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The cast of
RWM’s Ang Huling El Bimbo, from left to right: Topper Fabregas, OJ Mariano, Tanya Manalang,
Reb Atadero, Boo Gabunada, Gian Magdangal, and Jon Santos.
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Resorts World Manila (RWM) is set to premiere Ang Huling El Bimbo, now on its 9th theater production, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on July 20. Songs from the Eraserheads, the country’s most iconic ‘90s band, is woven into one original Pinoy story, which will bring back Filipinos to the days of their youth.
RWM, together with its production outfit Full House Theater Company, Inc. (FHTC), in cooperation with Ultimate Shows, Inc., assembles some of the most notable names in Philippine theater today including playwright Dingdong Novenario (Kafatiran, Nothing But Dreams, Daddy’s Girl), musical director Myke Salomon (Rak of Aegis, 3 Stars and a Sun, Dirty Old Musical),and director and choreographer Dexter Santos (Orosman at Zafira, Maxie the Musicale, Ang Nawalang Kapatid), among others, for a musical told in two timelines.
With over 20 hit songs penned by Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro, Ang Huling El Bimbo tells the story of three friends who have drifted apart in adulthood until fate reunites them to confront their haunted past. Headlining the musical are Gian Magdangal, Jon Santos, OJ Mariano, Reb Atadero, Topper Fabregas, Boo Gabunada, Sheila Francisco, and Tanya Manalang.
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| The full cast of Ang Huling El Bimbo was presented to the media on April 25, 2017 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. |
The cast, who all wore specially-designed Eraserheads t-shirts by Team Manila during the press conference, gave media guests a sneak preview of the musical.
Audiences can reminisce to a number of ‘90s rock hits from the PinoyFab Four including “Ligaya”, “Pare Ko”, “With a Smile”, “Alapaap”, “Overdrive”, and the title track “Ang Huling El Bimbo” which have been integrated as vital parts of the modern Filipino musical.
“What we have right now are stories about depression and people failing to communicate to each other, and these are a few things that will be tackled in this musical,“ said Novenario. “It may not be your conventional ‘razzle-dazzle’ musical theater, and I think that’s what makes it more exciting. After you come out of the theater, you begin to think about it, and that’s when it really works,“ he added.
Also behind the production are FHTC’s artistic directors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams.
“RWM, FHTC and Ultimate Shows, Inc. are trying to push Philippine theater further into the mainstream with Ang Huling El Bimbo,” Yulo said. “With an original Pinoy script told through Filipino songs that really meant a lot to generations, this musical is very relatable to all those who have experienced profound friendships in their youth and learned so much from it."
Tickets to Ang Huling El Bimbo are now available at the RWM Box Office and TicketWorld outlets. Visit www.rwmanila.com or download the RWM Mobile App for more updates.
Official Press Release courtesy of Resorts World Manila.
