MANILA, Philippines--?Stunning performances.? ?Inspiring.? ?A well-researched production.? These are just some of the accolades received by Prime Foundation?s ?Saint Pio of Pietrelcina,? a play on the life of Padre Pio, the stigmatic priest and saint, after its initial run last January. It starred multiawarded film and stage actor Ricky Davao in the title role, and respected movie and TV actress Boots Anson-Roa played his mother.
Due to requests for additional shows, Prime is restaging ?Saint Pio? on March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at People?s Village, Tiendesitas, Pasig City. Ms Roa, who, along with relatives and friends, set up the Prime Foundation to perpetuate the legacy and advocacy of her late husband, broadcaster Pete Roa, is pleased with the positive response to the show.
More accessible
One such feedback came from Fr. Mateo Goldaraz, a Franciscan monk, who traveled all the way from San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy, where Padre Pio spent most of his life. Fr Goldaraz said the play was emotionally localized, making Pio?s life more accessible to the average Filipino. He liked the ?folk? approach used in the scene where the devil tempts the young Pio.
Celebrities who watched the play on opening night were unanimous in their praise for the production. Some of their comments:
Julius Babao: ?I watched the play because I have always been interested in the life of Padre Pio. The production made me realize how special and gifted he was, truly deserving of sainthood. To those who don?t have time to read on his life, it?s best to watch the play.?
Tin-tin Bersola-Babao: ?Watching the play was like having the pages of a beautiful book unfold before your very eyes. Before I saw the play, I didn?t know what Padre Pio went through as a child and how he discovered his gift.
?The most interesting parts were when and how he experienced the wounds of Jesus Christ, the church politics he had to endure, his suffering when he was prohibited from saying Holy Mass in public, and how he touched so many lives of believers and non-believers.
Insightful
?Skillfully directed, the play is insightful and absorbing. Ricky and Boots are such gifted actors, doing full justice to their roles. Catch ?Saint Pio? on its repeats, especially this Lenten season. It will give you much to reflect on.?
Pempe Rodrigo: ?Maganda ang performance ng cast, especially Ricky and Boots.?
Barbara Perez:?It was something new onstage. It left me thinking about the story kasi ibang klase ang presentation?very modern.?
Amalia Fuentes: ?I was very impressed with Boots and Ricky. Boots did a dual role in the play. Ricky was very impressive?his role required a complete change of character. It was an amazing transformation for him! He actually exuded the pious character. It exceeded my expectations. I know it was not a commercial endeavor, but it?s a pity it did not reach more people. The play deserves a wider audience. It should cater to the masses. Sana maulit.?
Myrna Borromeo: ?I?ve always been a devotee of Padre Pio. I enjoyed watching the play because I learned more about his life. Moving portrayals by Ricky Davao and Boots Anson-Roa!?
Delia Razon: ?I enjoyed watching the play very much. I didn?t realize that the life of Padre Pio was so dramatic. The presentation was something different. Boots and Ricky gave very strong performances. Pati ang ibang cast members, ang gagaling!?
Cast
Aside from Ricky and Boots, the other members of the cast are Julien Mendoza, Andy Bais, Mica Torre, Roanne Mallari, Chic Samaniego, Cecil Torre, JM Dizon, RJ Dizon and Jan Alexander, with Martin Esteva as lighting director and Tcel Maramag as music scorer.
?Saint Pio of Pietrelcina? is a coproduction of Prime, Philippine Center for St. Pio of Pietrelcina Inc. and Ortigas & Company Limited Partnership. For inquiries, call Tutti at 929-9571 or 928-6816.
