Repertory Philippines’ GAY BIRDS

This production of GAY BIRDS moves the Mediterranean to Ermita of the late 70s and early 80s, when disco ruled Manila’s nightlife.

The gay couple Albert and George run BIRD CAGE, the fictional bar known for its wild shows, lovely impersonators and free-wheeling goings-on. The uptight couple who would be the in-laws of the gay couple are now Charismatic movement luminaries, adding a further dimension to their characters’ uptight ways. Set in the backdrop of martial law in its waning days, when the Marcos dictatorship was showing cracks and being increasingly subjected to derisive remarks from Filipinos, Rep’s new GAY BIRDS promises to be exciting and even funnier than ever before.

The adaptation is written by Rep alumnus Joel Rufino A. Nuñez and is the directorial debut of Rep stalwart Robbie D. Guevara. Set Design is by Mio L. Infante and choreography is provided by Deanna Aquino. The cast includes Arnel Carrion and Oliver Usison as the “parents” of the hapless Emil, played by rising stage star Topper Fabregas. Rounding up the cast are Tony Amador and Naths Everett as the uptight Mr. and Mrs. delos Reyes.

SHORT REVIEW on March 16, 2007 Performance

March 16, 2007 Performance: I had a really fun time watching the play. The set was so cute, the costumes were divine (they were provided by Rajo Laurel) and the actors were bonggang-bongga. The story follows the same premise as The Birdcage (Robin Williams, Nathan Lane movie) and the musical La Cage aux Folles but with a rich flavor of Filipino culture during the 70s.

I don’t have really negative comments about it except that the language shifting from English to Filipino to Bakla-lingo was really confusing. And the fact that most of the references made were of the 70s–Marcos, Tony Ferrer, disco spots and etc. Although they provided a glossary of terms used in the play (very handy and funny), it’s difficult to try squinting through the paper in the dark while the play is going on. A lot of people who watched the play were already alive and kicking during the 70s so they really got some of the jokes. But I laughed anyway because they, well, laughed.

There were also lots of inside jokes that my tito added that really cracked up his friends in the audience. Hah. Anyway, I loved it and you should watch it too!!!!

Oh! My favorite character is Jacob (Jejie Esguerra), the “maid” and Albert (Oliver Usison). Great finale as well. (Thanks to “anonymous” for pointing that out.)

March 16 - April 1. Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30pm and 8pm at REP’s Globe Theatre, Onstage Greenbelt 1.

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