The thing about theater, being live, is that it can get so terrifyingly unpredictable. Such was the case when acclaimed theater actor Jose Mari Avellana collapsed onstage during the curtain call after a recent repeat performance of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie.We were able to watch the play's run last February at Onstage in Greenbelt 1, and as Morrie Schwartz, Avellana was the highlight of the show. He quickly elicited tears from theatergoers as the dying professor who imparts his knowledge to Mitch Albom, played by Bart Guingona, who recalled Avellana's collapse in an article published last Sunday at the Inquirer:
"When I turned to the audience to call for a doctor in the house (a phrase I never dreamed I’d use one day; I mean how clichéd is that?) I was faced with an uncomprehending audience, glued to their seats. I later learned that many had thought it was all part of the show.
Mari’s family rushed up onstage, his daughters near hysteria. When they sat him up, he vomited what looked like at least a bucket of blood.
I yelled instinctively. I’m not sure if it was in horror or fear, or panic, but at that moment, the very real prospect of losing my friend hit me like a gale-force blow to the guts. I gave in to my tears."
Apparently, his collapse was due to the reaction of a painkiller to his stomach ulcers. At one point, Bart noted that Mr. Avellana couldn't seem to focus as he lay in the "deathbed" scene. "He could hardly keep his eyes open and seemed to be gulping down bile to keep from throwing up," Bart said.
Thankfully, Mr. Avellana is now out of danger. The amazing thing was that he was able to finish the performance--truly a sign of his professionalism and commitment to the stage. And for that, we really can't help but admire him so much more!
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