REP ‘carousel’ stars share thrill and weight of mounting of musical theater masterpiece

HOW does it feel being part of a restaging of one of Broadway’s iconic musicals? For the stars of the upcoming Repertory Philippines (REP) production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, the opportunity is both a thrill and a responsibility. Gian Magdangal and Karylle Tatlonghari, who are both headlining a REP show for the first time, have shared their experiences in the past months of preps and rehearsals. Carousel is directed by writer, director, producer and congressman Toff de Venecia.

“As theater actors, we are all just so enthusiastic to be given this chance to do what we’re passionate about. As for me, I couldn’t be any more grateful to be working with the best of Philippine theater,” says Karylle who plays Julie Jordan, a sweet yet naïve millworker. “I’m trying my best to keep up with them and it’s a great feeling because I’m learning a lot. My mind is expanding, and every inch of my body is excited and living in this beautiful moment. It’s been a personal rediscovery for me, too.”

“It has been an exhilarating experience, being reunited with theater friends and working with REP for the first time. We can’t wait to see what we have been preparing for the past months. It has been an out-of-the-box experience, and it feels like home at the same time,” shares Gian who plays Billy Bigelow, a swaggering and charismatic carnival barker. “There is simply nothing like live theater.”

A masterwork by the legendary theaterwriting duo of Richard Rodgers (Music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (Book and Lyrics), Carousel’s original 1945 production won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, and was hailed by Time magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century. Its revivals picked up Tony, Olivier, and Drama Desk Awards, a testament to this classic’s timeless and universal appeal. It features some of musical theater classics like “If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Toff de Venecia, who has a contemporary, selfaware, and socially conscious vision for REP’S comeback musical, has nothing but praise for the two leads and the rest of the ensemble who have all been dedicated in bringing the show to life in a way that feels right for today’s theatergoers.

“Gian and Karylle are both thinking actors. They keep me on my toes,” he says. “We are discovering new things every day, and their viewpoints and commitment to their craft and the kind of story we want to tell bring a lot of gold and brilliance to the production.” Theater stalwarts Loy Martinez, Mikkie Bradshaw-volante, Noel Rayos, Mia Bolaños, Roxy Aldiosa, Red Nuestro, Cara Barredo, Steven Hotchkiss, Paula Paguio, Roby Malubay, Gia Gequinto, Julio Laforteza, Kyla Rivera-soong, and Czar Decena round out the ensemble.

REP’S Carousel runs from November 26 to December 18 at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets will be available through the CCP Box Office and Ticketworld. Ticket prices are P3,000 for Rows 1 and 2, P2,500 for Row 3, P2,000 for Row 4, P1,500 for Row 5, and P1,000 for Row 6. More information is available at www.repertoryphilippines.ph.