Sunday, January 08, 2017

Noli Me Tangere, the Opera's 60th anniversary staging at the CCP

The cast and creative team of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and J&S Productions Inc. co-present the 60th anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera this January 28, 2017- February 3, 2017 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This new staging of the opera by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino will feature the directorial debut of New York based event designer Jerry Sibal, spectacular stage and scenic designs, modern digital imaging screen projection, and a newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra to be led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera.


The leads of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera

With music and libretto by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, Noli Me Tangere, the Opera premiered in 1957 at the Far Eastern University. 30 years later, it made its CCP debut in 1987. And after runs in Washington, D.C. and New York in 2013 and at Resorts World, Manila in 2014, the opera returns to the CCP for a limited six show run, 30 years since the last staging at the venue.


Ronan Ferrer as Crisostomo Ibarra
The four Maria Claras:
Bianca Camille Lopez, Aretha Angcao, Nerissa de Juan, and Jade Riccio

At the recent press conference held at the CCP Main Theater Lobby, co-producers Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue reiterated their desire for this opera to reach out to a younger audience like the millennials and students. This is reflected by a cast made up of the next generation of opera singers, with most of them making their starring role debuts at the CCP Main Theater stage with this production.

Stephanie Aguilar as Sisa
Mari Yapjoco as Basilio

Excerpts were then performed by some of the cast members led by Ronan Ferrer and Nomher Nival alternating the role of Crisostomo Ibarra. Four Maria Claras were introduced namely Bianca Camille Lopez, Aretha Angaco, Jade Riccio and Nerissa de Juan (understudy). Stephanie Anne Aguilar along with Mary Louise Alcantara, and Irene Quiso-Ednave portray Sisa. The youngest members of the cast, Mari Yapjoco and Santino Juan Santiago, portray Basilio and Crispin respectively. Other cast members in the opera include John-Andrew Fernandez as Padre Damaso and Greg de Leon as Elias.


Herminigildo Ranera conducts the Noli Symphony Orchestra
A mock up of Jerry Sibals' set design for the Binondo scene

Aside from the music under the direction of Herminigildo Ranera, one thing to look out for will be the set and costume design by Jerry Sibal. The sets and digital imaging screen projection to be used in the 16 scene changes in this production is said be the grandest that the CCP has ever had for an opera production. The rest of the creative team include assistant director Jose Jeffrey Camanag, sound designer Edwin Mendiola, and lighting designer John Batalla.



January 28, 2017, 8:00 PM
January 29, 2017, 2:00 PM
February 1, 2017, 8:00 PM
February 2, 2017, 8:00 PM
February 3, 2017, 2:00 & 8:00 PM
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Ticket prices:
P3500 | P2500 | P2000 | P1500 | P1200 | P1000
50% discount for students
20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

For inquiries:
J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038-0548, (0921) 890-3816, (632) 998-2356
CCP Box Office 832-3704
TicketWorld 891-9999

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Dear Mr. Adrian. I was just searching for articles about our Noli me Tangere show last January 28,29, February 1,2 &3 and I saw this article. Just for a little correction/information, I was not an understudy. There are two Crisostomo Ibarra, Mr. Ronan Ferrer and yours truly. We did 3 shows each. Thank you so much. - Nomher Narito Nival

RAd said...

My apologies Nomher. I made the necessary correction to reflect your role as the Ibarra alternate in the production.

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