Franco Laurel's sister gets biggest theater role to date

Margarita Angela "Yanah" Laurel gets her biggest theater role to date as the feisty and spunky Lauren in the musical "Kinky Boots" mounted by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG).

She gets to work anew with Nyoy Volante,whom she previously joined in other theater productions like "Shrek" and "Jersey Boys," while her other co-star, Laurence Mossman, is also her fellow actor in "Fun Home."

"Kinky Boots" has consistently been well received since it premiered last June 30, and Laurel cannot be more thankful for the positive reviews that the musical has earned.

The last show will be staged on Sunday, July 23, at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

At the helm of "Kinky Boots" is Bobby Garcia, who directed Laurel in a number of productions in the past.

"I have worked with Direk Bobby since I was 18," she said. "I have been honed by him and through him. It's always inspiring to work with him. I learned the value of my job. He has embedded in me how much of a privilege the position we are in is, that being able to do what we love and call it our job is a beautiful gift to embrace and nurture. Direk Bobby has played a truly
significant role in my life and career."

To Laurel, performing is "innate" and "a natural part of my day." Coming from an esteemed family whose members are also into music and the arts, she grew up surrounded by performers and artists. That allowed her to learn, appreciate, love and have sheer enjoyment in performing.

"Being surrounded by a musical family definitely made a mark on me and influenced me to pursue performing," she said. "It was a decision that came naturally, making it more special for me."

Her older brother is singer-actor Franco Laurel, who consistently beams with pride, even in his social media account, every time his younger sister has notched a stellar accomplishment.

PASSION FOR PERFORMING

As a child, Laurel was active in school productions, though none of her family members insisted she performs or even tries it. From school productions, she went on to auditioning for professional shows.

"I have always loved performing, but I never thought it would be a professional path for me to pursue," said Laurel, a two-time Aliw Award nominee as Best Actress in a Musical.

"I had wanted to become a lawyer. However, my passion for performing grew stronger and the call of the stage was undeniable. What was once a supposed hobby grew to become a true love affair and one I could not turn away from."

A Bachelor of Arts in Writing graduate from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laurel's first professional foray into theater was at the age of nine.

She performed in "Lives," a musical by Floy Quintos.

"I played the character of Zoe," she shared. "I had actually begun my performing career guesting in concerts, which later led to musical theater. I took a break to focus on school, but once I graduated high school I began my theater journey full throttle."

FAVORITE MUSICALS, DREAM ROLES

To date, Laurel has performed with a number of theater companies, namely ATEG, Repertory Philippines, Dulaang UP, Resorts World Manila, and 9Works Theatrical.

"The most challenging role I have ever played would be a tie between Joan in the musical 'Fun Home' (ATEG) and Whatsername in 'American Idiot' (9Works Theatrical)," she declared.

Her favorite musicals are "The Last Five Years," "American Idiot," "Miss Saigon," "Les Miserables," "The Color Purple," and "If/Then."

Her dream roles, on the other hand, are Cathy in "The Last Five Years," Jenna Hunterson in "Waitress," Diana in "Next To Normal," Veronica in "Heathers," and Zoe in "Dear Evan Hansen," to name a few.

The actors that Laurel "greatly" admires, meanwhile, are Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Lea Salonga.

"I admire their dedication and commitment to their craft and the discipline they practice reflects the respect they give to the work," she said. "I have had the pleasure of working with Menchu and Lea, and I have come to see first–hand why they are who they are, but more so the kind of women they are, generous, loving and strong which truly makes me look up to them."

With all her professional accomplishments, Laurel treasures the valuable advice she received from her family.

"[I was told] To love and respect my craft and to always be kind to everyone you work with," she reiterates. "I was taught to work hard, remain committed and disciplined, and above all, never lose the love and passion I have for performing. It may sound cliché, but it is very true."

"I've learned that at the end of the day, your passion and love for your craft is what will drive you against the obstacles and difficulties. It will not always be easy, but if you are fueled with the passion to persevere, that makes all the difference."