I first heard about Silver Lining, the Musical when it debuted in October last year. Unfortunately, I missed it due to the limited two-weekend run and my packed schedule.
Luckily, I got a second chance to experience the gala show last November 10 at the RCBC Theater in Makati.
Silver Lining Redux is a heartfelt, nostalgic journey through friendship, generational divides, and the significant events in our history that bring us back together, working toward a brighter future—for both our families and our nation.
Generational Gap
Like most musicals I’m seeing for the first time, I was excited to hear the music and watch the story unfold. This one follows four friends—Leo, Raul, Anton, and Josie—who are planning a musical for their class reunion, with a little help from their kids (and even their grandkids) and possibly, some Gen Z friends.
Can you imagine the fun (and occasional confusion!) as these generations try to connect? The characters’ usage of different terminologies, ideals, and perspectives clashed in ways that sometimes came off too intense.
The appearance of Julia’s granddaughter at the end hinted that the friends were, well, a little past their prime. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure! Growing up as a ’90s kid, I remember parents in their 40s and 50s looking just like Jake Macapagal and Gina Respall, who played Anton and Josie. I kept leaning over to Jay, who came with me, to whisper how much they reminded me of my parents’ friends from the South, so casting them as 90’s parents was spot on.
While the story touches on young love, friendship, and the thrill of high school years, it also delves into the significant events of Martial Law, shedding light on the suffering and fear endured by student activists, while intertwining political issues that remain relevant today.
Pinoy Wit
There were definitely plenty of laughs throughout the first act of the show. The humor was unmistakably Filipino wit. But what had us almost sliding down from our seats was when a member of the ensemble (I think it was Rodel Pingol II) came on dressed as the Oblation statue in UP during one of the scenes.
Another standout moment was when Raflesia Bravo quipped, “Ready for mature roles.” We were in tears from laughing so hard!
Familiar and Unfamiliar Faces
Jamie Wilson, who played the present-day Leo, was as compelling as expected. Albert Silos, who portrayed his younger self, captured both the abrasiveness and the gentleness of his character. Silos has come a long way since his Tagu-taguan, Nasaan ang Buwan days.
Krystal Brimner was a beauty, and her unmistakably strong stage presence made her a perfect fit for Julia.
Johnnie Moran was a scene-stealer—he didn’t steal every scene, but he had his moments. Dippy Arceo wasn’t too far behind.
There were so many fresh, young faces on stage, many of whom I was seeing perform for the first time. What I can say is this group made up of mostly theater neophytes was incredibly committed.
PJ Rebullida’s choreography was fun and showcased the best of the cast while staying true to the era.
Down the Memory Lane
The music takes you back to the ’70s, evoking the time before Raymond Lauchengco’s songs dominated the airwaves. I loved how they designed the souvenir program like a song hits booklet from the 70s to the 80s time period, complete with lyrics and chords for some of the songs in the musical.
There was a lot of effort put into the program to help explain the ’70s to younger generations, which I hope the young audiences will take time to browse.
The sets and props were simple, but technology was used creatively. One of my favorite moments was when Leo, Raul, and Anton searched for their names on the list of UPCAT passers. It wasn’t a new idea, but it was a creative and practical way to bring the scene to life.
Conversation Pieces
My only notes would be that there was way too much information to digest, the script can do well with a bit of work on cohesiveness. At certain points during the show, it felt a bit long; but overall, it offers a sentimental trip down memory lane that you can share with your family.
If you’re looking to start a conversation with your kids about life in the ’70s, Martial Law, student activism, and the social and political issues that still affect us today, Silver Lining Redux is a great place to start.
The cast also includes Ricky Davao, alternating for the role of Leo and Raul Montesa who plays the present day Raul, Don Anthony, Jay Cortez, Drei Sugay, Sara Sicam, Mel Gealogo, Nayr De Luna, Daniel Wesley, Sam Marasigan, Misha Fabian, and Nadia Tuviera.
The rest of the artistic team are Joshua Lim So and Liza Magtoto (Book & Additional Lyrics), Vince Lim (Music Direction & Arrangement), Charles Yee (Set Designer), Meliton Roxas and Jethro Nibaten (Lighting Design), Tata Tuviera (Costume Design), Arnold Jalores (Sound Engineering), Joyce Garcia (Video Projection Design) and Marian Detera (Assistant to the Choreographer).
Directed by Maribel Legarda and produced by Rock it well Studios and musicArtes, Silver Lining Redux stages its last 4 shows on November 15, 16 and 17 at the RCBC Theater in Makati. You can purchase your tix at Ticket 2 Me.
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About the author, May Palacpac:
May was the Grand Winner of #Sinag Financial Literacy Journalism Awards in 2016 (blogger category) and the editor of the books, Productive Pinoy and Right Start. She has works published in several magazines and websites here and abroad, such as Smart Parenting, Brighter Life Philippines, Weddings in Manila, SPIFF, Sip, Dangerously Fit Bootcamp, Choc Chip Digital and Massage Champions.
May is an advocate of homeschooling and alternative education for Filipino learners, and a staunch supporter of the arts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at the De La Salle University – Dasmarinas. She is the creator of Fully Housewifed and Fully Housewifed Homeschool Podcast.
For reviews, collaborations and paid partnerships, email [email protected].