A beloved timeless novel is set to capture hearts anew, this time through a musical play featuring awe-inspiring portrayals of a powerhouse cast of world-class performers.
In a much-awaited announcement, Grand Leisure Corporation revealed the lead cast of the highly anticipated Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical. Playing the role of Julia Madiaga is award-winning classical singer and theater actor Arman Ferrer, while alternating to give life to the role of Ligaya Paraiso are equally talented musical talents Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue.
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| Arman Ferrer plays Julio Madiaga |
Arman Ferrer was last seen as Emilio Aguinaldo in Nicanor Tiongson's critically acclaimed Steampunk Musical "Mabining Mandirigma" which won him the PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY 2015 award for Best Featured Male in a Musical. This multi-faceted classical singer, musical theater actor, and choral conductor has also played lead roles with Tanghalang Pilipino, Tanghalang Ateneo, and Dulaang UP.
Ferrer has also been a featured soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked with the country's most renowned conductors such as Gerard Salonga, Josefino Chino Toledo, Jonathan Velasco, Eudenice Palaruan, Mark Anthony Carpio and Herminigildo Ranera.
According to Ferrer, clinching the coveted role of Julio wasn't a walk in the park. “It wasn’t an easy audition,” he discloses. “There was an intense dancing piece that we had to learn the same day and I must admit that dancing isn’t my forte.”
Ferrer knows that Julio Madiaga, the rural hero of “Maynila” who goes to the big city to find his beloved Ligaya Paraiso is not just any other role. "There is always excitement when you are asked to play a lead role. It's always fun but there is also a big responsibility attached to it. Every time I play the lead role, I make sure that I play it sincerely. I cannot allow my portrayal to be shallow and pedestrian. So I study the character as much I can in order for me to portray him as close to the truth as possible."
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| Sheila Valderrama-Martinez as Laura Paraiso |
On the other hand, Ligaya Paraiso is decidedly a tragic character -- a young woman lured to find a better life in Manila only to end up mired in the oldest profession in the world. Sheila Valderrama-Martinez brings her vast theater experience to the role. “Every role is a challenge. It is such an honor to play a part that was portrayed by the great Hilda Koronel in the movie adaptation,” Valderrama-Martinez shares.
In her career that spans over 25 years, Valderrama-Martinez has won citations as Best Actress in a Musical and Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best New Female Recording Artist in the prestigious Awit Awards.
She has just finished doing “50 Shades The Musical Parody” and has reprised the role of Kapitana Mary Jane in the 2016 rerun of the Filipino hit musical "RAK of Aegis" where she was nominated Best Actress in a Featured Role in the 2016 Gawad Buhay Awards.
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| Lara Maigue also as Laura Paraiso |
Young soprano Lara Maigue also writes songs and has been in different parts of the world doing solo cultural concerts. A graduate of the UP College of Music, Maigue has appeared on television as one of the lead stars of TV5’s musical serye “Trenderas.”
Maigue shares that Ligaya Paraiso is her “most mature role” to date. “I always played the little girl in operas and an ingenue on TV, so ‘Maynila’ heralds that it is time to sort of grow up in the roles that I take on,” she announces.
“Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag The Musical” is based on the Edgardo Reyes timeless novel and inspired by National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s classic film adaptation.
At its very core, it is about love that will go the distance, both literally and figuratively. It is also about the loss of innocence and why in a dark, downtrodden jungle that is the big city, pure love is not given room to grow and thrive. It is set to soaring music and meticulously-choreographed dance.
Bringing it to life on stage are Joel Lamangan (Director), Von de Guzman (Musical Director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer) and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design). Fullhouse Asia Productions, Inc. serves as line producer.
Tapped to play the other important characters in the musical are Floyd Tena
(Pol), Noel Rayos (Atong), Rafa Seguion-Reyna and Joseph Puducay (Imo), Aicelle
Santos and Rita Daniela (Perla), Jim Pebanco/ Joseph Billezar (Mr. Balajadia),
Khalil Kaimo (Gido), Jeffrey Camanag (Omeng), Romcel Binquis (Benny), Randy Rey
(Frank), and Dulce and Ima Castro alternating as Mrs. Cruz.
“Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical” performances are slated
on September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm
(Gala), October 1, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4, 2017 8:00pm, October 5, 2017
8:00 pm, October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00
pm. All the performances will be at the
KIA Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
The beneficiary of the musical is Gantimpala Theater Foundation, the
company that spearheaded the National Artist Production Series in which
short stories and plays written by National Artists for Literature and
Theater
are produced for the stage for people to enjoy and appreciate the artistic
contributions and legacies of these Filipino literary and theater legends.
For ticket inquiries, contact Ms.
Bards Lapid at mobile number 09178466704, landlines 8977142. 8900853, and 890606, or Ticketnet at 9115555.