Jackie Lou Blanco returns to theater, excited to star in “The Foxtrot” alongside JC Santos as part of the “Dedma” twin bill.
After her standout stint as Ruth Balay in GMA 7’s “Widows’ War” alongside Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana, Jackie Lou Blanco was bitten by the theater bug once again.
She was ready for a new challenge to break from her usual work routine. While she had just finished a movie with GMA Films starring Barbie Forteza and was gearing up for more big-screen roles, she said, “I want to do theater.”
Having previously done plays with Tanghalang Pilipino, her most recent theater experience was “Buwan at Baril” in 2017, directed by Andoy Ranay at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani, where she starred alongside Cherry Pie Picache, Angeli Bayani, JC Santos and more. There, Jackie Lou delivered a humorous monolog that critics praised, with many noting her spot-on portrayal of a politically awakened socialite who escapes the comfort and security of her gated subdivision to join street protests.
Now, Jackie Lou and JC will reunite on the dance floor, this time heating things up for three weekends at Mirror Theater in Poblacion, presented by Theatre Titas.
After a successful series of reruns of their production of Juan Ekis’ “Twenty Questions,” Theatre Titas is set to stage two original plays this summer as part of “Dedma” — a twin bill that delves into the complex relationships of Manila’s elite, their choices, and the masks they wear.
“Dedma” will feature two original scripts: “Let’s Do Lunch” and “The Foxtrot,” both written by Theatre Titas’ co-founder, Chesie Galvez-Cariño.
“Let’s Do Lunch” follows a catch-up between two old friends, Val and Issa (played by Naths Everett and Issa Litton, respectively). The casual conversation quickly escalates as the power dynamics shift from pleasantries to passive aggression. Also in the cast is Ash Nicanor as the househelp, Bebang. The play will be directed by PETA’s Maribel Legarda.
“The Foxtrot,” which premiered in June at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) as part of last year’s Virgin Labfest, offers a glimpse into the tense relationship between Diego, a dance instructor, and Anna, a wealthy matron, during their final rehearsal for an amateur ballroom dancing competition. The production stars JC Santos, reprising his role as Diego, and Jackie Lou as Anna. Ballet Philippines’ Paul Alexander Morales returns to direct.
“Dedma” will run on weekends from March 29 to April 13, 2025, at Mirror Studio Theater 2, with 8 p.m. performances on Fridays through Sundays and 3 p.m. matinées on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I am just excited to do a theater project like ‘The Foxrot’ for artistic growth and fulfilment. And when I learned that I am doing this play with JC Santos, I felt I cannot let this opportunity pass. JC has always been a pro and in the course of our rehearsals, he has always been so supportive and helpful especially in fleshing out our characters. As in, it was really fun and insightful,” said Jackie Lou.
“I saw him recently in Guelan Luarca’s ‘3 Upuan’ and in the reading of ‘Dogsblood’; typically JC , he was just sooooooo good!,” exclaimed Jackie Lou, you can just imagine how an explosive the stage would be when they open this weekend.
