John 'Sweet' Lapus does musical for the first time

Comedian-actor-director John "Sweet" Lapus has come full circle now that he is doing "Delia D," an original Filipino musical featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo, to be staged by Newport World Resorts production outfit, Full House Theater Company (FHTC).

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

After more than 30 years in Philippine theater, this is Sweet's first time doing a musical.

Audiences may be surprised to see Sweet in the cast of "Delia D," the 11th major theatrical production from FHTC.

Sweet is admittedly not a singer. That's why when he was first invited to read for the part of Mama Eme, the mom of Delia D, he was surprised. The latter is played by Phi Palmos. Dexter Santos directs.

"When I went for my first reading, I realized the role of Mama Eme was tailor-made for John Lapus," Sweet said. "Mama Eme refuses to do live singing. He owns a drag bar where the performers are merely lip-synching."

"Ayaw ni Mama Eme to sing because he is not a singer. Nag-swak ang character ko. Si John Lapus hindi rin magaling to sing live. Perfect ang role that was given to me. Real life talaga."

Sweet started in Teatro Tomasino when he was still in college at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

"After college, while working at ABS-CBN, I did straight plays with Dulaang UP, like Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'" Sweet granted. "I did plays where I also performed, sang and danced, but not in the entire production."

"Delia D" marks the first time for Sweet to do a musical and he cannot be thankful enough.