THE HIT LOCAL musical, “CareDivas”, will have its final show tomorrow at the PETA Theatre before it goes on a provincial tour. If you love plays, don’t miss this one as it’s truly very enjoyable. It’s the story of five transgenders working as caregivers in Israel at the height of the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Each has his own story to tell about the old and weak men they take care of. To fight homesickness and loneliness, they perform musical numbers in colorful costumes when they get together and hope to get to perform in a big club in Tel Aviv. Shai (Vincent de Jesus, who also wrote all the songs) takes care of an endearing old man (Paul Holme, who plays multiple roles) and also has to deal with his demanding family in the Philippines who’s always asking money from him. One of the most riotous scenes in the show has Paul suddenly being transformed into Shai’s termagant mother mouthing his dubbed lines in Tagalog perfectly. The entire cast delivers flawless ensemble performance but Vincent stands out in his role as the group’s leader as he has the choicest and funniest lines that he delivers with great comic timing. Also giving splendid support are Melvin Lee as Chelsea (who has a love interest in an illegal Arab man played by Myke Salomon), Ricci Chan as the illegal worker Kaila, Phil Noble as the abrasive negastar Jonee, Angeli Bayani as the only real female, Nona, and Dudz Terana as the dumb Thalia. As for Myke Salomon who also plays multiple roles, after “Magsimula Ka” and “Aida”, he has definitely found his niche in theatre. The play written by Liza Magtoto is a tribute to the human spirit, the fight for survival and the Pinoy’s resiliency in rising above the most trying situations. The first act, though, can stand a bit more trimming to make it tighter. Showtime is 8pm, get your tickets are 0915-776-7778 and ask for Rico.
