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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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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