"Ay dyuskupo, tumbling ang lola. Kay Douglas [Nierras], hindi ka pwedeng magdahilan," said the Ako ang Nagwagi singer Dulce. She didn't expect the intensity of the dances.
In the musical, she plays Mrs. Cruz (alternating with fellow singer Ima Castro), who is a madam (or an abadesa in Spanish), the equivalent of a female pimp. She's responsible for the ill fate of Ligaya Paraiso, played by Hilda Koronel in the film version. This is Dulce's first time playing such a role and she considers the fact that Joey Nombres (lighting designer) having suggested her for the role a lucky coincidence. It was in 1975 that the film was made, and in that same year, she won for Tawag ng Tanghalan.
"Ang ganda-ganda ng music. Kapag pinakinggan mo pa lang, nakakaiyak," she said of Von De Guzman's (musical director) pieces. She particularly found the "Maynila" solo of Guido and Nasaan ang Hustisya solo of Perla moving.
Perla, on the other hand, will be played by rising young star Rita Daniela, who currently plays Maureen in Impostora. The role is of a responsible sister and daughter who thinks of other people before herself. However, she does have a love interest who is Paul played by Floyd Tena. She describes it as this: "Love story na naudlot...yung sana papunta na dun pero hindi mo sure kung gusto din niya." She thinks highly of her co-actors vocal ability.
"Surprisingly, warm at napakabait po ni Sir Douglas,"said the young actress, who's working with the meticulous and celebrated choreographer for the first time. However, she already worked with the show's director, entertainment industry veteran Joel Lamangan, for Gantimpala Theater Foundation's (GTF) Katipunan: Mga Anak ng Bayan in 2013. She played the role of Gregoria de Jesus.
Rita was 14 years old when she first did musicals. She also did Snow White at ang Pitong Duwende with GTF where she was partnered with Ivan Dorschner. Given her working relationship with some of the key staff of this production, she admits that being part of it was still no easy feat. "Kahit po na kilala ko yung staff na kasama ko sa show, hindi yun assurance. Ipinamukha sa amin na you have to work hard for it." She sang Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw as her audition piece.
The musical that will be staged is based on the original novel by Edgardo M. Reyes and not on the film. The libretto is written by Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez with Jun Pablo as the production designer. The lead role of Julio Madiaga will be played by tenor Arman Ferrer, who's been in very relevant musicals in the past few years. Musical theater actress Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and opera singer Lara Maigue are alternating as Ligaya Paraiso.
The performances will be on September 30, 3pm and 8pm (gala), October 1, 3pm, and 8pm, October 4 and 5, 8pm, and October 6, 3pm and 8pm. The venue will be at the Kia Theatre in Araneta Center, Cubao. The show is produced by Grand Leisure Corporation, in cooperaiton with Fullhouse Asia Production Studios. Part of the show's proceeds will go to its beneficiary, GTF.
Tickets may be availed by visiting www.ticketnet.com.ph. You may also call 897-7142 or 890-0853.
No comments:
Post a Comment