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PETA’s ‘Rak of Aegis 5.0’ rocks again, with new lead stars
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) blue chip
comedy-musical “Rak of Aegis” held a press preview on June 15 to herald the June 17 opening night of the production’s 5th run.
“Rak 5.0” runs from June 17 to Aug. 28, 2016, a vocal cord-busting 10 shows per week, and totalling 82 performances this time around. Since it premiered on Jan. 31, 2014, Rak has had 206 shows.
As one of PETA’s longest-running productions, Rak has harvested more than 20 awards and citations such as Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Stage Direction, and Outstanding Original Libretto.
Among the key reasons why PETA officials decided to remount the smash hit is to raise funds for the year-long celebrations marking the theater group’s 50th year next season.
The June 15 Rak 5.0 press preview showcased a remarkable new set of lead stars sprinkled with brilliant old cast members, one new song, and new blocking in several scenes.
With effective minor changes, the production design looked leaner and more polished. The pouring rain scenes are now put under control.
Appearing for the first time on the PETA stage during the June 15 press preview was Tanya Manalang to lead the cast in essaying the role of “Aileen.” Manalang, who completed her two-year contract as ‘Kim” in the West End production of “Miss Saigon,” returned recently to the Manila to audition for the role.
Manalang, not a “biritera,” attacked the role of “Aileen” with a stirring dose of thrilling vocal intensity and sumptuous emotional eloquence. Rak is Manalang’s unprecedented Filipino-language role.
Together in celebrating Manalang’s PETA debut on June 15 were Benj Manalo as “Tolits,” Vince Lim as “Kenny,” Lorenz Martinez as “Kiel,” Carla Guevarra Laforteza as “Mary Jane,” Joann Co as “Mercy,” Jon Santos as “Fernan,” and Ron Alfonso as “Jewel.”
Despite the press night’s initial jitters and uneasiness and a few missed lines, the cast new members eventually found their groove.
With the reliable old cast members providing able and distinctive support to the new performers, the press night show revealed an evening of notable musicality and an exciting acting.
The end-result was that the entire cast members of Rak 5.0 owned the popular production, with their effective mixture of astute musicality and satisfying acting skills spicing up Rak with a tang of dark comedy.
Theater-goers who had watched the earlier versions are advised to see it again. They are in for a triumphant discovery again.
Other shows will feature Aicelle Santos, Alisah Bonaobra, and Kim Molina in the lead role of Aileen; Jerald Napoles and Pepe Herrera (Tolits); Myke Salomon and Poppert Bernadas (Kenny); OJ Mariano and Renz Verano (Kiel); Sweet Plantado, Shiela Valderrama, and Tricia Jimenez (Mary Jane); Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy); Gilbert Onida and Juliene Mendoza (Fernan); Phi Palmos and Jimi Marquez (Jewel).
Rak pioneers Robert and Isay Seña also join the Rak 5.0 as they reprise the parts of Kiel and Mary Jane.
The set of two or three performers in the lead roles is intended to solve the potential problem of vocal cord fatigue.
The crucial singing-dancing-acting ensemble is composed of Via Antonio, Jet Barrun, Raflesia Bravo, Gimbey dela Cruz, Gab Pangilinan, Abi Sulit, Teetin Villanueva, Gold Villar, Roi Calilong, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, and Paeng Sundayan.
Rak is the story of Aileen and her flood-prone community and their bid to escape from poverty. In particular, Aileen wanted to be discovered by Ellen DeGeneres via posting a YouTube video of her singing in the middle of the flooded Barangay Venizia. — AT, GMA News
“Rak of Aegis”runs June 17-Aug. 28 at Peta Theater Center, Quezon City. Call 8919999, 7526244, or e-mail petatheater@gmail.com. From Tuesdays to Fridays shows are at 8 pm, and with 3 pm and 8 pm shows on Saturdays and Sundays
For tickets, go to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999 or contact PETA at 725-6244
