You Turn : David Ezra Llamedo Cruz

May muling magbabalik sa entablado pagkatapos ng mahabang pagpapahinga? Isa sa bagong cast ng Tanghalang Pilipino's Mabining Mandirigma, walang iba kundi si David Ezra bilang General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Nakakatuwa lang noong una namin syang nainterview sapagkat parang mahiyain siya at magalang kaya naman naglakas ako ng loob unang interview sya at mafeature dito sa aking munting blog kahit sobrang bitin ang aming pag-uusapan sapagkat alam ko rin naman na sobrang busy nila sa rehearsal ng Mabining Mandirigma.

Tara samahan mo akong kilalanin kung sino nga ba si  David Ezra Llamedo Cruz aka David Ezra sa mundo ng teatro.

Full Name and Alias: David Ezra Llamedo Cruz aka David Ezra
Instagram: @DAVIDEZRA_C
Location: Quezon City
Age: 25 yrs old
Education: Graduate of UST Conservatory of Music

Tell me about yourself that people don't know:
I only learned how to sing in my 20s. I was a lead guitarist for a rock band. I was an instrumentalist before i learned how to sing. That's why i only realized i wanted to sing and act in 2008 only.

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?
Current state of mind hmmm. Honestly i'm tired because i just came from rehearsals hehe. But i am still excited and more than willing to do this interview!

When did you first know you wanted to become an stage actor?
I realized i wanted to be a stage actor in 2008 when i was asked to play multiple roles in a musical revue in UST which included 10 Broadway musicals. After that production, i knew i wanted to perform.

What was the first show you ever did? And hows the experience?
The very first production i did professionally was Sweeney Todd with Repertory Philippines. It was a wonderful experience because i got to work with theater veterans Audie Gemora and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo on my first time!

What has been your favorite role so far?
Actually, this is my first time to be casted in a lead role. So i guess this is my favorite so far haha!

What show/shows are you currently working on?
This is the only musical i am working on right now. But i am very active performing for corporate events. I'll be having a concert in Cebu for Valentine's day with Ms. Pilita Corales and Dulce.

Besides acting, what other training have you had (voice, dance, stage combat, etc.)?
I've only had formal training for voice in UST. No formal training in acting.

How do they memorize alot of lines?
To memorize lines, you just have to keep reading and speak it out loud. And get someone to throw lines with you.

Why do you think theater is important?
Theater for me is important because it teaches, and it brings culture to a person.

What do you need in order to become a successful actor?
For me, to become a successful actor, you have to keep learning. You have to continuously grow. Work on your technique. Accept constructive criticism, and do not be egotistical

What makes a good stage actor in your opinion?
In my opinion, what makes a good stage actor is the ability to connect with the audience. To let them feel how you feel. Or how the character you are portraying feels.

Armand Ferrer and David Ezra will be alternating for
the role of Emilio Aguinaldo.

What is the most rewarding part of stage actor? 
The most rewarding part of being an actor is to hear the audience appreciate your work and in some instances, to hear them say to you how much you've moved or touched them by your acting and singing.

What are the pros and cons of being a actor? Please be specific. 
Pros and cons of being an actor. A pro in being an actor is you get to do your passion for a living. One of the cons is i guess the compensation? It is a little low. But, with the growth of Philippine theater the past few years, i am hoping that it would change in that aspect.

What goal are you working towards within your career and when will you know you have reached it? 

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do? 
Advice for aspiring theater actors. This is really cliche, but it is really true. DO NOT EVER GIVE UP. If it's your dream and passion, you do whatever it takes to pursue it. You will be rewarded. Just do your best. Laziness is not tolerated in theater. You always have to do your best. Learn and grow.

How do you see yourself 20 or 30 yrs from now? 
In 20 years, i would still be performing

Sa mga hindi nakakaalam si David Ezra ay anak ng nag-iisang musik icon na si Dolce kaya naman hindi na ako magtataka pa kung bakit sobrang ganda ng kayang tinig dahil may pinagmahanan.

Kaya naman kung gusto ninyo marinig ng live ang kanyang tinig aba'y anu pa ang hinihintay mo sugod na at bumili na ng ticket para sa Mabining Mandirigma kung saan nga kagaya ng aking nasabi gaganap siyang General Emilio Aguinaldo (alternating Armard Ferrer) at syempre makikita din natin kung kaya nga niyang maging isang mahusay at magaling na General.

CCP Tanghalang Pilipino's Steampunk Musical "Mabining Mandirigma" at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. February 19 - March 13 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Photo credit to David Ezra facebook page