Visibly unwell, Isay Alvarez still blew everyone away as “bodabil” queen Katy dela Cruz at the press preview of Spotlight Artists Centre’s “Katy” Thursday night. Tirso Cruz III (as Katy’s father) and Dulce (as one-time stage rival Olivia) were also excellent. But the real find is Aicelle Santos (of La Diva) as the young Katy. Twenty-five years after its inaugural run (which starred Mitch Valdez as Katy and Celeste Legaspi as Olivia), the musical remains a signal achievement for composer Ryan Cayabyab and librettist Jose Javier Reyes, and a milestone in original Filipino musical theater.
Spotlight Artists Centre’s “Katy” runs until Jan. 27 at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater), Cultural Center of the Philippines. Call 8998089, 0922-8986644 or 8919999 for tickets. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Gibbs Cadiz