Erik Santos looks forward to his first theater role in ‘The Little Mermaid’
push.com – 11/02/2011 8:41 AM
by: Rhea Manila Santos

Erik Santos makes his professional acting debut on stage in Atlantis Production’s version of the hit Broadway musical The Little Mermaid, where he will play the role of Prince Eric opposite Rachelle Ann Go as the mermaid-turned-human Ariel. “Nag-re-rehearse na kami ngayon. I’m very excited kasi this is my first time to do theater so kumbaga ibang experience naman for me,” he said.

The 29-year-old crooner admitted he feels very privileged to be offered the role and did not have to go through any more grueling auditions. “Siguro I’m lucky enough na hindi po ako nag-audition for the role kasi Direk Bobby Garcia who’s our director in The Little Mermaid told me about two years ago pa na ako na yung role na Prince Eric. Si Direk Bobby naman, close kami niyan, kumbaga dinerect na niya yung mga past concerts ko. I’m really enjoying now. Ibang klaseng experience pala yung teatro,” he admitted to Push.com.ph.

Although he is not totally new to acting, having appeared in various shows as well as a past episode of Maalala Mo Kaya, Erik said he is very open-minded about broadening his horizons as a performer and singer. “Since in line naman siya with music kasi musical siya, so hindi naman siya nalalayo dun sa gusto ko talagang gawin which is kumanta talaga. And I’m really grateful kay direk Bobby (Garcia) and direk Chari (Arespacochaga) for giving me the role na hindi ko kailangan mag-audition, talagang binigay nila sa akin and sana I really hope and pray na hindi ko sila kumbaga ma-disappoint. That’s what I hope talaga,” he admitted.

Even when it comes to singing, Erik has also been delving into other genres, like rapping which he did for ASAP Rocks earlier this month. “Medyo na-rattle nga ako kasi hindi ako masyado nag-ra-rap sa mga kanta ko di ba? So okay naman kasi ang sarap lang nung feeling na ASAP made my birthday this year extra special. I want to thank ASAP talaga. During my concerts naman, kahit papano naman kumakanta rin naman ako ng mga upbeat na songs. Siyempre kailangan yun para hindi naman nakakaantok yung concert,” he said.

Erik also shared that he has also been taking advice from his other celebrity friends who are not new to theatrical productions. “I also talk to my friends like Christian Bautista who did West Side Story, Nikki Gil, and Iya Villania. Sabi naman nila go for it. Talagang supportive sila,” he revealed.

But the singing champion clarifies that being in The Little Mermaid does not mean he is crossing over to acting full-time. “Siguro yung acting medyo parang pasundot-sundot lang kasi my first love is singing talaga. So mas mag-fo-focus ako sa recording and doing concerts,” he stressed.

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