“Noli Me Tangere, the Opera” Announces Cast for June Rerun
As previously reported, “Noli Me Tangere, the Opera” is coming back for a limited run this June 21 to 23 at the CCP Main Theater.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. reveals the new cast members for the upcoming run. Lyric soprano Mheco Manlangit joins the cast as Maria Clara. Boy sopranos Miguel Suarez, Matteo Teehankee, and Johann Andra will be alternating as Basilio, while tenor Paul Dominique Galvez will be playing the role of Albino.
Mecho Manlangit and Paul Dominique Galvez
L-R: Miguel Suarez, Matteo Teehankee, Johann Andra
Returning cast members include Bianca Lopez (Maria Clara), Nomher U. Nival (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra), Ivan Nery (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra), Joseleo Logdat (Elias, Pilospo Tasyo), Greg Abelardo De Leon (Elias, Pilosopo Tasyo), Nil’s Flores (Padre Damaso), Ronaldo Villaruel Abarquez (Padre Damaso, Kapitan Tiago), Miguel Espiritu (Kapitan Tiago), Allison Cervantes (Sisa), Bernadette Mamauag (Sisa), Mia Bolaños (Doña Victorina), Charina Althea Balmores (Sinang), Micah David J. Galang (Andeng), Krissan Manikan-Tan (Tiya Isabel), Rare Jireh Yzel Columna (Victoria), Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin), Jose Mari Javato (Padre Salvi), Oliver Pineda (Tenyente Guevarra), Timothy Racho (Alferez), Ruzzel Clemeno (Don Filipo), Lorenz Edward Sarondo (Linares), Renz Nathaniel Cruz (Manlilibing), and Airo Saret (Manlilibing).
Also in the cast are Angeli Benipayo, Cris Go, Eden Lorrice Dumlao, Erielle Fornes, Katrine Jamar Sunga, Kevin Chen, Marifel Motilla, Mavel Bautista, Michael Del Rosario, Neomi Giron, Otepp Billeza, Ray Justin Cornelio, Roxanne Abuel, Sheila Gamo, and Via Villasin.
The production is co-directed by international event stylist Jerry Sibal (who also serves as set and costume designer) and theater director-playwright Jose Jeffrey Camañag, featuring the 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Galang Ranera. Other members of the creative team includes Dingdong Fiel (assistant musical director, pianist), Ronan H. Ferrer (voice coach, choirmaster), Albert Figueras (co-costume designer), Dennis Marasigan (lighting designer), TJ Ramos (sound designer/ engineer), and Alan Dela Rama (graphics and video designer).
Based on National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 classic novel of the same name, “Noli Me Tangere, the Opera” premiered in 1957 featuring the music and libretto of National Artists Felipe Padilla De Leon and Guillermo Tolentino. It follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s agenda. “Noli Me Tangere, the Opera” paints a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” that illustrates the rotten system of governance, the illicit way of the church, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class.
