WATCH: “Ang Huling El Bimbo” Returns with New Cast Members
After a successful run in 2018, Ang Huling El Bimbo returns to the stage once again to kick off Resorts World Manila’s 10 year anniversary. The musical follows the trials and triumphs of four friends, set to the music of iconic 90’s OPM band the Eraserheads.
the company of Ang Huling El Bimbo; photo by Adrienne Gopoco
Director Dexter Santos hopes to gives audiences both old and new a fresh experience by adding new twists to the story. “Doing it for a second time is all about possibilities, all about perspectives, all about choices.” he says. “We really want to maximize and saturate the full potential of the show.”
“We don’t want to settle for something we’ve done before. If we can push it to give audiences more, then why not.” Associate Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo also adds, “We think of El Bimbo as our baby, and you watch it grow, and you nurture it and you guide it to reach its full potential of what the audiences deserve to see.”
Playwright Dingdong Novenario, Artistic Director Michael Williams, Costume Designer Marlon Rivera, and Musical Director Myke Salomon all return as part of the creative team. Joining them is writer-director Floy Quintos who serves as dramaturg to help streamline the narrative.
Lauchengco-Yulo also stresses that since the story unfolds in two timeframes, they tried to physically match the new cast alternates as closely to each other to make it easier for audiences to understand. For this second run, there will be two sets of cast members that will comprise the show.
Clockwise: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Gian Magdangal, OJ Mariano, Jon Santos, Phi Palmos, Boo Gabunada, Bibo Reyes, Gab Pangilinan; photo c/o Resorts World Manila
Gab Pangilinan and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo will play the role of young and old Joy respectively. Bibo Reyes and Gian Magdangal will play the role of young and old Hector. Phi Palmos and Jon Santos will play young and old Anthony. Boo Gabunada and OJ Mariano will play the role of young and old Emman.
Clockwise: Carla Guevara Laforteza, David Ezra, Myke Salomon, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Lance Reblando, Nicco Manalo, Reb Atadero, Tanya Manalang; photo c/o Resorts World Manila
Alternately, Tanya Manalang and Carla Guevara Laforteza will play the role of young and old Joy respectively. Reb Atadero and David Ezra will play young and old Hector. Lance Reblando and Rafa Siguion-Reyna will play young and old Anthony. And Nicco Manalo and Myke Salomon will play the role of young and old Emman.
Ang Huling El Bimbo will run from March 1 to April 6, 2019 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.
You may buy your tickets HERE.
Here’s a sneak peek of the new cast performing songs from the musical.
