‘Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag’ is Now a Musical
Edgardo Reyes’s novel, “Manynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” is going to be a musical.
The novel, which was adapted into the Lino Brocka film of the same name, is set to be staged at Kia Theater in Cubao from September 30 through October 6, 2017 by Grand Leisure Corporation.
Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Arman Ferrer, Lara Maigue
This stage adaptation is a brainchild of director Joel Lamangan (The Flor Contemplacion Story, Hubog) and Gantimpala Theater Foundation as part of their National Artists Production Series where the theater foundation has planned to stage works of National Artists like Severino Montano, Nick Joaquin, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, F. Sionil Jose, and more.
The artistic staff behind this production include Von De Guzman (Composer and Musical Director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer), and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design).
“Direk Joel wanted memorable melodies for the play,” says De Guzman, “so the ballads will have the feel of a George Canseco and/or Willy Cruz composition, the fast numbers we have incorporated very Filipino elements of singkil, ati-atihan chants, mostly percussion-driven kind of music. And then we have the strains of kundiman in the other numbers.”
Playing key roles in the musical are Arman Ferrer as Julio Madiaga with Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue alternating as Ligaya Paraiso.
Giving life to 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.
Dulce and Ima Castro as Mrs. Cruz
Aicelle Santos and Rita Daniela as Perla
Performances are scheduled 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, Venue is at the KIA Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
For ticket inquiries, contact Ms. Bards Lapid at 09178466704, 897 7142, 890 0853, 890 6067, or purchase tickets through Ticketnet (9115555).
