The Return of the Female Apolinario Mabini in “Mabining Mandirigma”

           “Tamang-tama ang mensahe ng Mabining Mandirigma sa mga estudyante and general public ngayong nalalapit na eleksyon”, says Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino’s artistic director.

            Originally conceptualized as a straight play, the full-length musical ran last year as the theater company’s season opener. The steampunk concept of the play which serve to “repurpose history” as the director Chris Millado put it, hit home with educators and students who watched it. Thus, when Josef posited the idea of a rerun as their 29^th season-ender, it was very much welcome.

            Liesl Batucan will now play the titular role of the Philippine hero. This role was originally done by Delphine Buencamino. There’s a new song composed by Jed Balsamo which was not in the original run. This song is the duet between Mabini and Pule after Mabini breathes his last. Millado confirmed that they trimmed down a few scenes.

            Mabining Mandirigma, along with The Normal Heart, received the most citations from Gawad Buhay! in the third quarter. This Philstage Award for Performing Arts gave the musical 13 nods, which included the Outstanding Musical category.

            Arman Ferrer and new cast member David Ezra alternate as Emilio Aguinaldo. Mabini’s mother, Dionisia, will still be played by Carol Bello. Cosplayer Queen Mia and TP Actor’s Company regulars like Jonathan Tadioan, JV Ibesate, and Aldo Vencilao will reprise their original roles. Arion Sanchez, who worked with a number of Dulaang UP productions, is a new addition to the cast, well as DLS-CSB theater actors Karl Jingco and Paw Castillo.

            The libretto of Dr. Nicanor Tiongson which was 1 year in the making was brought to life not just with Millado’s able direction and Balsamo’s music, but also with the aid of the other artistic staff members comprised by Toym Leon Imao (set), Katsch Catoy (lights), GA Fallarme (projection), James Reyes (costumes), Barbie Tan-tiongco (technical direction), and TJ Ramos (sound).

            Mabining Mandirigma, A Steam Punk Musical will run at the CCP Little Theater from February 19 to March 12, 2016, Fridays to Sundays, with 3pm (matinee) and 8pm (gala) shows. For ticket inquires, you may contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or TP at 831-1125 ext. 1620/1621.

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