Markki Stroem: The Superboy Got Talent

By Christopher de Venecia

When I first saw the production of Next to Normal on Broadway, I was floored. I didn’t know what to expect of the show, much less from a musical that is, as the Pulitzer Board would put it, “a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family.” You could just imagine how my cynicism quickly disappeared when the prelude to the musical started playing. Depressingly divine, where a bi-polar mother Diana, a charismatic yet cryptic son Gabe, a worn-out father Dan, and obsessive-compulsive daughter Natalie, lament over the show’s opening tune, “Just Another Day,” it was anything and everything a modern day homage to RENT and Stephen Sondheim would be - a tremendous, transcendent, and palpable knockout.

Thankfully, Atlantis Productions is bringing this contemporary Broadway hit to our local shores. For Circuit’s “Hail to the Hottest” issue, we get up-close and personal with one of the show’s bright young things, theater’s newest ‘it’ boy, and Pilipinas Got Talent finalist Markki Stroem, as he takes his definitive plunge into the world of musical theater.

CIRCUIT: Describe your role in Next to Normal.
Markki: I play the role of Henry, a stoner/philosopher king who is in love with life and his girlfriend, Natalie. Henry is happy go-lucky while Natalie is depressed all the time. Opposites attract.

How different is the role you play in the show from how you are in real life?
It’s actually quite funny because I am quite similar to Henry in real life because of my happy-go-lucky personality. I also tend to be attracted to crazies and I tend to philosophize.

How do you stay in shape?
I go to the gym regularly. I do one-hour cardio three times a week: swim, bike or run depending on the day. I also lift weights three times a week. I also box once a week at Elorde Katipunan.

What lessons from Pilipinas Got Talent were you able to apply in the show?
Drive and determination. Always try your best to be better than your last performance, and strive for perfection.

Is theater something you see yourself doing in the long run?
It is an art form I have always looked up to. Every element needs to be perfect to a certain extent. I have developed quite a knack for detail, especially working with Bobby Garcia in Atlantis. I am excited to grow in this field, and further develop my voice and acting prowess. (wink!)

Next to Normal is directed by Bobby Garcia and will run from March 11-27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Email [email protected] for tickets to the March 12, 8PM show.

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