Jorge Ortoll, Executive Director * Ralph Peña, Artistic Director
presents
THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO
By Lonnie Carter, based on a story by Carlos Bulosan
DR2 Theater, 103 E. 15 St., October 18 – November 17, 2002
Directed by LOY ARCENAS
Lighting Design by JAMES VERMEULEN
Original Music and Sound Design by FABIAN OBISPO
Costume Design by MYUNG HEE CHO
Movement Coach KRISTIN JACKSON
Musical Director DOMINICK AMENDUM
Press by SAM RUDY
Cast
Art Acuña * Ramon de Ocampo * Ron Domingo
Jojo Gonzalez * Orlando Pabotoy
The Ma-Yi Theater Company has staged a delightfully poetic new work, THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO, in current run at DR2. Lyrical, musical, quirky and altogether charming, this production features a good cast and the sort of directional details that really make a difference.
The essentially simple tale of an uneducated Filipino migrant worker toiling on a California farm who falls in love with his blonde pen pal from Arkansas in the 1930's is afforded a spirited interpretation here. The best is brought out as we follow the enamored Magno Rubio (Orlando Pabotoy) on his journey to please, propose to and perhaps marry the lovely Clarabelle, (voiced hilariously by Ramon de Ocampo). Aiding or perhaps hindering Magno on his romantic voyage are Art Acuña as the benevolent bookkeeper, Nick, who pens the love letters, Jojo Gonzalez as the rakish character, Claro, and Ron Domingo as compatriot Prudencio.
The ensemble works together with precision and energy. The results are often quite funny. As with many good productions, the comedy is in the details, as is the quality. In short, THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO is an entertaining show that deserves to be seen.
- Kessa De Santis -