BWW Interviews: Antoinette Taus Plays Mean Girl in GREASE

Manila, Philippines--Although staying in the country, even more so staging a comeback to acting, wasn't in her original plans, Antoinette Taus found herself auditioning for GREASE; she now plays the feisty role of Betty Rizzo in 9 Works Theatrical's restaging of the smash Broadway musical, which runs at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, until December 7.

By mere reputation, Antoinette was known for her sweet and demure roles in mainstream television in the early 2000s. But does that still hold true today?

"The funny thing is that, I wasn't really trying to shed the sweet image I had by playing Rizzo. In fact, they [people behind 9 Works Theatrical] were trying to convince me that 'it's OK; it's just a play.' Baka isipin nila na bad girl na ako ngayon. It's just work.

"The thing is, in reality, I'm in my 30s, and I've experienced a lot of things in life. It's just different when you're doing it onstage for the whole world to see. But frankly, I'm flattered that they actually believed I could pull off the role," Antoinette tells BroadwayWorld.com in a sit-down interview.

She adds that the role of Rizzo is little bit intimidating at first; but after a lot of convincing, she wouldn't want to do any other role in GREASE except Rizzo's.

"I'm excited and I hope that once people get to see the show, they'll be happy and inspired, too," she says.

In getting into the character of Rizzo, she says, "I really had to show that I do have that strong side, too. I'm the intimidating one. I'm kind of the 'mean' one, and I'm kind of the one who says things that people won't [usually] say."

Theater Isn't New to Her

Back in 1993, a bit too old to play orphan Cosette, Antoinette was given the role of street urchin Gavroche in Repertory Philippines' production of "Les Miserables." She considers the whole experience one of the most thrilling moments of her life because of the opportunity to work with theater luminaries Zenaida Amador, Baby Barredo, Douglas Nierras, and more.

From there on, she has been part of several musical theater productions such as "The Wiz" as Dorothy; "I Ought to be in Pictures" as Libby; and "The Little Mermaid" as Princess Jewel.

"Saigon" Dreams

Although she did not set her eyes on doing more musical theater after she left the Philippines 10 years ago, Antoinette dreamed of playing "Miss Saigon."

"As a young girl, I memorized the whole thing--from beginning to end; but the opportunity never came...

"I'd also love to play Eponine in 'Les Miserables'; her part is really something I could relate to. I love all her songs. And if someday, there would be a production of 'Les Mis,' I definitely will audition for the part," she says.

She continues, "Lea Salonga [who played both "Miss Saigon" and "Les Miserables"] is someone whom I look up to until today. She's not just a great singer, actress, and performer--she's the whole package. She's a wonderful human being; she's a mother and a wife; and even when she was still young, she was a great role model."

In GREASE, as Rizzo, Antoinette plays support to Guji Lorenzana and Tippy Dos Santos as Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, respectively. Antoinette is also paired with Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Kenickie, the tough second-in-command leader of T-Birds. Other cast members include Steven Silva as John Casino; Marvin Ong alternates Vince Lim as Doody; Alex Godinez as Marty; Nelsito Gomez as Sonny LaTierri; Gabriela Pangilinan as Cha-Cha; Peachy Atilano and Sarah Facuri as Frenchy and Jan, respectively; Reb Atadero as Roger; James Stacey as DJ Vince Fontaine; Harold Cruz as Eugene Florczyk; Sab Jose as Patty Simcox; and Angela Padilla as Miss Lynch.

GREASE's artistic team is spearheaded by Robbie Guevara as director; together with Lorenz Martinez as assistant director; Joseph Tolentino as musical director for instrumentation; Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as musical director for vocals; Arnold Trinidad and Francis Matheu as choreographers; Mio Infante as scenographer (sets and costumes); John Batalla as lighting designer; Chuck Ledesma as sound designer; Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer; Gerhard Daco as technical director; and Twinkle Zamora for costume execution.

To buy tickets, call (632) 586.7105 or (63) 917-554-5560, email info@9workstheatrical.com, or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

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