That is the question posed by Skin Deep, a new play, written by Vincent de Jesus, which centers on an internationally famous Filipino cosmetic surgeon who opened the world’s first one-stop beauty resort, Skin Deep Beauty Sanctuary, and the Lucky Makeover Seven who go through different miracle procedures hoping to become more aesthetically acceptable to the cruel world outside.
Making its debut on February 1, Skin Deep is the third offering for the Philippine Educational Theater Association's 40th season at the PETA Theater Centre.
This musical comedy discloses the story of seven ordinary people-- an obese female call-center agent, a troubled married couple, a male model wannabe, a flamboyant florist, an abused housewife burned beyond recognition and the reigning Miss Artificial Beauty-- and their frenzied search for beauty and happiness.
When the seven personalities collide, however, questions of self-worth are raised, dirty secrets are revealed and ugly truths about themselves are exposed. Moreover, they soon find that the more they become “beautiful” on the outside, the more confused some of them become on the inside.
The play also boasts of a powerhouse cast which includes some of today's most admired theater actors- Melvin Lee, Rem Zamora, Robert Seña, Eric Bisa, Isay Alvarez, May Bayot-de Castro, Bituin Escalante, Gail Guanlao-Billones, Mary Ann Espinosa, Phil Noble, Al Gatmaitan, Red Anderson, Glecy Atienza, Diana Malahay, Onyl Torres, Joseph Grantusa, Delphine Buencamino, Neomi Tabanao-Gonzales, Joan Bugcat, Eric dela Cruz, and Giu Comia.
Skin Deep uses a scalpel and cuts the surface to examine one’s need to be accepted by a seemingly superficial world where ‘packaging’ is more important than ‘character’. From a simple tweaking of a nose to a complete body overhaul, the play explores the connection between the pursuit of beauty and happiness.
And as the story unfolds, you be the judge to the old saying if beauty is indeed only skin deep.
Performances happen on all weekends till March 9, 2008 with matinee and evening performances on Fridays and 10am and 3pm performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are at PhP300.00. Schedules, however, are subject to change without prior notice.
For ticket reservations and inquiries, please contact the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 4100821 or 7256244, mobile numbers 0917-8154567 or 0918-9068083, or email mpr@petatheater.com or petampro@yahoo.