The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) “Triple Threat” series started back in 2013 with the leading men and woman of Philippine theater featuring Audie Gemora, Nonie Buencamino and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.
In 2014, CCP featured Shiela Francisco, Michael Williams and Bituin Escalante. By 2015, CCP put the spotlight on musical theater composers Vince de Jesus, Roni Fortich and maestro Jesse Lucas.
In 2016, the musical theater ensemble from Repertory Philippines, Atlantis and Trumpets took centerstage.
The year 2018 saw the “Triple Threat” of couples — Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, Julian Mendoza and Stella Cañete Mendoza, and “Tayong Dalawa” couple Franco Laurel and Ayen Munji-Laurel.
In 2022, the show featured the male tenors Markki Stroem, Arman Ferrer and Poppert Bernadas.
The ‘Triple Threat’ ladies with (from left) CCP vice president Dennis Marasigan, CCP president Kaye Tinga and CCP associate artistic director Ariel Yonzon (rightmost).
The leading ladies of Philippine musical theater take centerstage this year with the powerhouse voices of Carla Guevarra Laforteza, Sheila Valderrama Martinez and Tanya Manalang Atadero in “Triple Threat” to be staged by the CCP.
Carla boasts a career spanning three decades with countless iconic roles with her incredible voice and stage charisma.
Sheila has illuminated stages both locally and internationally, with her captivating performances and exceptional vocal prowess. She earned accolades for her talent and unwavering dedication to the arts.
Tanya is a musical theater professional who knows how to own the stage with her killer presence and vocals. She impressed international audiences when she made waves as another unforgettable Kim on the West End in “Miss Saigon.”
Carla gave guests a treat as she rendered “He Opens a Window” when she played Rachel in “Joseph the Dreamer” two years ago.
On July 25, she headlines the first show in the “Triple Threat” series as she performs onstage at the CCP Blackbox Theater Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, with Gerard Salonga as musical director, Paolo Valenciano as stage director, Joel Trinidad as writer and Mio Infante as production designer.
“If you see my artistic staff, they are not the conventional musical theater guys, especially Paolo (Valenciano) is my stage director,” said Carla. “He directs pop concerts.
“After I was told that ‘Triple Threat’ would push through, I was on the phone with Paolo. I told him, ‘Pao, this is it. It’s coming. I’m going to be a Gary V. concert artist.’ I don’t have budget for this concert. There will not be laser lights for this one.
“Then I called up Gerard. When he said yes, I cried. This show is going to be perfect. I’m just grateful for everything falling into place.”
When Carla turned 45, she did a solo concert at 12 Monkeys (2020). “I did all of the solos that I’ve ever done since the start of my career,” she recalled. “So when ‘Triple Threat’ came, I said I don’t want to do something musical. I want to sing songs that I want to sing.
Al Jarreau’s Spain, which Valenciano has always included in his repertoire, will be part of Carla’s set list for her “Triple Threat” show.
Sheila made audiences feel the nostalgia as she delivered a Disney medley — When You Wish Upon a Star, Part of That World, Reflection and I See the Light — especially arranged by Roni Fortich, her musical director in the Oct. 17 concert. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo will be her stage director.
“I haven’t really finalized my line up (for Oct. 17),” disclosed Shiela. “But it talks about my journey. It talks about shows and songs that I’ve been wanting to sing that I never got to sing.
Broadway-sounding songs that are not famous but Shiela had always wanted to sing like Quiet by Natalie Weiss, will be part of her set list for her “Triple Threat” concert.
“Menchu is my director and Roni is my MD (musical director),” Shiela allowed. “They have been advising me, that’s why I’m pretty confident that I have something amazing because they are both amazing. I trust them and I hope you will like the show. I’ll see you on Oct. 17.
“When Menchu said yes, I was so happy because I wanted someone who knew me. She saw my career and we speak the same language. Roni, I’ve known him even before and he knows my voice and my capabilities. That’s why I’m very excited. I’m very OC (obsessive-compulsive), because I know I’m in good hands.”
Tanya, who reprised her “Miss Saigon” number, I’d Give My Life for You, will conclude the “Triple Threat” series on Dec. 12.
“The show will be a story of my journey, but more important than that, it’s the story of the people, as well, who were part of that journey,” Tanya offered. “So expect my friends to be there. It’s going to be so much fun.
“When I was told I was going to do ‘Triple Threat,’ my first reaction was, ‘Why me?’ Seriously. I’ve never done a show with CCP. But this is really something I really want to do. It’s really an honor to be handpicked. It’s insane. I have no words.
“My show is on Dec. 12 yet, so I still don’t have my artistic team. But I want to reintroduce the people who have been part of my journey. We still have to finalize a lot of things. Kaya natin ‘to. The show is going to be a lot of fun.
“We will summarize what I’ve done, so far. I will be singing OPM (Original Pilipino Music) like Kailangan Kita and songs from some musicals I did and things you don’t always hear me sing unless you shower with me, but that’s weird.”
New CCP president Kaye Tinga lauded the immense talent and contributions of women in art.
“The evolution of artistic community towards greater inclusivity and diversity is a testament to our dedication,” Kaye said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to our media partners for their presence.
“May today’s presentation inspire and lift you as we celebrate the immense talent and contributions of women in art. Long live Filipino artists and culture. Long live the ‘Triple Threats’ of Philippine theater.”
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