‘Remember Ondoy? Or the pandemic? It brought out the best in all of us. — Sheila Francisco’
With decades of experience and a long list of acclaimed roles, Sheila Francisco — hailed as the “Grand Dame of Philippine Musical Theater” — continues to shine onstage, this time in the international production of “Come From Away.”
The musical, based on the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland after 9/11, highlights humanity at its best: community, kindness and resilience. Sheila plays Beulah, a warm-hearted local and head of the Gander Legion, who embodies the community spirit that defines the show.
“We are doing dress tech runs at the moment,” she shared just before opening night. “Marrying the lights and sounds with our blocking. We will be ready for opening night (tomorrow). We’re beyond excited to share this wonderful story.
“We just need to keep doing more runs. Get more comfortable with the space and the transitions. Get our rhythms synchronized to tighten the pace more.”
Known for standout performances in “South Pacific,” “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and “Bar Boys The Musical,” Sheila now brings her wealth of experience and talent to the international stage.
Asked why audiences should see “Come From Away, Sheila” said: “The message of the show is so universal — kindness, compassion, empathy are qualities that surface in times of need. Everyone will be able to relate to the stories of the characters.”
She reflected on how Filipinos, too, have shown this kind of spirit: “Remember Ondoy? Or the pandemic? It brought out the best in all of us. No one told us to help or lend a hand. We just did what was right to do.”
Of all the scenes in the show, she finds one especially powerful: “There is a scene where people of different religious beliefs come together to pray… that truly hits me all the time. In times of need, we all turn to God.”
As to the major challenges of doing “Come From Away,” Sheila shared, “Personally I’m not as young as I was before! There are certain dance movements that are challenging for me. But I just press on.”
The Manila production features an all-Filipino cast, including Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Garrett Bolden, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Becca Coates, Steven and Mayen Cadd, Rycharde Everley, Topper Fabregas, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Gian Magdangal, George Schulze and Chino Veguillas.
“People should watch ‘Come From Away’ because it will remind us of how a simple act of kindness can help heal and bring people together,” Sheila said.
The show runs from June 6 to 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
