ICYMI: KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad are already set to topbill another project together in 2023! As announced by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) last month, the love team will star in the musical theater production Walang Aray. They're actually the very first Gen Z tandem to headline a Filipino musical, so it's safe to assume that this opportunity is a big deal to these rising artists.
Since we can hardly wait for their opening night, we've gathered all the juicy deets you need to know about Walang Aray. Read them below!
The musical is based on an old screenplay by Severino Reyes.Â
The musical is a fresh take on Severino Reyes' classic zarzuela "Walang Sugat" since 1989. Although the screenplay was initially meant to be a jukebox musical film, the playwright had to turn it into a musical due to expensive production rates. PETA then produced small-scale stagings of the material in 2018 and 2019!
The musical has been modernized for a young audience.Â
While the musical is based on an old screenplay, this adaptation will be reimagined with contemporary language and witty humor. It'll also feature music of different genres such as pop, ballad, funk, and even hip hop! TL;DR: That means Gen Z will love this musical!
Adjusting to musical theater was a challenge for KDLex.Â
Alexa and KD may be popular in showbiz now, but they're technically still newcomers in the musical theater scene. During the media launch of the play, Alexa shared that she didn't want to accept this gig because she was afraid she couldn't do it. Her training was so rigorous that she even got sick during rehearsals! Meanwhile, KD also struggled to speak in Filipino and sing in a musical theater style at first. We're sure all their hard work will pay off in the end though!
The story might follow the star-crossed lovers trope.Â
Tenyong and Alexa, the two leads KD and Alexa will play, are young lovers who fought for their relationship amidst the Spanish colonization. We don't know much about the plot, but we're guessing that their characters are star-crossed lovers since the story takes place during the Philippine revolution.
The musical features a talented cast and production team.Â
KD and Alexa are clearly skilled in their craft, but let's not neglect the other cast members and production workers as well! PETA stated that KD and Alexa will play alternately with Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila, the same actors who starred in the musical's 2019 run! Other talented cast members include Jarred Jaicten, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Gie Onida, Norbs Portales, Neomi Gonzales, and John Emmanoel Moran. Meanwhile, the show was written by Rody Vera and directed by Ian Segarra, with music by Vince Lim.
The musical will mark PETA's official comeback to live performances.
PETA didn't get to stage any live performances for nearly three years now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Walang Aray will break that drought and mark the company's comeback to live theater!
The musical will be staged next year.Â
PSA: Walang Aray will be staged at the PETA Theater Center from February to May 2023. Book your calendars!
From The Candy Bulletin Community
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