Post by ange4mig on Jun 16, 2012 22:13:49 GMT -5
MiG Ayesa Won't Stop Believing
Business Mirror
Jet Valle
MIG AYESA is back in the Philippines. He is slated to portray Stacee Jaxx in the hit musical Rock of Ages, to be staged by Atlantis Productions.
The five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features a hilarious and feel-good story told through ’80s glam rock songs such as “I Want To Know What Love Is”, “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “We Built This City”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”.
MiG Ayesa is joined by Nyoy Volante, Vina Morales, Jett Pangan, Jamie Wilson, Calvin Millado, Aiza Seguerra, Jinky Llamanzares and many more. Directed by Chari Arespacochaga, Rock of Ages runs from June 15 to July 8 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, in Makati.
For tickets and show-buying inquires: Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.
Welcome back to the Philippines!
Salamat po!
What is the first thing you usually look for coming back here?
Mangoes. Philippine mangoes are the best. Full stop!
You always say the Philippines is like your second home. Why so?
It was actually my first home. I was born in Manila, moving to Australia when I was two years old. But my brother and I would fly back to the Philippines every Christmas holidays, spending Christmas at my grandparents house in San Miguel, then celebrate New Year’s in Baguio. I have such vivid, beautiful childhood memories of my times here. It’s always like coming back home whenever I return. I am so close to my family here, and it’s always so grounding to come back.
What can you say are your traits that make you Filipino?
I love food. I love to sing. I have a million cousins. I have even more titos and titas. I have patience in traffic. I wanted Jessica Sanchez to win. I love Manny Pacquiao even when he doesn’t.
How are rehearsals so far for Rock of Ages?
Amazing! I am having such an awesome time. We are still in the rehearsal room, but will be hitting the theater in a couple of days. I can’t wait to get back to the ‘Bourbon Room’. We have had to re-stage the show, so it’s been a voyage of discovery for me too. It’s been a very creative process as we are having to re-invent the show. We’ve had several runs of the show and we are in great shape! I am in love with my new castmates. Literally.
How is it different working with a Filipino cast and crew from your previous theater experiences?
The talent here is absolutely world-class, so in that regard, there are many similarities to my experiences on Broadway and the West End. However, lunch time is very different here, where we all sit at a table, eating Filipino food out of plastic bags that we ordered from the local restaurant and share meals with one another. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew and creative staff that is often missing in other countries. I feel the support from the company here in a way that truly moves me.
Any musicale theater dream role?
I’m doing it now—Stacee Jaxx. I would love to be in Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas...or Jesus. But when I get older, I’d love to have a crack at Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.
Many Pinoys are more fond of the classic musical style, like The Sound of Music or Les Miserables, etc. What do you think would their reaction be toward this musicale based on ’80s glam rock songs?
I think they won’t know what’s hit them. There is always a place for the classics, but this is a new type of show. Half rock concert, half play. The music in Rock of Ages is undoubtedly awesome, and the show is so much fun that people will love this show, even if they have a poster of Andrew Lloyd Webber on their wall.
You did Rock of Ages in Broadway and I heard Tom Cruise even watched your performance. Did he make you nervous?
To be honest, when I heard he was watching that night, I was nervous...and excited. I knew he was playing Stacee in the movie (now showing in Philippine cinemas—Ed.) and so would be watching and analyzing my every move. I was afraid that that would make me second-guess my performance, but I was actually pretty relaxed and focused when I hit the stage. I defeated my inner voices and was relishing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! When I actually met him after the show, he could not have been more down-to-earth and disarming and gracious. It was a truly great moment I will never forget.
What was your reaction when it was announced he would play Stacee Jaxx in the movie version?
I thought he’d be perfect from the moment I heard about it. I have always been a huge Tom Cruise fan and was thrilled to hear about his casting as Stacee. Initially, I thought his Stacee Jaxx would have long blonde curly hair like the Stacee on Broadway, and if you ever saw Interview with a Vampire, his character Lestat was just like Stacee Jaxx...with fangs! Long, blonde curly hair, devouring women, not “of this world.” If Tom Cruise could play Lestat so perfectly, Stacee would be a walk in the park. Sure, in the movie his hair is dark, but you get the picture. Also, if you saw Tropic Thunder and saw Tom as Les Grossman, you’d see how funny he can be. I can’t wait to see his Stacee Jaxx.
Stacee Jaxx is this egoistical rock god. Any similarities with you in real life? I hope not!
Stacee is the rock star I was always afraid to be. I hope to never treat people like Stacee treats people. There are some similarities between Mig and Stacee, but I like to think that they are the good qualities of Stacee, like I bet he is good to his mother. People might be shocked to see me this way, and I hope they are! Those who know me well, know that Stacee is all an act. But Stacee does kick ass, so....
Tell me about your latest album by the way.
I actually just released a new solo album late last year called More Than Ever. It’s available on iTunes and from my web site (www.mig-music.com). I never stop writing and making music. It is my first love and I do hope I can continue to make music until the day I die.
If you were to release a new one, what can we expect from it?
The cry of MiG’s heart. Raw. Exposed. In hi-fidelity...and possibly with some Filipino guest artists?