Comic
book fanatics, musical theater lovers, and political activists are bound to be moved
by Ballet Philippines’ newest venture, “MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical”.
Inspired from comic book super heroes of the 60 - 90’s – MANHID introduces a
new generation of Filipino super heroes redefined for today’s times. Set in an
alternate present day Philippines where the EDSA revolution failed, this
musical features heroes and villains with superpowers, and a people sick with
Kamanhiran (Apathy). “MANHID” is the final production in BP’s 45th
anniversary season.
Super-powers,
entertaining scenes with well fleshed out characters and an exceptional score
spells the rare formula for MANHID. MANHID has already achieved cult status
because the Eraserheads – the band who helped compose the music and performed
it in the original production in 1992 performed at the University of the
Philippines – have gone on to become one of the country’s leading pop groups.
They released “Kailan”, one of the songs from MANHID, which became a top
selling hit.
The
main author of the work is Kanakan-Balintagos (a.k.a. Aureaus Solito)
multi-awarded film director of Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros and Busong.
Noted film, TV and stage composer Vincent de Jesus also co-composed the
musical. Ballet Philippines artistic
director, Paul Alexander Morales directs the musical and shares the
choreography with Alden Lugnasin, BP’s resident choreographer.
MANHID
is a musical take on comic books. It is divided into three “books” that are
patterned on classics of the comic book genre; 1. the origin issue 2. the
“dark/crisis” issue and 3. the all-out / good versus evil battle episode of the
“annual”.
The
play is about the battles of two groups of super–heroes: the Maragtas headed by
tabloid writer Bantugan Buenaventura and the lady activist Lam-ang Panganiban
versus the Tulisan ng Bayan headed by General Apolaki Regalado.
The
Tulisan are employed by Mamalahim-ma a demonic Minister of Humanity who plans
on enslaving whole generations of Filipinos with her epidemic of Kamanhiran.
The heroes and villains, as children of their native land receive their powers
when they were named after the gods and heroes of Philippine myth as a protest
for the Masaker ng Taong Bayan. In their battles these opposing teams fight for
the future of the Philippines.
The
cast is led by Sandino Martin as Bantugan, who recently won Best Actor at the
Cinema One Originals Awards Night for his role in “Esprit de Corps”. He
alternates with BP apprentice Mark Anthony Grantos. The female lead, Lam-Ang,
is played by recent UP Diliman Theatre Arts graduate Teetin Villanueva, and
award-winning Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company member Regina De Vera. Also
starring in this production are Gold Villar, Kim Molina, Jean Judith Javier, KL
Dizon, Ronah Rostata, Fredison Lo, Ricardo Magno, JV Ibesate, and Mayen
Estanero.
Ballet
Philippines dancers also take on the challenge of portraying the roles of comic
book heroes and villains. Featured are Jean Marc Cordero, Katherine Trofeo,
Richardson Yadao, Earl John Arisola, Cyril Aran Fallar, Emmanuelle Guillermo,
Timothy Paul Cabrera, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, Kazier Policarpio,
Ma. Celina Dofitas, Victor Maguad, and Erl Emmanuel Sorilla.
The
artistic and creative teams of MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical are led by
Paul Alexander Morales (Director and Choreographer), Alden Lugnasin
(Choreographer), Francis de Veyra (Music Director), Zard Eguia (Set Designer),
Victor Ursabia (Costume Designer), Roman Cruz (Lighting Designer), and the
Radioactive Sago Project (Live Band).
“MANHID:
The Pinoy Superhero Musical” will have a three-weekend run at the CCP Main
Theater on February 20-22, February 27-March 1, and March 6-8, 2015.
For
bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet
Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or
Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Connect
to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
The
45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour
and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this
is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence!
See
you at the theater!
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