Off to Massachusetts.

Caisa Borromeo as Jo March and Cara Barredo as Beth March in a touching scene--"Some things are meant to be".

This musical by Repertory Philippines maybe the highlight of the year. With the perfect play, perfect cast, perfect music—could any get better than this? I was in awe from the overture to its finale (pun intended).  It’s like watching on Broadway already (Not that I’ve been to Broadway), it’s perfect—just perfect.

Caisa Borromeo is the Sutton Foster of the Philippines. Every song, every line is full of Jo March in it. She is perfect for the role. Her “Astonishing” that night might have little flaws, but her powerful notes made it unnoticeable. She portrays the tomboyish and determined Jo perfectly—astonishingly.

Playing the bratty Amy is Kelly Lati. I didn’t get to watch her in “Spring Awakening”, so I have no idea how she sings, or how good or bad she is—but, I did love her in Little Women. The way she speaks is so Amy March. And I hated Amy so much that I want to give her a punch in the face—but, that just proves how good and accurate Kelly is.

Cara Barredo played Beth, my favorite March sister. Whenever Cara smirks, she reminded me of Kristin Chenoweth. And of course, she played the sweet Beth perfectly. For the record, this is the first time I cried inside a theater—and that is her and Caisa’s “Some Things Are Meant to Be”. According to my friend Dianne, she already wanted to bawl in tears, and I want to go onstage and give Beth a hug and cry with them—it just stroke me, it’s too painful. And Cara has an awesome voice, mind you. Cara Barredo, you are my favorite already.

And the last March sister—Meg, played by Lora Nicolas. Meg might be the one with the least storyline—she had one at the beginning and that’s it. Meg is very reserved, and Lora Nicolas’ portrayal of her is just right.

Pinky Marquez played Marmee March. Wow. Her voice is like Patti LuPone mixed with Julie Andrews and etcetera, etcetera. Her and Caisa’s scenes  are heartbreaking.

The set, the costumes are perfect as well. The costumes are very detailed and looks timely, I especially loved Amy’s and Aunt March’s. The set was minimal but it made the musical more intimate. And the direction by THE Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo—do I have to describe it? It’s perfect.

Too bad, by the time you’re reading this, you only have 2 shows to catch and miss this wonderful musical. I doubt that there’ll be a repeat. Maybe 5 to 10 years from now, but with a different cast.

Astonishing.