Gian Magdangal, Karylle Tatlonghari Top Bill REP’s ‘Carousel’
Repertory Philippines’ production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, which was originally slated to run in May 2020, is finally opening this November.The upcoming production will star Gian Magdangal in the role of Billy Bigelow and Karylle Tatlonghari in the role of Julie Jordan. Directed by Toff De Venecia, REP says that the production will be a modern re-imagination of Carousel, which first opened on Broadway in 1945. Carousel was only the second musical created by the team of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics).
Carousel follows the whirlwind romance of carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan, featuring songs such as If I Loved You and You’ll Never Walk Alone. De Venecia is determined to bring a bold, brave vision for the new generation of theatergoers.
Karylle Tatlonghari as Julie Jordan and Gian Magdangal as Billy Bigelow
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants and take on the challenge of reimagining this classic musical for contemporary Filipino audiences,” De Venecia says. “Featuring new artistic voices and talent as well as post-modern perspectives, the team boldly dreams up what ‘the best musical of the 20th century’ might look like today. It’s a radical departure from previous iterations, even from what we set out to do in 2020. We draw inspiration from Filipino creativity and the words of the original choreographer and dancer Agnes de Mille – that is, ‘taking leap after leap in the dark.’ This will be the ultimate 21st century test for a 20th century text.”
Carousel will be running from November 26-December 18 at the new CCP Black Box Theater. Tickets will be available through the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets. Ticket prices are ₱3,000 for VIP seats, ₱2,500 for rows 1 & 3, ₱2,000 for row 4, ₱1,500 for row 5, and ₱1,000 for row 6.
For queries, message Repertory Philippines on its Facebook page or through Instagram, or email info@repphil.org.
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