Cover The North American Tour company of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. (Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
The North American Tour company of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. (Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
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Homegrown star Gab Pangilinan joins the international company of the global phenomenon, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, for its Manila production this May 2026
Manila-based Filipina actress and singer Gab Pangilinan will officially play the role of Mary Magdalene in the upcoming Laurence Olivier Award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical, Jesus Christ Superstar. The globally celebrated production will visit Manila at The Theatre at Solaire as part of a major international tour, playing from May 2 to May 31.
Pangilinan is a multi-awarded stage and screen actor widely recognised for her performances in notable productions such as Godspell, The Last Five Years, Side Show, Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical, and Mula Sa Buwan. She is a three-time Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for her critically acclaimed work in Pingkian: Isang Musikal (2024), The Last Five Years (2023) and Mula Sa Buwan (2022). Pangilinan also won Best Leading Female Performance in the Digital Category at the 27th Asian Television Awards for Still: A Musical Narrative Series. Over the past decade, she has worked with leading Philippine theatre companies, including PETA, Tanghalang Pilipino, Atlantis Theatrical and Full House Theater Company.
Read more: Andre Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ comes to Manila this May 2026
Gab Pangilinan is taking on the role of Mary Magdalene for the Manila leg of the touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (Photo: Courtesy of GMG Productions)
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Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, expressed immense pride in the casting announcement. “We are incredibly happy to have Gab Pangilinan in the international company of Jesus Christ Superstar,” Candal stated. He added, “Gab is a respected and accomplished artist, and her casting as Mary Magdalene highlights the strength of Filipino theatre talent.”
Pangilinan joins a distinguished roster of principal cast members from previous UK, North America, and Australian tours of the production. The international company includes Luke Street as Jesus, Javon King as Judas, Ethan Hardy Benson as Pilate, Grant Hodges as Caiaphas and Kodiak Thompson as Annas.
Read more: Gab Pangilinan to Tanya Manalang-Atadero: 7 Filipina theatre actors and their must-see productions
Above Poster of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ this May 2026
Poster of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ this May 2026
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Jesus Christ Superstar is a global phenomenon that explores the extraordinary events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story is told entirely through an iconic 1970s rock score that features timeless numbers like Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane.
Due to overwhelming audience excitement, the Manila season—originally scheduled to close on May 24—has been extended to allow more theatre fans to experience the musical. The show will now run until May 31, 2026, which is its absolute final date with no further extensions possible. Tickets for these new and final dates are available exclusively through TicketWorld.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
