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Rachelle Ann Go's 'Hamilton' performance earns praises from fellow theater stars
"Outstanding portrayal!" "Soaring on stage!"
These were some of the praises that our very own Rachelle Anne Go got for her role as Eliza Schuyler-Hamilton in the ongoing Manila staging of Lin-Manuel Miranda's opus, "Hamilton."
The Manila red carpet opening gala show on Thursday, September 21, at the Theatre in Solaire was filled with celebrities from the local theater, music, film and the performing arts industries.
In their best formal attires were Audie Gemora, Carlo Orosa, Leo Valdez, Shiela Francisco, Tim Pavino, Jef Flores, Jamie Wilson, Markki Stroem, Kayla Rivera, Sam Concepcion, Reb Atadero with wife Tanya Manalang-Atadero, theater director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan with Glorious Dias fashion boutique creative manager-founder Jodinand Aguillon, "Ang Huling El Bimbo" director Dexter Martinez Santos, Barefoot Collective's Pat Palera and many more who savored the genius of "Hamilton" creator Miranda, the magnificent cast and artistic crew on its Asian premiere.
OPM stars like Christian Bautista, OJ Mariano, Sweet Plantado Tiongson and the rest of The Company, performer-musical theater actor Mark Bautista, top balladeer Martin Nievera, rock music legends Ely Buendia with sister Elyra and family as well as Rico Blanco with girlfriend Maris Racal were also there.
Theater legends who are also big names in the film industry were present like director Joel Lamangan and Dolly de Leon.
Seen also were local concert and theater producers Francis Lumen of WEU Productions (Eraserheads reunion 2022 and US and Canada World Tour 2023), Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions, Santi Santamaria and wife Anna of Nine Works Theatricals, among others.
We gathered some of the comments on what transpired on that momentous Thursday evening.
"Amazing performances. Magical. Mind-blowing. Enjoyed every minute. Salute to everyone in the cast and the artistic team," Nievera told GMA News Online when we bumped into him inside the theater after the performance. He was chatting with Francis Lumen and taking selfies.
We quote with permission producer-actor-singer-writer Carlo Orosa's thoughts on "Hamilton's" gala performance.
On Rachelle Anne Go playing Eliza Schuyler, Orosa said, "The performance from last night marked the triumphant return of Filipina pride Rachelle Ann Go, who delivered an outstanding portrayal of Eliza Hamilton, reaffirming her mastery of the role."
For the production as a whole, Orosa said: '"Hamilton" is a testament to the power of art to transcend imperfections. It takes the tumultuous life of Alexander Hamilton, a man flawed like any other, and crafts it into an exquisite narrative that celebrates both his accomplishments and his failures. The musical reminds us that history is rarely a tale of perfect heroes but a complex interplay of ambition, morality, and circumstance."
"In its imperfection, 'Hamilton' finds its perfection. It encourages us to examine the flawed aspects of our own lives and society while celebrating the extraordinary potential for greatness that exists within us all. This musical is a masterpiece not because it tells a flawless story but because it brilliantly captures the essence of the imperfect human experience, and in doing so, it achieves perfection on the stage," Orosa added.
Seattle-based Filipino theater actor-performer Tim Pavino said, "What a historical event to be at the Asia premiere of Hamilton! What a bonus to watch you soar on stage Rachelle! You and the entire cast crushed the stage."
London-based theater director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan ("Sa Wakas, A Pinoy Rock Musical") who is in Manila for a short vacation wrote: "Had such an amazing evening at the Opening Night Gala of the Asian premiere 'Hamilton'. A huge thanks and congratulations to Sam Sewell and the brave team of GMG Productions for bringing over the musical here in the Philippines. So so proud of you Sam!"
GMG Productions has been the local partner of the Michael Cassel Group in bringing world-class productions from Broadway and the West End to Manila for many years.
Pamintuan continued: "Saw this ['Hamilton'] show at the Public Theater when I was living in NYC and, I must say, the Pinoy audience experienced the exact quality and the same fervor (if not more) that the production and cast exuded with this performance.
"I've grown to appreciate this show more than I did the first time I saw it. I'm just in awe of how transformative this particular piece of theater continues to be. Also, was nerding out on this piece of history, which brought me back to all my middle school and high school classes on the founding of the United States."
Pamintuan added: "With the US and the West's contentious stance on immigration and treatment migrants over the past few years (being an immigrant myself), representation on and off the stage, the politicking in the Philippine government (I think I let out a little yelp with the VP commentary during the show), the show's playful on the British monarchy, and the influential contribution of hip-hop (which celebrated 50 years this year) to today's cultural zeitgeist - Hamilton is all the more relevant.
"In short, it was good as f---!"
Theater actor-performer OJ Mariano praised the Manila premiere and compared it also from his previous "Hamilton" experience: "Saw Hamilton in NYC back in 2018, and was there for Asian premiere Gala Night of the International Tour in Solaire. Still breathtaking, awe inspiring and a well-oiled mega machine of a production! Mighty proud of our very own Eliza, @gorachelleann."
Mariano's BFF and fellow The Company member Sweet Plantado Tiongson wrote in her social media account: "Incredible performances from outstanding International Actors! All of them! (pati 'yung mga chairs & tables sa set nag-perform!) the direction, set, choreography, vocals... Amazing! So proud of our very own @gorachelleann and Darnell Abraham @darnellabrahamofficial as George Washington preached & took me to Hamilton church last night!"
"Congratulations Sam Sewell and GMG Productions and Thankyou for bringing Hamilton in Manila! Don't throw away your shot! this is worth your money guys! if you have extra to spare, watch it! you have to experience it Live!" she added.
Meanwhile, Jason Arrow, who played the titular role of Alexander Hamilton, posted some behind the scenes in his official social media account.
GMG Productions also gave us a sneak peek on the preparations back stage on opening night. "Hamilton" runs until November 26 at Theater in Solaire. New seats are released and can be availed via Ticketworld.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
