Because beauty is only Skin Deep

This is the third play that I have seen at the new PETA Theater. After having seen "Batang Rizal" and "Romulus D Grayt" last year at the PETA Theater, "Skin Deep" is most engaging and truly laugh-out-loud comedy thus far. There was a punchline behind every dialogue. The music of Lucien Letaba is catchy and has been instrumental in making its point heard; that beauty and happiness are not the same thing. 

The play revolves around seven individuals who won a free makeover package at the prestigious Skin Deep Beauty Sanctuary owned by the internationally-renowned Dr. Beau. The punchlines come without warning and the witty repartees keep the crowd roaring with laughter. Phil Noble, a PETA veteran, is just irreverent and simply outdid himself from his last role as the hairlipped soldier in "Romulus D Grayt" (That was hilarious! People didn’t see that one coming.) 

Of course, we all loved May De Castro who delivered a lot of the funny lines and repartees.  Playing Amor De Sangre, a 62-year old woman who has gone under the knife more times than there are days in a month, May was a standout. Unbeknowst to many, she is the sister of singer Lani Misalucha as her powerful singing voice gives her away.  Her interpretation of "Don’t take it out on me" is both perky and powerful. Reminiscent of the Motown era, this song was enough to make me dig into my pockets and buy the CD, which I highly recommend you do when you come and see this play. 

I believe that the role of Dr. Beau was so right for Melvin Lee. He had this air of omnipotence around him and throughout the performance, I actually believed he was a doctor. A truly great actor, TV should have more of him than those tisoy wannabes in robotic costumes (those guys in Zaido must be the lousiest actors I’ve ever seen, sorry for the rant.)

Incidentally, this is Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez’s first PETA outing. It was truly wonderful to see Miss Saigon’s the Engineer let his hair down and hear him say something like ‘ Pare that was just mouth to mouth rescusitation, walang malisya yun!" He he he, talk to hand, pare!

I won’t tell you how it all ends, you just have to see it for yourself. After seeing "Tuesdays with Morrie" a week ago, I felt I was recharged and back in my old jolly self. The cast was very nice that they gave us photo ops after the show. See for yourself!

From the right is Ms. Bituin Escalante (a truly great singer), May De Castro, Melvin Lee, Noreen, Eden and Cathy.

From left is Cathy, Mr. Robert Sena, Noreen and Eden.

Happily waiting in line to be seated.

I highly recommend that you come and watch "Skin Deep." It’s a refreshing break from all the bad acting and lousy Hollywood entertainment that we see on cable TV. For more information, you may go to http://petatheater.com/currentseason.html. For discounts, leave a comment below and I’ll help you get a fat discount on the ticket prices.