Nelson Morales

Rising theater talent Ornella Brianna continues family’s stage tradition

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17596311531082-Composite 26.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Ornella Brianna. Handout"/>Ornella Brianna. HandoutMANILA — Swiss-Filipina performer Ornella Brianna is stepping into the spotlight once graced by her mother, “Miss Saigon” alumna Tricia Canilao, who played Kim in the Netherlands and Gigi and Ellen in Asia and the UK.</div>Brianna was born in Hong Kong, and her life has always been surrounded by creativity, culture, and performance. The eldest of three siblings, she grew up watching her mother perform in various events in Hong Kong while taking musical and dance classes at her mother’s own studio.“I really want to play Kim one day! &#x27;Miss Saigon&#x27; is one of my favorite musicals, especially when I got the chance to watch it when it was here in the Philippines, so it’d be great to play Kim,” she confessed.When her family moved back from Hong Kong in 2016, Brianna took her very first theater workshop with Repertory Philippines, under the mentorship of Ayam Barredo.There, she stepped into her first leading role as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” It was an experience that sparked her love for musical theater. Just a year later, she appeared in “A Christmas Carol” with 9 Works Theatrical.Now, as a teenager, she makes her highly anticipated return to musical theater in “Alice in Wonderland.” It’s a moment that feels like “coming back home” to the stage that shaped her.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1759630828487528262627_678657801981237_4061479620272046208_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>As an artist herself, she doesn&#x27;t care what kind of roles would be assigned to her.“I don’t really mind what roles I’m assigned, even if I have my preferences. I see every role as an opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “Being in the ensemble teaches teamwork and discipline, supporting roles allow me to develop character work, and lead roles challenge me to carry the story with confidence.”For her, even if she’s not being cast, it teaches resilience and humility. “I truly believe in the saying, ‘there are no small roles, only small actors’ because theater isn’t just about being in the spotlight, it’s about collaboration and storytelling. Every role, big or small, helps me become a stronger and more versatile artist.”There is no denying that she looks up to her mother.“One of the most important things my mom always told me was to give 120% in everything I do. She explained that if I only give 100% and I fall short, I might end up at 80% or 90%. But if I push for 120%, then even on the days I don’t feel at my best, I’ll still be giving 100%,” she said.“Another piece of advice she gave me was that talent isn’t the only thing that matters. What’s just as important is being a good person, because people will only want to work with you if you’re kind and respectful.“I’ve always admired her as an artist because when she performs, she has the ability to capture the attention of an entire room. I only had the chance to see her perform a handful of times since most of her shows were either before I was born or when I was too young to remember, but the moments I did witness, and especially the times I was able to perform alongside her, showed me how kind, cooperative, and inspiring she is to work with,” she continued.“As a mother, she has always been supportive of me and my brothers, doing anything she can to help us achieve our dreams. She is the strongest and most caring person I know, which is why I look up to her so much.”“At the same time, she has never wanted me to simply become a ‘mini her,’ especially when it comes to performing. She always told me that she tries not to interfere with my voice or acting, so that I wouldn’t just copy her, but instead grow into my own kind of artist.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1759630971687IMG_0926.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Ornella Brianna as Tweedledee in &#x27;Alice in Wonderland.&#x27; Erica Marquez-Jacinto"/>Ornella Brianna as Tweedledee in &#x27;Alice in Wonderland.&#x27; Erica Marquez-Jacinto</div>With her mother’s success as inspiration and her own fearless determination as fuel, Brianna is stepping into her own spotlight — not as someone’s daughter, but as an emerging artist boldly carving her own path.Brianna is a determined individual who confidently pursues her own path. She is a singer, dancer, and actor, and has also excelled as a competitive ice skater, earning gold medals in the Philippines and internationally. Her creativity extends to drawing and painting, but she feels most inspired by musical theater.Besides Kim, she has many dream roles such as Maggie or Connie in “A Chorus Line,” Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” Eurydice in “Hadestown,” Cinderella or the Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods,” Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” Elphaba in “Wicked,” and even Angelica or really any character in “Hamilton.”As a teenager who dreams of finding a space in a competitive world of theater, she’s mature enough to provide a sound advice for aspiring theater artists.“Stay open to every opportunity, never stop working hard, and remember that each experience, whether it feels like a success or a setback, can teach you something valuable that will help you grow both as a performer and as a person,” she said.<div> </div><div>Catch her as Tweedledee in “Alice in Wonderland,” which runs until December 14 at Rep Eastwood Theater. </div>

Now appearing in Repertory Philippines’ ‘Alice in Wonderland’, Swiss-Filipina newcomer Ornella Brianna is following in the footsteps of her mother, former ‘Miss Saigon’ actress Tricia Canilao — but with dreams and ambitions all her own.

Now appearing in Repertory Philippines’ ‘Alice in Wonderland’, Swiss-Filipina newcomer Ornella Brianna is following in the footsteps of her mother, former ‘Miss Saigon’ actress Tricia Canilao — but with dreams and ambitions all her own.