At seven, OPM icon Ice Seguerra was taking voice lessons at the UP College of Music and singing a Disney princess’s song at his recital. His choice was “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” — an early glimpse of a love for musicals that would take him from watching them at home to finding his own place onstage.
“My mom introduced me to musicals when I was very young. I grew up watching ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘West Side Story,’” Seguerra recalled. “I was taking voice lessons at the UP College of Music when I was seven. I sang ‘Part of Your World’ from ‘The Little Mermaid’ at my recital. My song choices back then were fit for a Disney princess!” he added with a laugh.
This November, those beginnings take center stage in “Ice Sings! An Intimate Concert Series — Part I: Broadway & Disney.” Presented by Fire & Ice LIVE, the concert runs Nov. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. at the Music Museum.
For audiences who know Seguerra through his voice and guitar, the repertoire offers a way to rediscover the musical theater performer whose love of a song extends to the character and story behind it.
His first stage production was “Little Shop of Horrors” with Repertory Philippines. His second, also with the company, was “The Wiz,” in which he played Dorothy. Later productions included “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Avenue Q” and “Rock of Ages.”
Musical theater gave him room to bring two parts of his artistry together.
“I started as a performer, and music became such an important part of my life. But musical theatre has always been special to me because I get to do both,” Seguerra said. “It’s not just about singing. You have to know what the character wants, what the song means, and why that moment matters.”
That understanding of what lies behind the words carries into “Ice Sings!” Its first installment draws from Broadway musicals and Disney films, with songs about finding love, courage, belonging and the freedom to become oneself.
Helping bring the repertoire to the concert stage is musical director Troy Laureta, a Filipino American keyboardist and producer who has worked with international artists including Ariana Grande, David Foster and Iggy Azalea. His experience includes serving as Grande’s musical director on her “Honeymoon Tour.”
Creative direction is by Seguerra’s wife, actress and Fire & Ice CEO Liza Diño. Seguerra himself handles stage direction, bringing his experience as both singer and actor to the production.
The songs may be familiar, but Seguerra returns to them with the experiences and perspective he has gained since those childhood encounters with musicals. For the singer, revisiting the repertoire means reconnecting with his beginnings while discovering what the music means to him today.
“These songs shaped me growing up — as a singer, an actor, and a person,” he said. “I’m excited to sing them now as the person I’ve become.”
Tickets are available through TicketWorld.
