Ricky sees self in past and present generations
RICKY Davao is currently in the GMA primetime drama, “Love Before Sunrise”, playing the role of the father of Andrea Torres. But he is also busy singing and acting on stage in a new original musical, “Silver Lining”.
This will be shown at the RCBC Theatre in Makati for two weekends: October 20, 21, 22 and 27, 28, 29. The musical is written by Jack Teotico and Joshua Lim So, with music by Vince Lim and direction by PETA’s artistic director Maribel Legarda. Choreography is by PJ Rebullida, set design by Charles Yee, costume design by Tata Tuviera, lighting design by David Esguerra, and video design by Joyce Garcia.
“Silver Lining” tells the story of three friends from an exclusive boys’ high school who have formed a band for their 50th-anniversary homecoming. They even asked their wives and kids to be part of it. But after rehearsing for over a year, they were told they could only perform three numbers due to time constraints.
Saddened by the news, they then write a full musical about their life in the ’70s instead. As the story slowly unfolds before their eyes, histories unknown to them rise to the surface—discovering how complicated life was in their teenage years.
The show’s plot is somewhat autobiographical in the sense that it follows writer Jack Teotico’s childhood. Though it won’t be explicitly stated in the musical, audiences will see clear references to La Salle Greenhills—Teotico’s alma mater—and the grassy landscapes of Ortigas Avenue 50 years ago. But this will only be a small part of the play.
“When I was approached to write the book for the play, I started interviewing Jack Teotico,” says writer So. “He emphasized that he doesn’t want the musical to be about him.”
While the musical has a lot of scenes set during the Seventies and has references to the Martial Law period, it is not a political show but an optimistic story of friendship and adulthood. From the title itself, it shows the characters’ search for the proverbial silver lining amidst challenging times.
The story is told in two timelines: the present and the 1970s. In the present, Ricky Davao stars as Leo, Joel Nunez as Anton, Raul Montesa as Raul and Nenel Arcayan as Josie. Playing their younger selves in the 70s are Albert Silos, Noel Comia Jr., Jay Cortez and Sara Sicam.
Joining the talented cast are Jep Go as Rico, Shaun Ocrisma as Mart, Maronne Cruz as Dalai, Krystal Brimner as Julia, Khalil Tambio as Chito, and Hazel Maranan as Agnes. Also in the cast are Sarah Facuri, Iya Villanueva, Dippy Arceo, Rodel Pingol, Ado Villanueva, and Joshua Tayco as members of the ensemble.
“I’m proud and happy to be part of this musical which is a dialogue between the past and present generations,” says Ricky. “The arguments between the young and the old are very organic. The audience will make a lot of realizations about the different generations. But I’m also very nervous kasi we are singing very new and original songs. And this is the first time I’m working with the cast and production people, including our director Maribel Legarda. I’m so amazed sa rehearsals namin because they are all so good and very technical. Ninerbiyos ako, ano ba itong pinasok ko?
But ang ganda ng music, ang ganda ng story, very relatable and it shows how theatre can be a truly powerful medium. So watch it at RCBC Theatre this weekend and get your tickets now.”
