Entertainment

Vina Morales defines compleat with stunning role in Rock of Ages

Actress-performer Vina Morales is already considered by many as an entertainment industry veteran.  Having spent over 20 years in the business, she has done nearly everything.

Her breakthrough began when she was discovered at a singing contest in her hometown of Cebu. She was brought to Manila and began to act in movies as a pre-teen, hoping to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Sharon Cuneta.

The actress was also part of That’s Entertainment, where she began her exposure to and training as a host, aside from continuing to polish her singing and dancing skills.

Before she hit 30, Vina became duly-recognized as a triple threat. Her concert performances here and abroad are highly anticipated for their production numbers which showcase her extraordinary singing and dancing skills. 

At this time in her career, it would be easy for Vina to rest on her laurels and bask in her long list of accomplishments. After all, not many can conquer TV, film, recording and live concerts. However, there remains one field left untried and untested for this true artist: Theater.

Finally, Vina will be seen on the legitimate theater stage in a lead role in Atlantis Productions’ Rock of Ages. Vina Morales plays Sherrie, a small-town girl who goes to LA to pursue her dreams of being an actress. Joining Vina are international rock sensation MiG Ayesa and songwriter/acoustic balladeer Nyoy Volante.

For her role as actress-wannabe-turned-stripper Sherrie, Vina began her preparations by engaging in a weight-loss program. Known for her well-toned physique, Vina needed to trim down and have a leaner figure, to become more convincing in her role as a stripper. She also attended daily rehearsals that began months before the show is set to start. These included hours and hours of vocal preparation, dance rehearsals, stage blocking and scene-studies with her co-actors. 

Vina had to be on her toes. She was working with seasoned theater actors, and she was the newbie. And although familiar with hardwork and dedication to her craft, doing Rock of Ages meant stepping up to the demands and rigors of theater. It was a very challenging move for Vina, but she is no stranger to discipline, and has faced the challenge head-on.

Because doing Rock of Ages entailed months of preparation, Vina had to give up other more lucrative projects. She turned down a role in an ABS-CBN teleserye. She also turned down several offers to perform here in Manila and abroad. The dedicated artist that she is, Vina made sacrifices to really focus and immerse herself in this new endeavor.

Vina’s family at ABS-CBN Star Magic support her 100%. In fact, it is through the partnership of Star Magic with Atlantis Productions that Vina gets to realize one of her unfulfilled dreams. 

Two celebrity previews were held last June 14 and 15 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati wherein Kapamilyas Princess Velasco, Star Power girls Monica Sacay, Krissel Valdez, Akiko Solon and K-la Rivera, Tom Rodgriguez, Sam Concepcion and Boy Abunda were able to see the show for the first time. The previews were well attended by Vina’s colleagues namely Pops Fernandez, Marvin Agustin, Geneva Cruz and Lea Salonga. Well-known personalities Rajo Laurel, Swatch Virgie Ramos, Star Magic’s Mr. M and Mariole Alberto, ABS-CBN Global Mickey Munoz, designer Robin Tomas, theater actors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Art Acuna and talent manager Girlie Rodis. 

Not surprisingly, awe was a common reaction to Vina’s performance. Aside from the talent, it is the fact that this is her first-ever theater project that left audiences simply amazed. 

Rock of Ages is directed by Chari Arespacochaga, and will run from June 15 to July 8 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at the RCBC Plaza in Makati.

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