating, amazing team and I have profound respect for all of the cast,” Kingston said. “Lahat sila, triple threat. Kaya nila to dance, act and sing. All of them are doing that.

“Maraming salamat to all of you. Thank you to your gift of talent and your gift of music to share with us.”

Kingston also thanked the founder and chief inspiration officer of Newport World Resorts, Dr. Andrew Tan, chairman Kevin Tan, for all the support given to the musical production.

“They always tell me, ‘Let’s showcase the best of the Philippines.’ I also want to thank Universal Records president, Kathleen Dy Go, and her team, the entire band of Parokya ni Edgar. Thank you for trusting us with this material.”

The members of Parokya ni Edgar was called onstage during the media night last Thursday, May 2.

Frontman and lead vocalist Chito Miranda, who also wrote most of the band’s songs since Parokya ni Edgar started in 1993. He was joined by rhythm guitarist Gab Chee Kee, bass guitarist Buwi Meneses, lead guitarist Darius Semaña, drummer/percussion Dindin Moreno and back-up vocalist Vinci Montaner.

Chito thanked all those who came and watched Buruguduystunstugudunstuy that night. “Sanay naman ako sa stage, pero for some reason, this is different,” said Chito. “Nanginginig ako. This is a very overwhelming experience.

“Salamat din sa lahat ng nagtiwala na gawing project ito. Alam niyo naman na reluctant ako from the start because we didn’t trust our songs, but you made something magical out of it. Thank you very much.”

The five other members of Parokya ni Edgar who joined Chito onstage merely gave cryptic lines, apparently still overwhelmed with what they saw with the more than 40-member cast of the musical.

For a change, four women took centerstage – Kyle Napuli as Aiza, Marynor Madamesila as Jen, Natasha Cabrera as Girlie and Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Norma – in Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. They each gave their memorable take to their respective roles and performances.

The likes of Pepe Herrera as Mr. Suave, Noel Comia as Tikmol, Nicco Manalo as Mang Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Tito Ralph and Boo Gabunada as Buloy, added credence to their supporting roles.

Fans of Parokya ni Edgar surely appreciated the brilliant arrangement done by musical director Ejay Yatco to the songs – a total of 47 original pieces – of the band.

The “acid trip” of Parokya ni Edgar was undoubtedly felt in such popular songs starting from Act I all the way to Act II. Iconic songs as Mr. Suave, This Guy’s In Love With You Pare, Harana, Gitara, Inuman Na were all in the musical.

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) provided music to Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, with Michael Jacinto as conductor and Maestro Rodel Colmenar as musical director and founder.

Parokya’s popular ballad, Harana, closed the presentation.