This Month in BM History: September 2005
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Rudy De Dios are Lise and Colas, the latter the suitor Mother Simone disapproves of. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
People’s Artist of Russia Sergey Vikulov had choreographed his version of La Fille Mal Gardee (The Naughty Daughter) on Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Osias Barroso back in 1999. But the prima ballerina learned she was pregnant with second child Manuel before the ballet’s two acts were completed, so she had to relinquish the role.
Ballet Manila’s La Fille Mal Gardee (The Naughty Daughter) is a choreography by Sergey Vikulov set to music by Herold. Program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
Six years later, she finally made her debut as Lise to Jerome Espejo’s Colas in the romantic comedy ballet. She was also partnered by Francis Cascaño and Rudy De Dios in other shows.
“The irresistibly funny choreography and unique caricature characters presented in The Naughty Daughter may make you fall off your seats in raucous giggles,” Macuja Elizalde teases in her director’s notes for the show that ran from September 23 to 25 and September 28 to October 2 in 2005 at Star Theater.
Mother Simone, played by a man (Jonathan Janolo), promises wealthy landowner Alain that she will marry off her daughter Lise to his son Thomas. But Lise is in love with Colas. To prevent Lise from sneaking off with him, the flamboyant mom locks the doors and tells her daughter to spin thread the whole day. But when she dozes off, Lise lets Colas in and hilarity ensues when Mother Simone unwittingly locks them together in a closet.
On the first weekend, David Campos’ environment-themed Velvet Wings was also performed. The following weekend, part of the company flew to Seoul, Korea to represent the country in an international dance festival.
An item on Ballet Manila’s comedy ballet appeared in Philippine Star. Clipping from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
