The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
After showcasing Jesse Lucas and his songs late last month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is set to train the spotlight on prize-winning composer-lyricist-musical director Vincent A. de Jesus as its second featured artist in the Triple Threats: The Composers concert series at its Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on September 24 at 8 p.m.
In a statement, the CCP said the event—billed as “Demented. Delightful. Deranged. De Jesus” and directed by theater actor Rem Zamora—“is an intimate concert featuring the dark, melancholic and whimsical music” of the celebrated musical artist, a longtime member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association who also acts, as well as writes and directs plays.
“Highlights of the show are songs from his 32-year career in theater, television and film,” which will “be performed by some of today’s finest theater actors/singers,” it added.
These performers are Kalila Aguilos, Jed Balsamo, May Bayot, Raflesia Bravo, Nar Cabico, Joshua Cabiladas, Natasha Cabrera, Buddy Caramat, Ricci Chan, Red Concepcion, Erick Dizon, KL Dizon, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Hans Eckstein, Topper Fabregas, Neomi Gonzales, Reuben Laurente, Melvin Lee, Kim Molina, Mikoy Morales, Red Nuestro, Giannina Ocampo, PJ Rebullida, Victor Robinson, Nino Royeca, Myke Salomon, Ali Santos, Markki Stroem, Kakki Teodoro, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Dudz Terana, Eula Valdes, Cris Villonco, Ejay Yatco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and The CompanY.
Industry colleagues and reviewers have heaped praises on de Jesus’ works. One of them, Tony Award-winning actress and Voice of the Philippines coach Lea Salonga, wrote in one of her “Backstory” columns in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that de Jesus’ lyrics, particularly those in Filipino, “are the stuff of poetry.”
Another, GMA News Online theater reviewer Ibarra C. Mateo, in his review of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, wrote that de Jesus’ music and lyrics “paint the poetry of passion and the prose of persistence, carve the pangs of unreciprocated pining, engrave the dangers of desire for power, and sanctify ordinary lives.”
For his part, Philippine Daily Inquirer lifestyle writer Totel V. de Jesus (no relation) wrote that de Jesus’ music “is something that music majors would want to write a thesis (on) someday.”
De Jesus wrote the music and libretto for several musicals, including Himala: The Musical, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Muzikal; Skin Deep; Si Juan Tamad, ang Diablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto; Care Divas; and Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady. He also wrote the score for such movies as Crying Ladies, Santa Santita, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh and Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.
For his work, he has received many awards from various award-giving bodies, including the Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group’s Gawad Buhay!, the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino’s Gawad Urian, the Film Academy of the Philippines’ Luna Awards, and the Philippine Movie Press Club’s Star Awards. ALVIN I. DACANAY
“Demented. Delightful. Deranged. De Jesus” is part of the Triple Threats: The Composers concert series and presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Tickets cost P800, P1,000 and P1,200. For details, call the CCP Box Office at (632) 832-3704.