Gayle Romasanta Brings Love to Farm Worker Legend

by Vince Mediaa

—first published at VmediArts

“You must believe that our truth is in our heart.”  —Larry Itliong

Larry Itliong, father of the West Coast labor movement, joined with Cesar Chavez to start the Farm Workers Movement. In “Larry The Musical,” he emerges as a legendary, charismatic, and innovative leader.

In the 60s, Itliong organized Filipino grape harvesters and changed history for farm workers in California, masterfully recruiting new members. Itliong’s historic Grape Boycott caught Chavez’s attention and changed the labor movement.

The cast sings the anthem “Protest,” passionately honoring generations of Filipino and Mexican farm workers. Director Billy Bustamante brilliantly highlights the immigrants’ mission with “Let’s fight for the voiceless.” Music Director Sean Kana and his band bring out the best from twelve dazzling singers. Their voices ring across the Brava Theater with the music of Brian Pangilinan and the sound design of Elliott Orr.

Scenic Designer Ciriaco Sayoc, Lighting Designer Danielle Ferguson, and Projection Designer Joan Osato evoke the passage of time, beautifully.

As Elder Larry, dynamic Eymard Meneses Cabling tells the story powerfully, alongside Dawn (impressive Jocelyn Thompson-Jordan). Thompson-Jordan plays Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon who wrote Journey for Justice, the basis for this musical.

In the Phillipines, Young  Larry (commanding Joshua Carandang) yearns to move to the States—“Where I Wanna Be.” His final goodbye to his beloved Malaya (flawless Marah Sotelo) shows his relentless desire for change. Sotelo steals the show with her ballad “New Hope.” Their duet, “I Promise You,” sets the tone for Larry’s dream for a new way to live.

Itliong worked in the Alaskan fish canneries and as a farm laborer. He experienced how badly laborers were treated and saw the power they could gain by working together. When he meets Yzzy and Tomas (Kylie Abucay & Kurt Tijamo), he becomes an activist and organizer.

The songs brim with Filipino tradition and history, including the clever “American Mary” about Filipino beauty pageants, delivered with awkward pride.

Skillful Bebe Browning provides an exquisite solo in “Fever Dream.” The book and songs by Romasanta and Kevin Camia are soul-searching, charged with lyrics that pull at your heart.

The Grape Boycott lasted five years and was one of the most important social justice and labor movements in American history, ending with victory for the farm workers. Older and younger Larry sing “Better This Time,” a touching ballad.  The audience cheers and raises their fists when Itliong asks us to join them—a joyous moment.

“Solidarity Forever” features the explosive voices of Daniel Lloyd Pias and Jaron Liclican, adding passion to this exhilarating musical. The super-talented ensemble includes  the excellent Tijamo and Rocky James Conception. Concepcion’s spectacular voice rises with love, as he sings to Romelo Urbi.

Thompson-Jordan and Cabling’s magnificent closing song “I See You” spotlights their strong passionate voices. The musical features emotional, moving songs.

As Larry sings, “You must believe that our truth is in our heart,” the cast joins him in the beautiful “A new way of living, a chance for forgiving, it’s here right now.” Don’t miss this uplifting celebration of courage!

“Larry The Musical, An American Journey” by Gayle Romasanta, composed by Bryan Pangilinan, directed & choreographed by Billy Bustamante, music by Sean Kana, & Kevin Cama, lyrics by Gayle Romasanta, Kevin Camia, Bryan Pangilinan, & Sean Kana, based on the book Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon & Gayle Romasanta.

—at BRAVA Theater Center, 2781 24^th Street, San Francisco 94110.

—Info: brava.org – to April 14, 2024.

Cast: Kylie Abucay, Bebe Browning, Eymard Meneses Cabling, Joshua Carandang, Rocky James Concepcion, Vida Mae Fernandez, Jaron Liclican, Daniel Lloyd Pias, Marah Sotelo, Kurt Tijamo, Jocelyn “Jojo” Thompson-Jordan, and Romelo Urbi.