A church choir in Quezon City was where it all started for Martin Fazon, who first picked up a love for music at 13 as a member of a local ensemble in Project 6. More than two decades later, the Filipino trading professional is now shaping the sound of one of Qatar’s most anticipated community theatre productions of the year.
Fazon is serving as Musical Director for The Doha Players’ staging of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which runs at THIS Theatre in Mesaimeer from June 4 to 20, with performances scheduled at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The production is based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale and the Disney animated film, featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, with a book by Doug Wright. It follows Ariel, a young mermaid drawn to the human world against the wishes of her father, King Triton.
For Fazon, the decision to take the role again came easily. “We are talking about a Disney show—how can you say ‘no’ to that? The music is timeless, the story is beloved by generations, and the chance to help bring that magic to the stage was too good to pass up. After Little Shop of Horrors, I was excited to come back and be part of another incredible production,” he shared with TGFM. He had previously held the same post for the group’s run of Little Shop of Horrors.
His path to the role traces back through a varied career. After his early years in choral singing, Fazon studied at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, taking a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in English. It was there, drawn by the sounds drifting down from the Conservatory of Music above his classroom, that he auditioned for and joined the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, one of the university’s leading choirs—an unusual feat for a student outside the music program. The ensemble took him to performances in major liturgical celebrations and masterclasses led by musicians from abroad. In his final year, he also stepped into a production of Moulin Rouge, playing the antagonist role of The Duke.
A corporate career followed. Fazon worked in the business process outsourcing sector, first as a certified Dell hardware technician and later as a Level 2 software engineer, before relocating to Qatar in 2013 in pursuit of new opportunities. Music, he said, remained a constant through the adjustments of life abroad. “My professional work provides stability, while music and theatre give me an opportunity to create, collaborate, and contribute to a community that shares the same love for the arts,” he explained.
He describes the demands of the musical director’s job as going well beyond hitting correct notes. “Many people already know how to sing, but singing for musical theatre is a different skill altogether. It’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about storytelling, projection, diction, and connecting with the audience while staying true to the character,” he said. With a Disney score, he added, audiences arrive already familiar with the songs, raising the bar further.
Fazon cites Lea Salonga as one of his vocal touchstones, pointing to her technique, placement and clarity as a model—though he is careful to note he never asks performers to copy any one singer. “Every singer has their own voice, and my role is to help them discover the techniques that work best for them,” he said. Much of his work centers on building healthy vocal habits and confidence, refining individual lines, and helping the cast cohere into a single musical whole.
His involvement with The Doha Players began in 2022, when he was cast as Dionysus—Mr. D—in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, a role he credits with reigniting his interest in theatre. The organization, one of Qatar’s longest-running community theatre groups, draws performers, musicians and volunteers from a wide mix of nationalities and professions. That diversity, he said, is part of the appeal. “Collaborating with people from different cultures has taught me to be open-minded and adaptable. There is always something new to learn from each person, whether it’s a different artistic perspective, rehearsal approach, or simply a different way of communicating,” he said.
As a Filipino, Fazon believes he brings a particular reverence for music and performance to the rehearsal room, rooted in a culture where singing features in family gatherings, schools and community life. Still, he resists framing himself as a representative of a single tradition. “Being Filipino is part of who I am, but being part of The Doha Players has shown me that great theatre happens when people from different cultures come together and share their talents,” he said. He values the friendships and sense of belonging the group has given him, calling it a second family.
Looking ahead to opening night, Fazon expects the production to resonate across age groups, particularly through its best-known number. “Of course, audiences can look forward to hearing the much-loved song ‘Part of Your World.’ It is a song that many of us grew up with, and I think it will bring back a lot of wonderful memories for the adults in the audience,” he said, noting that many of the children who first watched the film are now parents themselves. What he anticipates most is watching two generations share the same theatre. “If the adults are smiling and singing along, I’m sure the children will have a fantastic time too,” he said.
