Artistic Director Tony S. Espejo says, “This year, the company pays tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, as we join in the commemoration of his 150th birthday celebration. We present Philippine literary and theater classics, whose lessons very much resonate with the messages and morality of our beloved National Hero.”
Opening the season is “Noli Me Tangere,” the longest-running Filipino theater classic. Known as “Kanser,” the stage adaptation penned by Jomar Fleras, with Adriana Agcaoli as director, presents the many colorful characters and situations of Rizal’s provocative novel.
Next is “El Filibusterismo,” also adapted for the stage by Fleras, the play highlighting the many schemes of Don Simoun, the jeweler from hell who wants a revolution. Jose Estrella directs.
“Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal?” the original production of which was done in cooperation with Musical Theater Philippines, with book, libretto, and music by Nonoy Gallardo under Tony Espejo's direction, covers the life of Dr. Jose Rizal from his childhood to his execution, coming alive on stage through stirring songs and rousing dances.
For children's theater, Gantimpala presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with book and libretto by J. Dennis Teodosio and music by Jesse Lucas. Espejo also directs this children’s musical.
The third play in the Four Classics is “Ibong Adarna,” originally billed as "Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magkakapatid na Anak nang Haring Fernando at nang Reyna Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania." Ed Maranan adapts the corrido into a play, with Roobak Valle as director.
Concluding the season is “Florante at Laura,” Francisco Baltazar’s literary masterpiece presented as a komedya, with script by Bonifacio Ilagan under the direction of Roeder and Jose Jeffrey Camañag.
The general audition, meanwhile, is set on May 31, Tuesday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., at the Rehearsal Hall of the Open Air Auditorium Building in Luneta, Manila.
It is open to professional and non-professional actors and actresses, ages 18 to 60 years old. They must bring photos (close up and whole body) and must ready themselves to read excerpts from the Four Classics.
For queries about the audition, call 5280603/5365860, or 0921-5286308. For information about the 34th Theater Season, call 8995745/8963503/9985622.
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