Fil-Am star to sing memorable showtune in Broadway debut

PEREZ DE TAGLE (WITH LEA SALONGA, RIGHT). Wins coveted role in Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell.”

LOS ANGELES – Anna Maria Perez de Tagle’s Broadway debut is going to be special – she gets to sing “Day by Day,” the most popular song in “Godspell,” and this won’t be just another production of the beloved rock musical. It’s the 40th anniversary production, with additional new lyrics by “Wicked” and “Pippin” composer, Stephen Schwartz, who originally created the musical with the late John-Michael Tebelak.

“Godspell” begins preview performances at Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway at 50th st.) on October 13 and officially opens on November 7.

Before she became a Disney Channel star, Anna Maria starred in productions of “The King and I,” “Cinderella,” “The Wiz” and “Bugsy Malone” in California. Anna is being managed by Kevin Jonas Sr., the father of the Jonas brothers.

Hit series

Anna Maria’s passion for acting, singing and dancing has also found an outlet in TV’s “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” as well as the movie version of “Fame.” The granddaughter of Philippine show biz icon, Sylvia La Torre, played Ashley Dewitt on the Disney Channel’s hit series, “Hannah Montana.”

In the Broadway revival of “Godspell,” Anna joins the main cast composed of Hunter Parrish as Jesus, Wallace Smith as Judas, Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Celisse Henderson, Morgan James, Telly Leung and Lindsay Mendez.

Daniel Goldstein directs this latest production of “Godspell.” More information is available at www.godspell.com. Excerpts:

Congratulations. You told me before that appearing in a Broadway musical is one of your dreams. What were the auditions like?

It’s a dream come true! I went through a rigorous audition process and flew to New York three times.

Improvisation

For the audition, I sang “Someone Like You” and performed my own parable. At the first callback, a few days later, I was asked to sing “Day By Day” and did a group improvisation of the same parable.

On the second callback, I was asked to sing another song of my choice, which was “On my Own” and again, “Day By Day,” then was put into another group improv with different people. For the final callback, I sang “I Enjoy Being A Girl” and once again, “Day By Day,” and then did my last group improv.

How did you hear the good news?

It was an unforgettable moment! My dad sent me a text message saying that I had to be on a conference call with my manager, Kevin Jonas Sr.; my representative, Hana Emily Lee, and my agent, Mitchell Gossett. When all of us were on the call, my agent announced that he had some good news, and he let Kevin Sr. tell everyone on the line that I got the part! Everyone started shouting, “Congratulations!” We all broke into tears of joy!

What role are you playing?

My character’s name will be my own name, Anna Maria. All leads will be using their first names, except the actors playing Jesus and Judas. I’m so privileged to be given the honor to sing the hit song, “Day By Day”!

Parable

“Godspell” is a series of parables based on the Gospel of Matthew. Which parable resonates with you?

I love the “Parable of the Sower,” my first audition piece. “The Good Samaritan” is also one of my favorites, because that was the group-improv parable I did for my callbacks.

What are your thoughts as rehearsals begin?

Rehearsals start on September 12, and we call it the “first day of school.” Some of us (cast members) have already connected with one another. I’m so excited to get started. I was told by the director, Daniel Goldstein, to be ready for some serious fun, and that we have a “killer cast.” The songs are intense, amazing and memorable!

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