‘Facebooked the Musical’ on stage

A COMEDIC musical based on the social networking site Facebook will be staged on February next year by Cebu-based production outfit Offbeat Concepts.

Billed as Facebooked the Musical, the show will revolve around five characters that are connected through Facebook.

According to Jude Gitamondoc, the songwriter of the musical, the comedy will tackle themes of cyberbullying and responsible use of social media. “Even if it’s a comedy, we want to have depth. We want to bring it out in the open for people to talk about,” he added.

The musical will have 19 original songs composed by Gitamondoc. Marketing and advertising of the musical has been done on Facebook through FBed the Musical page.

Offbeat Concepts is calling those who want to take part in the musical. About 10 to 15 people are needed to play the five main characters and the chorus. These include good guy Matt, preppy Ann, experimental Mitch, sultry Eve, and a sneaky anonymous character.

Audition slots have been given since early August with reservations done through their Facebook page.

The musical will hold a preview three months before its staging in February. This is to gather critiques and feedback on how to improve the show.

“It is something not been commonly done in local theater. As far as I know, the common practice is to have critics’ night two or three days before the show,” Gitamondoc said.

Offbeat Concepts is a five-member production outfit composed of artistic director Edison Saynes, dance director Vince Gaton, songwriter Jude Gitamondoc, book writer Pami Estalilla, and vocal coach Marie Antoinette Gorgonio.

The open auditions will be at 346-B, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City  on Sept. 2 and 5. /UP Mass Communication student Vanette Kayla Marie S. Miñoza