KATY Executive Producer Robert Seña is NOT the father of Sheenley Gener’s baby. KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista 

A day before KATY the Musical’s opening, I was able to shoot a few pics backstage during rehearsals. KATY runs from January 17-27, 2013 at the CCP, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. Cast member Sheenly V. Gener walked by in her pregnant manang costume not wanting to be photographed. Executive producer Robert Seña was on the cell putting out last minute fires. When I asked to shoot them together, the two consummate theater artists immediately got into character for a funny pose.

from right: Epy Quizon (Dolfo/Koro), Katy lead star Isay Alvarez, Poppert Bernadas (Koro) and Tricia Amper-Jimenez as Hannah San. KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

The following night for the preview Seña made an appearance during intermission apologizing for not introducing the show as everyone was excited to perform. He also thanked sponsors PLDT and SM Supermalls.

(center) Katy lead star Isay Alvarez, (right) Sheng Belmonte (Mananayaw) and (left) Tricia Amper-Jimenez as Hannah San. KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

During a video interview of Gian Magdangal (Peping), Epy Quizon (Dolfo) was in drag crawling up his shoulder. Life backstage is somewhat a peek into the lives of performers. That’s what KATY is, it gives us an intimate, lyrical journey into those lives , their triumphs and tragedies.

Epy Quizon (Dolfo/Koro) and Neomi Gonzalez (Koro). KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Isay Alvarez gave a stirring vocal performance during the press preview.  Aicelle Santos, can hardly be considered as a revelation as the most celebrated Pinoy Pop Superstar from GMA 7. Aicelle was tailor made for the part, Isay and her could almost be twins. After the preview I overheard an audience member saying “It was even better than the 1987 performance.”

Isay Alvarez is KATY (center), Phil POP Music Adjudicator Adrian Lontoc (left), Ibarra Mateo of GMA Online (right). KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

KATY Dela Cruz’s immortal words (quoted and translated by Ibarra Mateo): “Walang kinalaman ang mga manonood sa nangyayari sa likod ng tanghalan.” (The show must go on whatever is happening or condition of the talents) The statement was born out of her desire to shield audiences from the tragedies of performer’s lives. Watch KATY, learn and celebrate the talent and rich musical history that has already been forgotten.

KATY Executive Producer Robert Seña is NOT the father of Sheenley Gener’s baby. KATY the musical will run at CCP from January 17-27, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista