Gladys Reyes Sheds Villain Image for Lead Role in 'The Heart of Music'
Gladys Reyes is often referred to as “La Primera Contravida” for a reason. Her intense gaze in her TV drama series has been known to give children nightmares, and her dramatic hair-pulling and face-slapping scenes have become legendary in the entertainment industry. However, the award-winning actress is stepping away from her usual villainous role for a while as she takes on the lead in the musical family drama, “The Heart of Music.”
Reyes attended the premiere screening of the film at a cinema in Mandaluyong, joining other cast members and her family, including her husband Christopher Roxas, son Christophe, and mother Zeny. The event also saw the presence of her showbiz friends, such as best friend Carmi Martin, Kokoy de Santos, Matt Lozano, and co-stars from “Cruz vs Cruz,” Vina Morales and Neil Ryan Sese.
The story and concept of “The Heart of Music” were inspired by the iconic Hollywood film “The Sound of Music,” starring Julie Andrews. This marks Reyes’ first musical family drama, directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Bertola. He assured audiences that they would not see Reyes in her usual villainous role. Instead, she plays a kind-hearted lead character, giving her the opportunity to showcase her powerful singing voice.
“The Heart of Music” follows the story of Yaya Madonna, a fun-loving, curly-haired breadwinner who was orphaned by her mother. After being scammed by an illegal recruiter, she pretends to have gone abroad so her father (played by PJ Abellana) won’t worry. She is eventually forced to work as a nanny for the eight children of couple Diana (Isay Alvarez) and Frank Riviera (Robert Seña). This is where the story’s many twists and turns begin to unfold.
The film addresses several relevant issues, including various family struggles and bullying in school. According to Reyes, she took voice lessons before filming began.
“Nahihiya kasi ako kina Sir Robert and of course kay Ate Isay. Nu’ng nalaman ko ‘yon, nag-set agad ako ng appointment sa voice lessons,” she said. “And then piano lessons din as well para kahit paano, kahit na hindi naman ipinakita nang buo sa movie, I wanted to be prepared kahit papano du’n sa mga eksena.”
“At sabi ko nga po, siyempre mga kilalang-kilala sa industriya ng musika at pagtatanghal, of course, sina Sir Robert and Miss Isay kaya po ganu’n na lang din po ‘yung kaba ko nu’ng gawin ‘to,” chika ni Gladys after ng screening.
In addition to Reyes, the film features Jon Lucas, Angel Guardian, Sean Lucas, Angel Laco, Stanley Abuloc, twins Noreen and Markhy, Jopay Paguia, Joshua Zamora, and many others.
