Cover Anthony Rosaldo performing ‘Liwanag sa Dilim’ at the final show of 9Works Theatrical’s ‘Once on this Island’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Anthony Rosaldo performing ‘Liwanag sa Dilim’ at the final show of 9Works Theatrical’s ‘Once on this Island’ (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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After a stunning performance of ‘Once on This Island’, 9Works Theatrical announced their next production—an original OPM musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco
At the closing show of Once on This Island, 9Works Theatrical announced their next production, Liwanag sa Dilim—an original Filipino musical featuring the songs of OPM rockstar Rico Blanco. After the cast bowed at curtain call, they stepped back to make room for Anthony Rosaldo’s thunderous entrance. The singer had previously played the role of Roger Davis at 9Works Theatrical’s staging of Rent back in April and was accompanied by Sparkle and Star Magic artists Garrett Bolden (Agwe) and Jordan Andrews (Storyteller). Together, they hyped the crowd up with a performance of Rivermaya’s hit song Liwanag sa Dilim. Here’s what we know about the upcoming musical so far.
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Written by Robbie Guevara (and to be directed by him as well), Liwanag sa Dilim was already finished in 2019. The company had planned to announce its staging in March 2020 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed. “We were ready for it but suddenly the pandemic happened. It was originally planned for August 2020,” shares Santi Santamaria, Managing Director and Executive Producer of 9Works Theatrical.
While the plot is yet to be revealed, one mustn’t assume that Liwanag sa Dilim be similar to Eraserheads’ Ang Huling El Bimbo and Parokya ni Edgar’s Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. “Our story’s very different [from the two musicals]. The story is very unique but along the way, you’ll find that it’s very familiar. The plot was actually shown on a different platform and medium already. Without spoiling, you can expect a lot of wows,” says Santamaria.
As the musical features plenty of Blanco’s songs—and by extension, Rivermaya—audiences can hope to hear the band and soloist’s hit songs such as Elesi, Kisapmata, Antukin, and the titular song, Liwanag sa Dilim among many others.
Currently, 9Works Theatrical is hosting auditions with no final cast yet. As for whether Rico Blanco himself will play a part on stage, only time will tell as Santamaria playfully said ‘I don’t know’ when asked.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
