The Kundiman Party returns at the PETA Theater Center

Friends and acquaintances from the theater and music scene were in disbelief upon learning that I failed to see The Kundiman Party when it had its initial (later, extended) run last year.

Written by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos, and produced by the UP Playwright's Theater, this play was the talk of the town as the plot that deals with the millennials' discontentment with the current socio-political affairs, as well as the kundiman art songs woven in it, resonated well with audiences.

Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino

Now, as the country moves forward (for better or for worse) after the midterm national and local elections, The Kundiman Party makes its much awaited for a limited run this May 24-Jube 2, 2019 at a new venue, the PETA Theater Center as part of its Stage of the Nation Season.

Rica Nepomuceno

Leading the cast is Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino who returns to reprise the role of the reclusive voice teacher Maestra Adela. Joining her are the returning Titas namely Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete, Jenny Jamora, and Missy Maramara. Also returning are Miah Canton and Rica Nepomuceno, portraying singers from different eras trying to find their voice in these times.

Miah Canton

A trio of new additions join the party in this run starting with pianist Gabriel Paguirigan, who has won countless competitions and has performed and competed numerous times here and abroad. This will be his first ever acting role which is also the major reason why I absolutely cannot miss this year's staging.

Playwright Floy Quintos

Also joining the cast is Boo Gabunada who was last seen in Mula Sa Buwan and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Rounding up the new additions is seasoned actor Nonie Buencamino as Senator Juancho Valderama, who will have a square off scene with his wife Shamaine.

The kundimans to be performed in the play will feature piano arrangements by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab with additional scoring by Krina Cayabyab. These kundimans include Bituing Marikit, Kundiman ng Luha, Mutya ng Pasig, and Nasaan Ka Irog by Nicanor Abelardo and Madaling Araw, Pakiusap, and Pilipinas Kong Mahal by Francisco Santiago.

The cast and creative team of The Kundiman Party

The creative team of The Kundiman Party is composed of Floy Quintos (playwright), Dexter M. Santos (director), Mitoy Sta. Ana (production designer), Krina Cayabyab (musical designer), Meliton Roxas (lights designer), Nour Houshmand (assistant director), Io Balanon (technical director), and Steven Tansiongco (video and graphics designer).

The Kundiman Party runs from May 24, 2019 up to June 2, 2019 at the PETA Theater Center.