Dulaang UP is bringing back to the stage last year’s hit musical, National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon’s "Noli Me Tangere: The Opera," directed by Alexander Cortez, beginning July 18. The show will be at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP-Diliman.
Besides opening another exciting season for DUP, the restaging of "Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" is also DUP’s contribution to the celebration of the birth centennial of Padilla de Leon. (The opera's libretto is by another National Artist, Guillermo Tolentino.)
With music direction and vocal coaching by soprano Camille Lopez Molina, "Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" features a talented set of both budding and seasoned opera singers, most of whom are reprising their roles from the first run.
Ivan Nery as Crisostomo Ibarra comes fresh from a first-place finish at the prestigious Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition. Myramae Meneses, back as Maria Clara, claimed second place in the same competition. Fellow cast mates Aissa Guilatco (Tia Isabel) and Arman Ferrer (Crisostomo Ibarra alternate) were also finalists in the said contest.
Elainne Vibal, who alternated as Maria Clara in the initial run, now plays Sisa, alternating with Jean Judith Javier. Playing the role of Padre Damaso are Jonathan Velasco, Michael Bulaong and Chris Ong, who recently returned from the US for a series of performances.
The production design and costumes are by Gino Gonzales are impressive. The creative team also includes lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, sound designer Jethro Joaquin, and choreographer Dexter Santos. Winter David provides the video support, with special props designed and executed by John Gaerlan. Graphic design by Pow Santillan, and photography by Jojit Lorenzo and Dino Dimar.
The show runs July 18-22, 25-29; August 1-2, 8-12 (Wednesday to Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) Due to the UPCAT exams on Aug 4-5, there will be no performances from Aug 3-5.
"Noli" resumes Aug 8, at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact the Dulaang UP Office 9261349, 9818500 local 2449 or 4337840.
