WHEN the curtains finally rose for the latest Manila staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" last Thursday, everyone was suspended in an eerie-like silence. The reason: the lapel that was assigned to Judas Iscariot faltered, and Robert Seña was helpless for almost a full minute before his voice was heard.

Fortunately for Seña, he was able to courageously rise above that nerve-wracking situation and hold his own. This class act earned him rapturous applause the moment the audience heard the first few audible lines from his song.

Aside from Seña, Basti Artadi shone as Jesus as his refreshing voice lifted us to the highest heavens several times. We particularly liked Artadi's under-acting, which complemented Seña's hyper characterization of Judas. Bituin Escalante as Mary Magdalene combined soul, sensuality, and sensitivity.

Ricky Davao was the evening's scene-stealer as he regaled everyone with his interpretation of King Herod. Davao reminded us so much of director Fritz Infante. Raul Montessa was vocally exceptional as Caiaphas.

We thought Dessa was too high-strung as Pontius Pilate, and she scored low in terms of clarity and enunciation. We took time to watch her alternate Anna Fegi the following night and were more impressed by her version. Sadly, Calvin Millado as Peter was relegated to the sidelines.

We were told that the sound improved on the succeeding nights. Directed by Bobby Garcia, "Jesus Christ Superstar 2000" is ongoing at the GSIS Theater until April 16.

Multi-talented Victor "Cocoy" Laurel is all set to serenade us in Spanish on April 6 at the Music Museum. The solo concert formally launches his latest, all-Spanish album, "Te Quiero."

"You know how I am everytime there's something big coming up--this early, I'm already feeling jittery," Laurel says. "But when there's pressure, one tries harder, works harder and does his work better."

He says he's excited just thinking that "Miss Saigon" will have a Manila staging by September but the final line-up of actors will be known only after the open auditions in May.

"I guess most of us have been invited to be part of this special production, but nothing is definite. It'll be nice to have a reunion of sorts and work with other new talents as well," he says.

For controversial singer George Michael, life is definitely more than just a box of chocolates. "You just have to be prepared for regular doses of surprises!" he was quoted as saying after the men's room scandal he was involved in years ago.

He has learned to not just go with the flow of things but to create the flow himself. George continues to weave his magic in the music business despite his having gone on a self-imposed hiatus after selling more than 67 million albums worldwide and notching up six No. 1 spots in the US and 11 No. 1 singles in the British pop charts.

Finally, George breaks his silence and unleashes a rare treat for his many music fans. His latest album, "Songs from the Last Century," contains 11 songs written by some great composers.

Co-produced by the singer and Phil Ramone, the album contains obscure but brilliant gems like "I Remember You," "Wild Is the Wind," "Miss Sarajevo," "It's Alright with Me," "Secret Love" and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"

There's also the beautiful "Roxanne" composed by Sting and E. Maccoll's timeless "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" (first revived by Roberta Flack in the '70s then by Celine Dion).