Packed with different societal issues to voice out, the third-year communication students of Adamson University (AdU) will once again open the curtains and sing out the stage for the upcoming ComMusical 2024 themed “Tanghala’y Magniningning sa Tinig ng Sining” at the AdU Theater on May 24.

Started in 2017, ComMusical is an annual culminating event under the Introduction to Theatre Arts course initiated by Glenn Parungao, the producer and instructor for the subject. It is a revitalized version of an old drama festival that aims to showcase the students’ learning throughout the semester.

“To further enhance the students’ artistic freedom and artistry, I decided to let them create their own musicals that boast original stories, showtunes, and characters,” he said.

Every year, ComMusical has a different theme to highlight, giving people new things to anticipate. This year’s installation comprises three original musicals titled “Bahay-Bahayan,” “Gusto Ko Maging Diyosa,” and “Hacienda Marilao,” all with a unique application of creativity and focal societal issues to shed light on.

According to Parungao, the theme is rooted in the objective of producing transformation within society through a bridge of art.

“We aim to use the stage as a platform for advocacy, contributing to the elevation of society's progress, and the reflection of our commitment to using art as a vehicle for positive change,” he said.

Bahay-Bahayan by HiwagaTheater Works

“Bahay-Bahayan,” directed by Yuri Castor, is set in a mental hospital and revolves around a new nurse named Ana and the three patients she will encounter during her stay, grasping the reality of her job.

Castor said their musical will play around the theater concept of ‘organized chaos’ or utilizing choreographed chaos to their advantage while highlighting the aspects of friendships and love for family and career.

“As the director, nag-focus ako more on sa pag-build ng magulong parts to emphasize the mental setting pero organized chaos so for me magsta-stand out yung ganoong parts whenever we have mental setting na scenes (I focused more on building chaotic parts to emphasize the setting but organized chaos, so for me, those parts would stand out whenever we have mental setting scenes),” Castor shared.

'Given the environment of a mental hospital and the tackling of mental health conditions, Castor assured to properly do justice with the talk about mental health and be able to give open social consciousness.

“Mine-make sure namin sa director’s club na mabibigyan ng worth yung situation sa isang mental setting… Magbigay ng awareness at magbukas ng panibagong kaisipan sa mga manunuod— yun ang Bahay-Bahayan (We make sure in the director’s club to give value to the situation in a mental setting… To give awareness and to open a new mindset to the viewer–that’s Bahay-Bahayan),” she said.

Gusto Ko Maging Diyosa by Sinagtala Production

The fantasy musical “Gusto Ko Maging Diyosa,” directed by Jehu Adolfo, poses the simple yet complex question “What do you want to be?” that will be answered through the story of Asterand her magical journey in the land of Hiraya.

“It is more than just being on a fantastical journey. But this musical tackles dreams, passion, love, equality, and peace. It is a rollercoaster of emotions,” Adolfo said.

Despite being fiction, Adolfo said that the stories featured in the play are very much mirrored from the actual happenings in today’s community.

“Even though our lands are set in a fictional world, the story, characters, and dilemmas are relatable to anyone who gets to see it. Like other literature…to also open eyes and discuss said problems in our society,” he said.

Hacienda Marilao by Diwara Productions

Meanwhile, Hacienda Marilao, written by Adrian Espino and directed by Cydee Cabato, is dedicated to the working class's grievances, specifically the Philippines' farmers.

“...Panawagan ng mga manggagawa na mabigyan ng patas na atensyon… Kahit magbanat man ng buto araw-araw, madalas sa mga pagkakataon ay napakababa pa rin ng tingin ng mga mayayaman sa mga manggagawa (The appeal of the workers to be given fair attention… No matter how much they stretch their bones every day, usually, the rich have a very diminished view of workers),” Espino said.
This musical would display rawness through the experiences of the farmers, which, according to Espino, is what the audience should look forward to.

“Ang pinaka-aabangan sa Hacienda Marilao is yung story ng bawat magbubukid, and kumbaga parang sisigaw yung istorya na pag sumubo ka ng kanin maaalala mo yung paghihirap ng mga manggagawa sa pag-tanim at pag-ani ng mga palay (The most awaited in Hacienda Marilao is the story of each farmer as if the story will shout that when you eat rice, you will remember the hard work of the workers in planting and harvesting grains),” he said.

Parungao also mentioned that proactive measures in all possible areas have been secured to provide guidance and feedback among the groups to ensure that every musical would reach its peak quality.

“As a producer, I make sure, along with my organizing committee, that we provide reliable logistical support to ensure that all groups have the necessary resources to help them have a smoother production process,” he said.

Parungao says a sitzprobe, or a full-run rehearsal of music, was also conducted last May 7, and the students already displayed good performances.

“Scheduling the sitzprobe earlier this year was a strategic move to provide ample time for the students to refine and polish their work. Based on the results of the sitzprobe, it seems they are indeed ready for their performance day,” he shared.

The ComMusical 2024 will run for a day and primarily have a guest-list-based audience, while open seats will be available to other unregistered guests from the University on a first-come, first-served basis.