Tribute to a Legend

November 7, 2007  --  Got something to say?
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Entertainment/Showbiz by Dino Dela RosaIn 2001, Lola Sarah K. Joaquin wrote her autobiography Of Laughter And Tears” at the age of 93. She may have been weaker in old age and slower in gait but she was mentally alert and intellectually curious up to the end. For the rest of 2001, she had a lot of fun writing her memoirs going down memory lane all the way back to her childhood. She was two chapters shy of finishing the book when she passed away in January 2002.

Fortunately, his oldest son, Tony, and my dad, Fred de la Rosa, the publisher of Manila Times, picked up where Lola Sarah left off. As a way of paying tribute to Lola, Tito Tony and my dad composed the last chapter of her autobiography. A successful book launching was held early this month at the Philippine Embassy.

An abundance of Lolas friends, former actors and students, and family friends came to the Embassy to pay tribute to the remarkable legend of the Philippine theater. Consul Rico Fos emceed the program. After which Tony Romualdez and Lolas friend and former actress at FEU, Herminia Ubaldo-Smith gave very beautiful speeches. Lolas youngest son Joey did the closing remarks in which he paid loving and poignant tribute to Lola.

In between speeches, her actors from Bahaghari Production, Oscar Bunoan, Lem Ramos, and Hubert Santayana rendered an a cappella rendition of songs such as Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Hindi Kita Malilimutan, and Lolas favorite Besame Mucho. Lem and Hubert told me before their number, We wouldnt miss this for the world. These guys are still remembered for their superb performances in the 1995 zarzuela Ang Kiri.

Two weeks after the book launch, most everyone who were in attendance are still talking about it. Tita Herminia Ubaldo-Smith told me that it was an honor to speak at the launch and that she considers Lola Sarah a national treasure. Some friends told me that they loved the book that they read it twice, they thought that it was so beautiful and inspiring.
In behalf of the family of Lola Sarah K. Joaquin, thank you so much for all those who came to her book launching. And a special thanks to Consul Rico Fos of the Philippine Embassy for all his help.

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The world premiere of Tim Acitos musical adaptation of The Women Of Brewster Place” at Arena Stage( 1101 Sixth St. NW, Washington D.C.), opens at Arena Stage after the successful co-production at Atlantas Alliance Theatre. Molly Smith directs the powerful cast, including Tina Fabrique, Harriett D. Foy and Marva Hicks, and channels the energy and feedback from Atlanta to make the D.C. premiere even stronger. The musical chronicles the dreams and realities of 10 diverse African-American women who live in a decaying housing project in the 1970s. This powerful, humorous and uplifting musical from three-time Drama Desk Award-nominee Acito features a dynamic musical score, ranging from R & B to Funk to Gospel with new songs being added for the Arena production. The Women Of Brewster Place runs from October 19-December 9.

With this inspirational new work, Tim Acito is establishing himself as a major voice in American theater,” said Smith. Partnering with him through the intense creative process a musical requires has been a labor of love for us all at Arena. Teamed with this incomparable cast of women, Tim has infused music into Naylors gritty, raw and beautiful story, and brought it to life as only musical theater can.”

Gloria Naylor, an African-American novelist, wrote The Women Of Brewster Place” during her studies at Yale. The book was published in 1983 and won the American Book Award for First Fiction. Later, Oprah Winfrey starred in the TV mini-series by the same title. For tickets and info, call 202-488-8300 or visit www.arenastage.org http://www.arenastage.org. Tickets for The Women Of Brewster Place range from $55-74. with discounts available for students and groups.

HOTTIX, a limited number of half-price, day-of-peformance tickets, are available from 90-30 minutes before curtain prior to every performance for all patrons.
Performance times are: Tues., Wed., and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Fri., and Sat., at 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Weekday matinees at 12:00 p.m. on Oct. 31, November 6, November 7 and November 21.
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