Light romance in the air at 'Love for Sale'
Sonitha, Contributor, Jakarta
If you're in the mood for a light musical romance, then you will probably like this jazzy collection of favorite love songs. Love for Sale, written and directed by Franc Andre, is the first ever two-hour jazz musical performance in Indonesia. Franc, who graduated from the UCLA Performing Arts School, has performed all over the U.S. in various types of musicals.
As blunt as its title, this musical emphasizes the morality of love. The story is dominated by a love-crime scene, yet you also see the tenderness, devotion, and innocence from various characters in the play.
The musical portrays the nightlife in America during a 1920's gangster flick, specifically in the town's busiest bar, "Cherio", which attracts a mixture of people, from rich playboys to prostitutes.
The story begins with love at first sight when Jack Hartman, a flamboyant local (Franc), falls for young, talented and beautiful new singer Sunny Woodrow (Marissa Haluet) as she sings Fly Me to the Moon in her husky voice.
Sunny's innocence is manipulated by Jack's charming way of seduction and, as predicted, Sunny gives her heart and soul to Jack believing he would return her feelings.
Sadly enough Sunny's excitement turns sour as she tries to share her happiness with the wrong person. She mistakenly seeks advice from her aunt Gretta, a broken-hearted woman who does not believe in love because of her painful past.
In memorable moments, Gretta recalls her agonizing past in unforgettable songs like The Way We Were and Too Young.
Back to reality and back to Jack's seduction. Later on the relationship continues with a betrayal as he falls for another woman named Mallory. The naive Sunny finds a shoulder to cry on from Arthur, Jack's best friend.
In the smooth glow and shadow of Jack, Arthur secretly admires Sunny. Not knowing how to feel, Sunny finds herself divided between Jack and Arthur.
Throughout the play, old time favorites made famous by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Louis Armstrong are beautifully sung by the Jakarta Broadway Singers. Daily bar conversation gives this musical a different touch compared to the usual classical performances conducted by Bel Canto productions.
"I want to portray the mystery of love. Love is a great feeling, some have it and some don't. The fact is none of us know when, where and with whom we fall in love. Jack, the character that I play, for example could make girls fall for him but in reality he, himself, does not know the real meaning of love," Franc explained.
The pleasant feelings aroused while watching this play are not only because of the songs, but the lighting and the stage ambiance clearly provide every chance to show the audience each love scene from the first piano performance in the bar, to Sunny's home and finally to a peaceful green park. In addition, the fashion statement of every character dressed in 1920's costumes gives the period of Bugsy Malone a different feel.
Love for Sale is indeed a unique creation, old in terms of the mobster era setting, but young in its conversational flavor and vigor of love. The easy to follow script and familiar songs, make it light entertainment for any audience.
Love for Sale will take place in The Dharmawangsa on Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 7.00 pm. For more information, contact Bel Canto on 8316808.