Actor and singer David Ezra is going full rock star as he takes on the role of music icon Mike Hanopol in the upcoming stage musical “Jeproks,” a jukebox production inspired by the groundbreaking OPM of the Juan Dela Cruz Band. The production is directed by Frannie Zamora, with Johnny Blue serving as supervising producer.
The casting feels personal for David, who describes himself as a rocker at heart. “Maraming lingid sa calamine ng nakakarami… ngayon kasi ang branding ko is a Broadway singer, classical singer… pero nung college ako, talagang rocker talaga ako by heart. Until now, pag sumakay ka sa kotse ko, yung music ko is metal,” he revealed. “It just so happened na may pagmamahal din ako sa Broadway and classical music, pero talagang merong malaking part sa akin na rock talaga.”
“Jeproks” marks David’s return to a title role after several years. “Yung huli kong ginawang title role is 2017 pa — ‘Aurelio Sedisyoso’. So ito ‘yung talagang title lead. I’m very excited,” he said.
He also starred in the 2024 movie musical “Isang Himala,” for which he earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination — an honor he hadn’t expected. “It’s just really a blessing to be recognized… it’s more a win for the whole industry. Kaya iyak kami ng iyak nun.”
While the role comes with pressure, particularly since he’s portraying a living legend, David is more thrilled than nervous. “Ngayon may pressure lang ng konti kasi syempre expect nila, ‘Ano kayang gagawin ni David with this role?’ Pero excited ako kasi I’m sure ‘yung arrangement ng songs magiging iba din… modernized na in a way.”
Portraying Mike Hanopol means doing more than just singing the songs — it’s also about capturing the man behind the music. “Syempre baka meron din siyang mga parte sa buhay niya na hindi niya gustong ipaalam… out of courtesy and respect, I have to ask him that. Titingnan ko yung mga videos, kung paano siya lumakad, mannerisms niya. Para aralin ko yung role, kailangan tanungin ko yung taong gaganapin ko.”
This isn’t David’s first time portraying a real person. “Maraming beses na… pero yung mga pinlay ko before were all national heroes — si Emilio Aguinaldo, Aurelio Tolentino — so hindi na bago sa’kin yung magpe-play ng real person. Pero this time, ‘yung gaganapan ko, manonood mismo,” he said with a smile. “Exciting naman. So I can’t wait.”
David, who was part of a college rock band and still plays guitar, shared that his look back then was far from his current clean-cut image. “Guitarist ako ng rock band nung college. Until now I play the guitar. ‘Yung buhok ko nun, buhaghag na mahaba… more like ‘yung look ng mga Led Zeppelin.”
Now preparing for a late September rehearsal start ahead of a November opening, David is gearing up for full immersion. “Ngayon it’s more excitement pa lang… pero tulad ng lahat ng ginagawa ko, kapag nagpe-prepare ako, ini-immerse ko yung sarili ko… nagiging OC ako. Pag inaral ko na yung material, wala nang atrasan. I really dedicate myself.”
Though born in the late ’80s, David is familiar with Hanopol’s hits. “I wasn’t born in his era, pero I’m very familiar with Juan Dela Cruz Band … baby pa ako, naririnig ko na yun lagi. Bilang isang rock fan, meron tayong responsibility and obligation na aralin sila. They deserve to be recognized.”
And what does his mom, veteran singer Dulce, think?
“Hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap… pero I’m sure matutuwa siya. Lagi naman ‘yun super proud. Mamaya tatawagan ko, sasabihin ko, ‘Ma, ako ‘yung Mike Hanopol!’”
David hopes audiences will share his excitement. “Musicals talaga ngayon is really nagta-thrive… lalo na with the success of ‘Delia D,’ ‘Mula sa Buwan’ and ‘Come From Away’ which is running now. Dapat ma-excite tayong lahat lalo na kapag jukebox musical na ang music is from one of our icons. Yes local, yes OPM.”
“Jeproks” opens this November.
