‘Iza Calzado is set to make her theater debut in “Tiny Beautiful Things,” a play based on Cheryl Strayed’s popular advice column’
The best actors in the world have at least tried their hand, if not dedicated their entire craft, to theater.
Our dear Iza Calzado, a celebrated Filipino actress, host and product endorser with a career spanning over two decades, after being featured in stand-out performances in acclaimed projects such as “Sigaw,” the fantasy series “Encantadia” and an international best actress award in the Osaka International Film Festival for the movie “Bliss” is on for a full-length straight play.
Beginning in 2002, Calzado’s versatility has made her a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment. Her other notable works on film include, “Milan,” “Etiquette For Mistresses,” “Distance,” “Ilawod,” “Moments of Love,” “One True Love,” “Sabel,” “Barber’s Tales,” “Starting Over Again,” “Mga Mumunting Lihim,” “Dukot,” among many others.
As a host, she has charmed audiences on shows like “At Your Service,” “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition: Doubles,” and the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
Calzado is more than a screen talent; she is also an advocate for body positivity. Her openness about her personal journey towards a healthier lifestyle has inspired many. Alongside her entertainment success, Calzado’s advocacy work adds depth to her public persona.
Now, Iza brings her award-winning acting, engaging hosting, and commitment to positive change, continues to leave a lasting impact on the Philippine entertainment scene to her new project. “Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Life – In Letters” is set to debut in the Philippines this November 16. Featuring true stories and real letters, the play is based on the book-turned-play-turned-limited TV series. Written by acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed – bestselling author of “Wild” – and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” franchise), the straight play chronicles the journey of Strayed as Sugar, an anonymous advice columnist whose radical empathy won the hearts of many readers.
Iza will portray “Sugar,” supported by a talented cast including Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla, and Ketchup Eusebio as letter writers, with Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing for select performances) rounding out the cast.
Rody Vera is a multi-awarded playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer. A pillar of the Philippine theatrical scene, Palanca hall of famer and Gawad Buhay awardee, he has been in several shows including “Otelo,” “Rak of Aegis,” and most recently, “Old Gaze.” Rody is a seasoned actor, also appearing in films such as “Sister Stella L” (Directed by Mike De Leon, 1984) and “Ora Pro Nobis” (Directed by Lino Brocka, 1989).
Last seen in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” Gabby Padilla is a theater, film, and TV actress. She has appeared in TV shows and films such as “Billie & Emma “(2019), “Dead Kids” (2019), “Eerie” (2019), and “Kono Basho” (2024) which earned her the Best Actress Award at Cinemalaya 2024.
Making his return to the stage, Ketchup Eusebio is an actor and comedian with a career spanning over two decades. He has appeared in films and TV shows, including “Ang Tanging Ina” films, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” anthologies, “Heneral Luna” (2016) and “Un/Happy For You” (2024).
Most recently seen in “Mula sa Buwan,” Brian Sy is a sought-after theater, TV, and film actor. He has appeared in various productions, including his award-winning turn in “Coriolano” and The Sandbox Collective’s “Lungs.” Brian has also appeared in films and TV shows, including “GomBurZa” (2023) and the Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” (2024).
An actress and a director, Regina De Vera received her MFA in Acting at The Juilliard School in 2019. She was a resident actor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for five years. She made her theatrical debut in the US with “The Underpants” (The Old Globe, 2019) and made her directorial debut in the Philippines at the 17th Virgin Labfest Festival (2022). De Vera most recently appeared in Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal.”
Under the direction of Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora, the creative team includes Marcel David (assistant director), Kayla Teodoro (set designer), Kiefer Sison (lighting and technical director), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound designer), Krystal Kane (costume stylist), and JV Rabano (photographer).
Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.
“Tiny Beautiful Things” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos. It will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl).
See you at the theater, where we’re drawn to the beauty of a life in letters!
