Josephine’s Joe

Due to the fact that I have watched the previous, Ang Joe ni Josephine, I would make a comparative reaction of these two. Technically we were very late in going to St. Scholastica for the 10 am show, due to the fact that it was a Sunday, our only non-class, non-duty day for most of us in class, but some had night duties that night. Procrastination was the main feeling that was in the air. I was with Danica on the way there. The play did not yet start but the hall was filled with first year students from Trinity. We did not agree on watching a show standing, so we decided to wait for the next one in Tropical Hut. Mostly sharing news in the class, rumors and the like. I missed Danica, she was my best buddy in duty last semester, and then she was moved to another group because she was the last in the group alphabetical order, Mariel was added. That was a bummer. Going back, we were also talking about what would be seen in the play. Just then, Ely approached us, she watched the 10 am show, she stated that it was the same although advancement of technology was noticed. Then after which, we went in, luckily we were situated in the middle, giving us a better view of the play.
As for the play reaction, here goes. Basically the sole difference of these two is the language; the titles speak for what I have said. First things first, the set-up of Josephine’s Joe is better than the previous because the characters are elevated, and that the relation of the characters is clear unlike before that it was in the same level, thus making it vague for the audience to understand. Next is the lighting, it was good, fair enough but if I would compare it to Mactan: 1421, it is not at all appealing, although the lighting can be justified. The story is good, quite simple although it was a bit complicated in the play. Truthfully, I did not understand a single thing until I bought the twenty-peso handbook that contained the prologue of the play and also the cast of the play. As for the sounds, music and sound effects it was justifiable, it was appropriate for the play, a above passing grade because there was a song for the play Josephine’s Joe, modern but catchy, flirty voice was the singer stating "Josephine’s Joe". For the props, it was good; I liked the curtain close and the elevated stage for the Rizal and family cast, for better understanding of the play. For the costumes, it was the best; the design was vintage at the same time convertible to modern clothes. I was exhilarated when I saw the convertible clothes which were worn by the cast. Imagine vintage clothes at the same time modern and yet it did not look tacky. As for the cast, Kimberly Diaz, the Josephine Bracken, she portrayed the part well, she transformed as the artistic and the factual Josephine, and I also liked her Irish accent. For Randell Villavicencio, he was a good Rizal but he had some flaws particularly his English accent. It was barok, I hated that, and it would have been better if he spoked Filipino all throughout the play. As for Allan Mirasol, the Isko de Ungria, he was good; he was not ashamed even though he was exposing his sexual side, good English accent and also a clear voice. The next is Candace Giron, the Jessie Sylvestre, I could not have imagined her doing that scene with sexual explicit, she is a very attractive anchorperson, simple but beautiful, she portrayed the part well and she also had a good English accent, at the same time she was gorgeous. She is my crush actually. J For the other character, they were good generally. The only thing that pissed me off was Rizal’s accent. Dang, it was not at all commendable for other English plays. If it would be a Filipino play, I would definitely recommend him.
Overall, the play’s grade for me is 86. It was good although the story was not understood very well. In addition to that, the facts that were stated was messed up, I could not distinguish the real from the artistic one. I hope to see more of the Dulaang Bedista Alumni Production. The Ang Bangkay sa Corintho is still my favorite up to now.