Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical

I got a chance to watched the Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical at Meralco Theater last week courtesy of Tita Marikit because her brother is the costume designer  of the said musical - Albert Figueras, which we had a chance to talked too after the play.  The play is about the intense competition between these two schools in basketball and other areas, it has been completed by Ed Gatchalian an executive producer and musical director. He said that the casting have a total of 51 of the country’s best theater artists including Noel Trinidad composing the cast.

Produced by The 4^th Wall Theatre Company and directed by  Jaime del Mundo a well-known theater writer/director. It was open last January 27, 2012  and will run until February 19, 2012 every Wednesday to Saturday and 3PM on Saturdays (aside from the 8PM showing) Sundays.

“Rivalry, may be about the fabled feud between La Salle and Ateneo in sports, academics, love and marriage, business, politics and the professions,” Gatchalian noted. “But such competition and the excitement it generates is actually a universal theme which could involve various opposing organizations. It is thus something that will be of interest to, and will be enjoyed by, even those not associated with either of these two schools,” Gatchalian underscored.

Above photo shows the three men behind “Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical” (left to right): Joel Trinidad, lyricist; Jaime del Mundo, book and director, and  Ed Gatchalian, executive producer, composer and arranger.

Set in 1968, the story revolves around two families blue (Ateneo) and the other green (La Salle). The central part of the action are two students both star basketball players of their respective schools . And their world surrounds with their respective families ready to fight and faced the challenges that life can give specially in their relationships and individuality.

While the plot will certainly attract the alumni of both schools to flock to the theater, Gatchalian and his creative team believe it has something for everyone. Like me that came neither of the school but I found it interesting and the concept is familiar which exist to anybody and learn how to deal with it with pride and passion.

Costume Design by Mr Albert Figueras

Tickets can be purchased in advance from TicketWorld www.ticketworld.com.ph at tel. no. 891-9999 or at the Meralco Theatre itself just before the show. Sponsorships of special nights are welcome with Group Buyers Packages available.