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| The two Elsa of Brgy. Cupang, Aicelle Santos and Celine Fabie (Photo by Erickson Dela Cruz) |
From being the most important film in the Philippines,
Himala is now considered an immortal musical in the theater scene after bagging
major awards in Gawad Buhay 2019 and that validate the reason it should be
return on stage this September, of course under 9 Works Theatrical with Sandbox
Collective.
Ricky Lee award-winning story and Vince De Jesus genius in
music is still the major reason why this Pinoy musical keeps coming back on
stage since its opening in 2003, and this time again under the direction of
award-winning theater Director, Ed Lacson, Jr.
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| Vince De Jesus and Ricky Lee |
“When were inform that it will be musical in 2003, this is a
movie waiting to be made into a musical, tragedy, rape lahat ng elements ng
drama andun, and beyond the drama madali syang panoorin pero it’s sad, it’s
happening in real life” De Jesus said.
Lee believes that Himala is still relevant in today’s
generation, even in this time of social media Elsa could be a viral sensation
if this happens today, for sure she will enjoy a lot of likes, views and
sharing.
Himala: Isang Musikal derive from the same title movie is
about a barrio lass that became a sensation after admitting publicly that the
Virgin Mary appear and talk to her, she turns her poverty-stricken barrio into a destination for pilgrims, tourist and those people who seek miracle to live
longer, until a tragedy happens that totally changes her life.
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| Director Ed Lacosn, Jr. |
“This is not a religious play, I don’t think this is an
attack on religion, it’s about a girl who created a story whether true or not,
so it's just information that she created it so happen it’s attached to a religious
entity, religious symbol, inamin nya walang himala so it’s about people
believing in a lie.” Lacson explain
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| May Bayot-Flores |
What’s exciting in this return, is the inclusion of theater luminaire
May Bayot, she was the first to play Elsa in its original production, and this time she is joining the cast as Nanay Saling, during its rehearsal Bayot admit
that she was amazed seeing how this production takes another way of delivering
their characters, and for her it’s a points to ponder in learning it. Shiela
Francisco is also one of the new cast, as
the alternate of Nanay Saling.
Aicelle Santos who win Gawad Buhay 2019 Best Actress in
portraying Elsa is still joining the cast and for the first time Celine Fabie
is alternating the role of Elsa, Fabie is an established classical singer train
under National Artist for music Ryan Cayabyab, and she was best remembered as
the grandchild of Philippine movie icon Monalisa.
Kakki Teodoro still playing Nimia, Neomi Gonzales as
Chayong, Sandino Martin and Vic Robinson alternating for the role of Pilo,
David Ezra as Orly, and Floyd Tena as the Parish Priest.
Himala other cast are Jon Abella, Roxy Aldiosa, Sigrid
Balbas, Gene Barsaga, Jay Barraameda, Patricia Bermudez, Raflesia Bravo, Joshua
Cabiladas, Dannielle Cruz, Christine Cusi, Kathreen Dela Cruz, Angelo
Esperanzate, Marielle Estalani, Mano Domingo, Kits Falcis, Jef Flores, Nel
Gumalog, Pam Imperial, Sean Inocencio, Jasper Jimenez, Gary Junsay, Glenda
Liao, Alvin Maghanoy, Roby Malubay, Hazel Maranan, Eizel Marcelo, Nathan
Molina, Red Nuestro, Ivan Panganiban, Matel Patayon, Christy Peredo, Neil
Tolentino, Only Torres and Jenny Villegas.
The miracle will happen on September 20, 2019, until October
20, 2019 at the Powermac Center Spotlight in Circuit, Makati City. Tickets are
now available through Ticketworld online or call Tel Nos. 891-9999, The Sandbox
Collective at 0956.200.4909, 0917.554.5560 and Tel Nos. 586.7105.
“It’s not saying na walang miracle in general, walang diyos,
walang santo, walang iba, she is (Elsa) speaking about her experience it’s just
so happen yung experience nya affected so many people, because she was in the
right time, the right place and people believe her, I don’t think were saying
na we should not believe in God, may kanya-kanya tayong paniniwala and its our
way of coping, in getting thru our lives.” Lacson said in closing.
All photos by Erickson Dela Cruz
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