Saturday, May 26, 2018

PETA's Rak of Aegis returns for 6th run, welcomes new faces


After taking a breather to give way to the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) 50th anniversary celebrations, the hit musical Rak of Aegis returns for another run starting on June 20 up to September 2, 2018 at the PETA Theater Center.

Remus Villanueva as Kenny

This newest run, the musical’s 6th since debuting back in January 2014, welcomes nine new cast members who were chosen through Hu Got Talent: The Search for the Next Rakstar, a combination of open auditions and a talent competition that kicked off late March. From almost a hundred video entries, the Top 50 were chosen and they went through a day of workshop-auditions and the remaining hopefuls were trimmed down to the Top 20.

Kent Pontivedra as Tolits

The nine Rak hopefuls who made the final cut are World Championship of the Performing Arts medalists Shaira Opsimar and Princess Vire bagging the role of Aileen, Tawag ng Tanghalan contender Kent Pontivedra as Tolits, theater artist and teacher Remus Villanueva as Kenny, Ateneo Blue Repertory RENT’s Adrian Lindayag as Jewel.

Rounding up the newest members of the cast as part of the ensemble are 5thGen band leader Marielle Mamaclay, TV actor Gil “Chamyto” Aguedan, Sandbox Collective Himala’s Matel Patayon, and Madison Events performer Crystal Paras.

Tender moments between two pairs of Tolits and Aileen:
Jerald Napoles and Princess Vire and Shaira Opsimar and Pepe Herrera

It is interesting to note that Crystal has seen the Rak of Aegis more than a dozen times, Matel was once an intern selling souvenir programs at the lobby during a previous run while Marielle was supposed to be part of the original cast but had to drop out. On the other hand, it is unbelievable to realize that both Remus and Kent have made it to the cast without ever seeing the musical before.

Another new addition to the cast, who didn’t have to go through the whole Hu Got Talent process is Palanca award-winning writer, veteran theater artist and director Rody Vera playing the role of Fernan.

The three Aileens: Princess Vire, Kim Molina, and Shaira Opsimar

These new faces join the returning cast starting with Kim Molina, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Robert Seña, OJ Mariano, Renz Verano, Lorenz Martinez, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Joshua Bulot, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Vince Lim, Neomi Gonzales, Kakai Bautista, Joann Co, Gie Onida, Juliene Mendoza, Ron Alfonso, Phi Palmos, Jimmy Marquez, Roi Calilong, Gimbey dela Cruz, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Gab Pangilinan, Paeng Sudayan, Abi Sulit, Teetin Villanueva and Gold Villar-Lim.

The cast of Rak of Aegis Season 6

The artistic team of Rak of Aegis is composed of director Maribel Legarda, playwright Liza Magtoto, musical director/arranger/vocal director Myke Salomon, choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Mio Infante, lights designer Jonjon Villareal, costume designer Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling, shoe designer Maco Custodio, and accessory designer Jo-ann Pamintuan.

Maribel Legarda revealed that after this run’s 77 scheduled performances, PETA will be focusing to bring this production to various parts of the country and possibly abroad. She also mentioned that the set, that has actual water (with floating trash to boot), is prepared for mobility and go on tour. She admitted that there had been offers to bring Rak of Aegis to the silver screen but remained mum as to how close that is to fruition.

Barangay Venizia is ready to Rak

Rak of Aegis will have evening shows at 8:00 PM from Wednesdays up to Sundays and matinee shows at 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays starting this June 20 until September 2, 2018.

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