The Sound of Music

Last December 8, we had the chance to catch Janina Punzalan’s second to the last stint as Brigitta in Resorts World Manila’s production of The Sound of Music. I personally love the movie, and ever since we heard that Janina was doing the show, I told my girls that we would watch her. Good thing my friend and Janina’s mom ate Jenn advised me to let the girls watch the movie before seeing the show. Little did I know that my daughters would just love it!

Danae and Noelle were pretty stoked that night. But Noelle, being 2, almost wasn’t allowed to enter! I quickly told the guy that she’ll be 3 in January and that nobody told us that rule when we purchased tickets. I did tell our contact the ages of my girls. He accommodated us but reminded us to, in not so many words, keep her “controlled.” I was a tad worried that my kids would misbehave, and it didn’t help that beside me was an older gentleman, an old-school politician who ran for president at one point if I’m not mistaken. The pressure! I heard him say though that he was impressed by the theater, that it was “better than Broadway.” The Newport Performing Arts Theater IS excellent. It has that revolving stage too. Anyway, there were a few times that the girls kept moving, and singing even when the song they were singing was already done haha, but they were relatively well-behaved.

Their reactions were priceless! Noelle said before it started, “I’m so happy. Oh my heart.” When the nuns opened the show, she asked me “Who’s that mom? the NUMS?” haha. Every time the scene changed and the lights went out, she would ask me if it’s done or say “Turn on the lights.” And they were such experts! They would both sing along to the music. Noelle kept asking if it was time for “So long, farewell,” her favorite part, and a few times pointed out that the character was not doing something that they saw in the original. Danae would say things like “It’s different. That’s not the song there.” or “That’s a new song.” And they got very excited when they would see their ate Janina, now dubbed as Ate Brigitta.

The show was 3 hours long, mind you. By the second hour, I was getting concerned because Noelle was getting antsy. Both girls were saying they were hungry. Good thing it was near intermission already, by which time they were able to be free & run around outside. I was glad Noelle had an emergency diaper on, and that Danae was able to use the bathroom right before the doors closed for the second act. I’m pretty proud of my girls. Danae was also 2 when she watched her first shows The Wanders and Disney on Ice, although those were just 2 hours long at the most. Amazing, come to think of it.

Danae wanted to say hi to ate Janina after the show and was close to tears when I told her that it may not be possible. Thank God ate Jenn texted me to meet them at the lobby. Danae and Noelle are such fans, and rightly so. Janina was awesome! She had probably the biggest part among the children, next to Liesl of course. She had the most lines and her voice was just beautiful. We are so proud of her! We love you Janina! 🙂