Discover how it was all started – the rivalry between the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University in a musical entitled Rivalry which will be staged at the Meralco Theater until March 11, 2012. Produced by the 4th Wall Productions, Ed Gatchalian is Rivalry’s executive producer, musical director, composer, arranger and orchestrator and joining him is the director of the show Jaime Del Mundo, who also wrote the book, and directed the musical; and Joel Trinidad, who managed the lyrics.
Joining the cast are OJ Mariano as Paco Valencia, the Ateneo star player together with Jeremy Aguado as Tommy Basilio, the La Salle Star with Maco Alonso as the alternate; Athena Tibi and Ashley Imler alternating the role of Reena San Jose and Felix Rivera and Red Concepcion alternating the role of Quito Valencia.
The musical brings all the theater goers to the year 1968 during the height of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Finals where Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University is on a battle to win the championship for the Men’s Basketball division. From court to campus grounds, the rivalry between schools grew stronger and even affects the relationship of the two families; the Valencias and the Basilios. It was hard for the both party to be tagged with issues concerning the heighten feud between the two schools that affects their relationship as cousins and friends.
Having this kind of musical is brilliant ideas that aside from the usual basketball event, Ateneans, La Sallites and those from other schools can be on one plays enjoying the story, music and have a good laugh. I did enjoy the choice of songs and how it compliments with the story. And of course, I’m amazed with OJ Mariano and Maco Alonso who can actually maintain their voices especially on some scenes that requires too many movements. In terms of the set, the production din a wonderful job, from the moving backdrop, having basketball court and others that gives more visual to make the story lively and appealing. Rivalry is something that not only La Sallites and Ateneans can relate, the story goes beyond the basketball court, it tackles family, brotherhood, and love that everyone will surely love and most of all the goal of reaching a certain dream and proving their worth in the society.
Joining the suppor cast are Juliene Mendoza as Anton Valencia, Jennifer Nuyda as Andrea Valencia, Raymund Concepcion as Demetrio Basilio, Sheila Francisco as Dolores Basilio and a special appearance of Noel Trinidad as Eliseo Genaro; Meynard Penalosa as the Ateneo coach and Chino Veguillas as the La Salle coach.
Also featured are Robbie Zialcita, Jun ofrasio, Arnel Carrion, Steve Conde, Will Angeles and Jaime Del Muindo; Jenny Villegas, Ring Antonio, Ems Bolanos, Melanie Dujunco, Diana Alferez, Elle Velasco, Tifanny Mallilin and Angela Padilla.
The ensemble is composed of Kaki Teodoro, Caisa Borromeo, Mica Pineda, Chinie Nepomuceno, Kayla Rivera and Bulinggit Delgado as the Maryknollers. Gabs Santos, Nelsito Gomez, Bym Buhain and Mark Tayag as the La Salle varsity. Kevin Concepcion, Andre Calixto, Brian Tibayan, Fran Jose and Francis Matheu as the Ateneo varsity. Jay Pangilinan, Bobby Superales, Francis Jovina, Harold Cruz and Anthony Tarossa Ong as young students.
Rivalry will run until March 11, 2012 at the Meralco Theater and there will be school tour in the future. For tickets call TICKETWORLD at 891-9999.
