‘Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical’ at Kia Theater
Grand Leisure Corporation stages the much-awaited Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical.
Joel Lamangan is helming the stage musical version of the Edgardo Reyes novel which spawned the Lino Brocka classic film version that starred Bembol Roco and Hilda Koronel.
Maynila… The Musical was a brainchild of Lamangan and Gantimpala Theater Foundation.
To realize his vision of a realistic depiction of the great-although-doomed love story of Julio Madiaga and his inamorata Ligaya Paraiso, Lamangan gathered an artistic staff composed of Von De Guzman (composer and musical director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (libretto), Joey Nombres (lights designer), Douglas Nierras (choreographer), and Jun Flavier Pablo (production design). Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. acts as line producer.
Actors Arman Ferrer, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, and Lara Maigue give life to their respective roles. Ferrer plays Julio Madiaga and sees the role as “a good learning experience, especially the parts where I have to dance.”
Valderrama-Martinez and Maigue are alternating as Ligaya Paraiso. Valderrama-Martinez says, “I’ve been watching Hilda Koronel in the Brocka movie over and again and I’ve been talking to friends from UP where
they worship before the shrine of Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag.”
“It’s a musical told from the point of view of the novelist,” says Lamangan. “It features wonderful composition from Von De Guzman, topnotch dance from Douglas Nierras, three-dimensional characters, heartfelt moments, stirring scenes meant to enthrall and entertain.”
Giving life to the other important characters in the musical are Floyd Tena (Pol), Noel Rayos (Atong), Rafa Seguion-Reyna and Joseph Puducay (Imo), Aicelle Santos and Rita Daniela (Perla), Jim Pebanco/ Joseph Billezar (Mr. Balajadia), Khalil Kaimo (Gido), Jeffrey Camanag (Omeng), Romcel Binquis (Benny), Randy Rey (Frank), and Dulce and Ima Castro alternating as Mrs. Cruz.
Performances are scheduled on Sept. 30, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. (gala); Oct. 1, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Oct. 4 at 8 p.m., Oct. 5 at 8 p.m., Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Venue is at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical is supported by Kia Theater, Cibo, Epson, Erase Placenta, SvelT’I Health & Beauty Centre, and Mr. Swabergers.
For ticket inquiries, call Bards Lapid at 0917-8466704, landlines 897-7142, 890-0853, 890-6067 or Ticketnet at 911-5555.