'Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo' is a play about family and representation
This 2025, the hits of Filipino songwriter Jonathan Manalo will be given a new life with the arrival of Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo on April 25.
To celebrate its upcoming staging in April, the cast and creative team of Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo joined a music-filled and meaningful afternoon press conference held on Thursday, March 15, in Pasay City.
Present at the event was Jonathan Manalo, who took pride in the upcoming musical.
“Talagang habang tinitingnan ko pa lang from kung saan napupunta -- from conceptualization up to lahat ng mga ginawa nila sa production -- sobra akong excited and I can say na super akong proud of the outcome, although hindi ko pa nakikita nang buong-buo kasi ongoing 'yung rehearsals, but I've seen bits and pieces of greatness,” said Jonathan.
(I feel very excited just looking at the journey of the musical, from the conceptualization to the production. Although I haven't seen it completely as the rehearsals are currently ongoing, I've seen bits and pieces of greatness.)
Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo follows the life of Delia D., played by Phi Palmos, and her challenges as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a drag queen who joins the biggest televised singing competition, Idols of the Galaxy, to pursue her dream of being a world-famous singer.
It features more than 40 songs written by Jonathan Manalo, including six new songs specifically written for the musical, arranged by Vince Lim.
Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo director Dexter Santos emphasized during the press conference that it is a show for everyone.
“[...] It's a show that you can bring the whole family. Of course, in terms of representation, also, it's highly inclusive and masarap makapanood ng isang palabas na makikita mo 'yung pagka-Pilipino nating lahat,” said Dexter.
(It's a show that you can bring the whole family. Of course, in terms of representation, it's highly inclusive and it is nice to watch a show that highlights our being Filipino.)
He explained, “Pagka-Pilipino in terms of [...] ang ating pagmamahal sa musika, ang ating pagmamahal sa entertainment world, [at] ang ating pagmamahal sa performance, [...] we're all dreamers here. And also, 'yung ating pagpapahalaga sa ating kaibigan, sa ating family…”
(Being Filipino, in terms of our love for music, entertainment, and performance. We're all dreamers here. Also, our love for our friends and family.)
Jonathan Manalo (middle left) and Dexter Santos (middle right) / SOURCE: Hazel Jane Cruz/(GMA Lifestyle)
Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo stars Phi Palmos in the titular role Delia D., Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena as Kiki and Sir T, respectively.
They are joined by Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Mamon, Omar Uddin as Raymond, Sweet Lapus as Eme, Joann Yap Co as Anet, Joshua Cabiladas as Jose, and Mimi Marquez as GVB.
Also included in the cast are Rapah Manalo as Jonathan B, Miah Canton as Tonee, Alfritz Blanche as Billy, Natasha Cabrera as Sheryn, and Chaye Mogg as Phoebe.
It is directed by Dexter Santos, with musical arrangement by Vince Lim and choreography by Stephen Viñas. Also joining the roster of Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo's creative team are Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as the associate director, Michael Williams as artistic director, Dolly Dulu as playwright, and many more.
The cast and creative team of Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo / Hazel Jane Cruz/(GMA Lifestyle)
Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo opens on April 25, 2025, and will run until June 8, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available via TicketWorld, HelixPay, and the Newport World Resorts Box Office.
