‘Delia D.’: A Hybrid Musical Blending Familiar Hits and Original Songs

‘Delia D.’: A Hybrid Musical Blending Familiar Hits and Original Songs

Newport World Resorts and Full House Theater Company’s Delia D. aims to be a jukebox musical that also feels like an entirely original production. This ‘hybrid’ musical showcases the discography of songwriter and music producer Jonathan Manalo—whose career spans 24 years and has amassed over 8 billion streams—while introducing six new songs crafted specifically for the production.

At the heart of the story is Delia, a dazzling drag performer known for her lip-syncs and spot-on impersonations. But she dreams of more: to become a world-famous singer like the icons she idolizes. There’s just one problem—Delia can’t sing. Despite this, she secures a callback for Idols of the Galaxy, the biggest televised singing competition. As she dives into the high-stakes contest, she navigates cutthroat rivals, unexpected friendships, and a swoon-worthy competitor whose golden voice sparks both romance and rivalry.

Leading the cast is Phi Palmos as Delia D., joined by Shaira Opsimar as Kiki and Floyd Tena as Sir T. The supporting cast includes Tex Ordoñez-De Leon (Mamon), Omar Uddin (Raymond), Sweet Lapus (Eme), Joann Yap Co (Anet), Joshua Cabiladas (Jose),  Mimi Marquez (GVB), Rapah Manalo (Jonathan B), Miah Canton (Tonee), Alfritz Blanche (Billy), Natasha Cabrera (Sheryn), and Chaye Mogg (Phoebe).

Director Dexter M. Santos highlights the collaborative effort behind the musical’s development. “We’re very fortunate, kasi usually if  you’re doing a jukebox musical, ‘O, ayan lang iyung discography na gagawin.’ But of course, with the help of Dolly [Dulu] who wrote it, and of course our dramaturg [Rody Vera], and of course the whole team from Full House Theater Company, inupuan talaga siya. We really wanted to serve the narrative. So if we think na merong mga numbers and scenes na kailangan ng bagong kanta to be able to help the narrative, finorward namin all of those things. That’s mutual communication also and a collaboration kung anong pwede.” 

He further elaborates on the creative process: “As our dramaturg, si Rody will give insights on the probable scenes, on the probable intention of the songs, tapos ibabato kay Dolly and also magco-collaborate sila to be able to write all of those lyrics. It’s not everyday that you have that. It’s a luxury. It’s so nice to come up with a hybrid.”

“Masarap gumawa,” he adds. “Para ka ring gumagawa ng original musical na hindi jukebox, so we’re really thankful for that. So sana all these new songs in the future will become hits, katulad ‘nung whole discography ni Jonathan Manalo.” 

Manalo also shares how he entrusted the creative team with artistic freedom.“Kapag may mga kailangan lang na halimbawa, they need a song for this specific scene, ano kaya iyung bagay, ano iyung bagay na i-mash-up, saan iyung lugar na kailangan ng original songs, doon ako papasok. I can suggest which song from my catalogue.”

Associate Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo adds, “This might be the first of its kind in the Philippines, and we’re very proud of that.”

Completing the ensemble cast are Mikaela Regis, Liway Perez, Cara Barredo, Cheska Quimno, Jannah Baniasia, Meg Ruiz, Cydel Gabutero, Julia Santiago, Abi Sulit, and Mica Fajardo (with cover role) for the female ensemble; and Francis Gatmaytan, Ralph Oliva, Rofe Villarino, Denzel Sarra, Ian Hermogenes, Sebastian Katigbak, Franco Ramos, Chesko Rodriguez, Aira Igarta, Almond Bolante, Stephen Viñas, Khalil Tambio (with cover role), and Jules Dela Paz (with cover role) for the male ensemble. Alyanna Mikaela Wijangco serves as female swing, Deo Dela Cruz as male swing, Ring Antonio as female cover, and Shaun Ocrisma as male cover.

The creative team includes Dexter Santos (director), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (associate director), Michael Williams (artistic director), Vince Lim (musical director/arranger/vocal arrangement), Dolly Dulu (playwright), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Stephen Viñas (choreographer), Lawyn Cruz (scenic designer), Mitoy Sta. Ana (costume designer), GA Fallarme (video projections designer), Joyce Garcia (associate video projections designer), John Batalla (lighting designer), Justin Stasiw (sound designer), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound effects designer), and Johann dela Fuente and MamaRhaye dela Cruz (hair & makeup designers).

Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo opens on April 25 and runs until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at TicketWorld, HelixPay, and the Newport World Resorts Box Office with the following prices: PHP 3,500 (SVIP), PHP 3,000 (VIP), PHP 2,500 (GOLD), PHP 1,800 (SILVER), and PHP 1,000 (BRONZE).

You can watch the cast perform songs from the musical in the video below.