BWW Interviews: Mark Bautista Talks THE FULL MONTY

Manila, Philippines, May 2, 2013 -- Viva Artists Agency contract star Mark Bautista's character, Jerry Lukowski, in Viva Atlantis Theatrical's production of Terrence McNally and David Yazbek's Broadway musical "The Full Monty," which is a stage adaptation of the 1997 film of the same name, is a challenging role for Bautista.

Lukowski, one of the six unemployed steel workers from Buffalo, New York, decides to mount a strip act at a local pub after seeing his and his friends' wives enthusiasm over a touring company of Chippendales.

Bautista reveals to BroadwayWorld.com that he had to tackle his personal anxiety and fear when the project was first handed to him five months ago.

"At first yes, it was really hard for me, especially the end part. Kaya ko ba talaga 'to? Kaya ko ba talagang maghubad?

"But after going over the script and the whole story, kailangan talaga. Kita n'yo naman how fun the play was. It's so heartwarming, di lang about me [my character], but also with the other characters. It gives hope, and anyone can relate to the characters, too," says Bautista.

To prepare for the role that requires him to strip off his clothes during the finale, he shares, "Actually, I watched the Broadway play on YouTube."

"Nag-gym ako... I was reading the script siguro everyday just to immerse into the character."

"The Full Monty" is Bautista's second professional stage project; his first was playing Crisostomo Ibarra in Tanghalang Pilipino's revival of the Ryan Cayabyab musical "Noli Me Tangere," where Bautista earned more rave reviews compared to what he has been getting for "The Full Monty" since the play opened two weeks ago.

"The two productions are two different plays. Let's just face it, I can't please everyone," says Bautista.

He adds, "I'm still thankful that people get to share their thoughts about the things I do, and it's enough to inspire me to do future projects like this play, which challenges my capabilities as an artist."

He is also grateful for the camaraderie he has developed with his co-actors: Jamie Wilson, who plays Dave Bukatinsky, Lukowski's best friend; OJ Mariano, who plays Malcolm MacGregor, a lonely security guard; Arnell Ignacio, who plays Harold Nichols, a former foreman; Marso Sison, who plays Noah "Horse" Simmons," an auditionee; and Nino Alejandro, who plays Ethan Girard, another aspirant.

Bautista mentions his favorite parts of the show are the musical numbers "Big-Ass Rock," where Lukowski performs with Bukatinsky and MacGregor, and "Breeze Off the River," a moving scene with Lukowski and his young son, Nathan.

[It's a humbling experience] "I'm singing 'Breeze Off the River' while my son is in bed after he gave me some of his college funds, which I'll be using as a deposit payable to the local club," he says.

"The Full Monty," directed by theater veteran Chari Arespacochaga, closes this weekend, May 5, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditiorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

For last-weekend tickets, call TicketWorld at (632) 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos by Viva Atlantis Theatricals