Theater Actors Guild Sponsors Original Filipino Musical

Ten years since it was first staged and earned commercial and critical acclaim, the Filipino musicale HIMALA goes onstage once more starting March 15 at the PETA Theater Center.

Himala , The Musicale is the theater adaptation of the film with the same title which featured superstar Nora Aunor and directed by National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal. It has been recently digitized by Star Cinema and shown along with an accompanying documentary on the making of the film.

Ricky Lee, who wrote the screenplay, co-writes the libretto with composer Vince de Jesus.

“The musical is very close to everyone in the cast. We've been planning to mount this musical for the past five years and finally, in its 10th anniversary, everything fell into place,” says de Jesus.

De Jesus  says the upcoming version will be a concert-type staging, not  theatrical.  Blocking and choreography are reduced to a minimum, and will instead highlight the songs.

The anniversary presentation is sponsored by the Philippine Theater Actors Guild as its first major venture.  Librettist and composer De Jesus is chairman of TAG’s membership committee.

Kalila Aguilos, TAG president, says “We have always been rooting for original Filipino productions. Himala (The Musicale)  seems to be the right material for us at this point of the organization, The cast is composed mainly of TAG members.”  TAG was formed two years ago aimed at protecting the rights and upholding the welfare of  theater actors.

Aguilos joins the cast topbilled by May Bayot as Elsa and Cynthia Guico as Chayong,  with Isay Alvarez, coming fresh from the success of Katy! playing Nymia.  Other member of the cast are Dulce, Oj Mariano, Mia Reonal Bolaños, Myke Salomon, Melvin Lee ,  Lionel Guico,  Angeli Bayani, Mayen Estanero, Neomi Gonzales, Joann Co, Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro and Onyl Torres.

Also featured are Viva Voce and the UST Singers Alumni. Soxie Topacio directs.

Himala, the 10th anniversary celebration,  will have its gala presentation on March 15  at the PETA Theater Center. Curtain rises at 8 pm.  

Tickets are at Php2,000 for VIP seats;  Php1,000 for orchestra seats, and Php650 for balcony seats. You may  reserve your tickets through Ria Pangilinan at 09175378313.                   

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