ESTEEMED director Laurice Guillen takes the helm of “Magnificat, “the only religious musical play that has had the highest number of stagings in local theater history.
Guillen admits that directing the production, which also features daughter Anna Feleo, is not an easy task.
“I accepted it kahit na in my mind, alam kong mahirap ‘yun. And it is not just the staging but also kung paano ko gagawing attractive ito sa audience, but immediately, alam kong it’s like Mama Mary asking, so how can I say no? Laging yes ‘yan. Pikit mata, talon,” the award-winning actress and director said.
The play, written and directed in its original version by Nestor Torre, Jr., is now being presented by Lyric Opera of the Philippines (LyrOpera) headed by Sherwin Sozon as executive producer.
Sozon says the presentation is a totally new staging of the 1996 musical whose music was composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
“Magnificat,“ Torre’s tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, has, to its credit, a total of more than 200 stagings in different parts of the country.
Developed by Torre as a travelling theater piece, it was staged in a wide range of venues, including theater halls, churches, gymnasiums, gardens, hospitals, and living rooms of homes.
“Magnificat,“ a sung-through religious musical about the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of His Mother, also had successful presentations in Araneta Coliseum, Meralco Theater, Cuneta Astrodome.
Cayabyab says “Magnificat” must have been the most difficult musical he has ever done.
This time around, “Magnificat” will be staged at the Music Museum in Greenhills on September 27, 28, October 4-5, 11-12.
Young Mary is played by a new discovery Alyssa Evangelista, who makes her debut through this production.
The older Mary is played by Pinky Marquez-Cancio, who originated the role. Ana Feleo plays Mary on certain days.
Jesus is played by Al Gatmaitan.
For more about LyrOpera, check its website www.LyrOperaPH.com .
Tickets are being sold on TicketWorld and other outlets. For more information check out Facebook page: Lyric Opera of the Philippines.
“Magnificat” is sponsored by ARABICA, Hearts and Arrows, Healthy Soya Beans Commercial, Montage Skin Science and Aesthetics, Belvue Residential Community, Sir Warren of CUT Encarnacion Group of Salon and www.AlphaOneA1.com.
