‘Tabing Ilog the Musical’ Set to be Restaged this November

‘Tabing Ilog the Musical’ Set to be Restaged this November

Tabing Ilog the Musical, whose maiden run in 2020 was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to be restaged this November, with a new cast, a new script, and new music.

Musical director, composer and lyricist Vincent A. DeJesus says the show is now 80% sung-through, with a total of 24 songs. The show is now directed by Phil Noble, with a script and additional lyrics by Eljay Deldoc, additional lyrics by Jade Castro, choreography by Stephen Viñas, set design by Ohm David, video design by Bene Manaois, lighting design by David Esguerra, and costume design by Tata Tuviera.

The upcoming production, which will now be set in a modern timeline, is a stage adaptation of ABS-CBN’s TV series Tabing Ilog, a teen drama series that aired from 1999-2003, top-billed by John Lloyd Cruz, Kaye Abad, Patrick Garcia, Paula Peralejo, Paolo Contis, Desiree del Valle, Baron Geisler, and Jodi Sta. Maria. ABS-CBN is collaborating with PETA for this 2023 restaging.

ABS-CBN TV Production and Star Magic head Direk Lauren Dyogi says, “Unang-una po, marami pong salamat sa PETA sa pagtulong sa amin para mabuo itong pangarap namin na maisadula at matanghal sa entablado, ang ‘Tabing Ilog.’ Thank you Direk Phil, kay Vincent and everybody in the cast and crew for working hard to fulfill this dream. I know with diligence, hard work, and the guidance of our director and the entire staff of PETA na makakagawa na tayo ng Obra Maestra na mapapanood ng mas nakakarami.”

He adds, “Again, after two decades, we bring back the same stories of love, friendship, and family but with the new issues of Generation Z. We are excited about this. May this be a continuation of our partnership beyond this year! We look forward and are excited to see ‘Tabing Ilog: The Musical.”

The full cast features a mix of theater artists and Star Magic artists who will be making their theater debuts. Featured theater artists include Benedix Ramos as Rovic/ Andoy, Chaye Mogg as George, Miah Canton as Corrinne, Jude Hinumdum and Earvin Estioco alternating as Badong, Vino Mabalot as Fonzy, Jordan Andrews as James, Omar Uddin as Andoy, Joann Co as Lola Juling, Neomi Gonzales as Azon, Red Nuestro as Panyong, Teetin Villanueva as Anchang, Lance Reblando as Meow, and Vyen Villanueva as Toots.

Star Magic artist Kiara Takahashi, who starred as Eds during the first run, is now returning to play George. Star magic artists making their theater debuts include Vivoree Esclito, Sheena Belarmino, and Jhoanna Robles alternating as Eds, Kobie Brown as James, Akira Morishita, JL Toleriza alternating as Rovic, Andi Abaya as George, Anji Salvacion as Corrinne, and Drei Sugay as Fonzy.

Tabing Ilog the Musical will run at the PETA Theater Center from November 10 to December 17, 2023, with Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are available at KTX.PH.