‘Rama, Hari’ 2023 Principal Cast Announced

Jun 07, 2023

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Gian Magdangal, Karylle Tatlonghari, Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Poppert Bernadas, and Audie Gemora topbill the singing cast for the revival of rock opera ballet, Rama, Hari, which is set to go on stage at the Metropolitan Theater on September 15-16, and at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on September 22-23.

Alternating for the lead role of Rama are Gian Magdangal, Arman Ferrer, and Vien King, who will perform alongside dancers Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola.

Alternating for the female lead of Sita are Karylle Tatlonghari, who will be reprising her role from the 2012 production, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, and Nica Tupas, with dance counterparts Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel.

Poppert Bernadas, takes on the role of the demon King Ravana, alternating with Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Mathew San Jose making his Manila debut, and Jonel Mojica. Dancing the role are Richardson Yadao and Tim Cabrera.

Audie Gemora takes on the role of King Dasaratha. Also joining the cast are Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana in the dual role of King Dasaratha’s Third Wife, Kaikeyi, and the Golden Deer, while Miah Canton, and Raflesia Bravo take on the dual role of Kaikeyi’s evil adviser, Kooni, and Ravana’s demon sister Soorpanakha.

Paw Castillo and Jon Abella will be performing the roles of Monkey Army General, Hanuman, and Rama’s brother Lakshmana.

Rama, Hari is based on the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana which follows Prince Rama from his marriage to Sita, their 14-year banishment, and their encounters with the evil Ravana and his sister Soorpanakha.

Premiered in 1980, Rama Hari, which is directed and choreographed by National Artist Alice Reyes, with music composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab (who also serves as musical director), includes the hit songs “Magbalik Ka Na, Mahal,” “Tagistis ng Ulan,” “Iisa ang Tibok,”, “Awit ng Pagsinta,” and many more. The show was last staged in 2012.

“We were very excited and pleased with the auditions, which drew over 60 auditionees, narrowed down to 30 very talented singers for us to choose from,” said Alice Reyes. “More than beautiful voices, they all have stage presence and are able to move like dancers.”

Rama, Hari is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and features the artists of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with guests from Guang Ming College, and other regional schools who actively participated in previous ARDP and PASP Productions.

*With live music performed by The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth

For tickets, follow the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Facebook page for updates.

‘Rama, Hari’ 2023 Principal Cast Announced