Full cast announced for Ateg’s ‘The Bridges of Madison County’

MiG Ayesa returns for “The Bridges of Madison County”. CONTRIBUTED IMAGE/Ateg

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (Ateg) is proud to announce the full cast for the first international production of the Tony Award winning musical “The Bridges of Madison County,” which runs from November 20 to December 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Fresh from the success of “Saturday Night Fever,” which recently concluded the first leg of its Asian Tour,  Ateg brings you “The Bridges of Madison County,” one of the most romantic stories ever written.

Now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, “The Bridges of Madison County” tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. It’s an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

This brand new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (“Parade,” “The Last Five Years”) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”

Leading the cast as Francesca and Robert are two iconic performers of the international musical theatre stage, Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa.

The incomparable Joanna Ampil. CONTRIBUTED IMAGE/Ateg

Joanna Ampil, who rose to stardom in London’s “West End” as Kim in “Miss Saigon,” Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Christmas Eve in “Avenue Q,” says of her latest role, “It will be my first musical in Manila after a long hiatus. The last one was ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2012. I’m hungry for a new challenge and this role of Francesca will certainly give me that challenge, stretch and creativity that I’m always craving for as an artist.”

“Jason Robert Brown and I performed in London sometime ago way before he wrote Bridges and to be able to play a lead in one of his works will be a wonderful experience; because I know that he writes some amazing stuff. I look forward to sharing the stage with MiG Ayesa, also. But, the thing that appealed to me the most was the idea of working for Atlantis for the first time and being directed by Bobby Garcia,” says she.

MiG Ayesa, who performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages” on Broadway and in Manila, says, “I am so thrilled to be returning to the Manila stage with this production of ‘The Bridges of Madison County.’ The score written by Jason Robert Brown is so breathtakingly beautiful it has to be considered a modern classic, and well deserved of the Tony Awards it received.”

“I cannot wait to show such a different side to me, as the last time Manila audiences saw me was as the crazed rocker ‘Stacee Jaxx’ in ‘Rock of Ages.’ The chance to be working opposite such a world class performer such as Jo Ampil, as well as under the direction of Bobby Garcia, promises to be an experience I will never forget. This will be my second stage production with Ateg, and it has always been a labour of love in that camp. Any excuse to visit the Philippines is worth the work! I cannot think of a better way than to return with such a production as beautiful as this,” he adds.

Bobby Garcia, who directs the musical says, “I am thrilled to have two of the finest musical theatre performers breathe vibrant life into these iconic characters. Joanna and MiG will be unforgettable as Francesca and Robert. Jason Robert Brown’s score for ‘Bridges’ is one of the most glorious musical theatre scores in recent memory. It is an honor to be able to stage this show for Manila audiences.”

Also in the cast are Carla Guevara-Laforteza in the dual role of Marian and Chiara, Nino Alejandro as Bud, Emeline Celis-Guinid as Marge, Jamie Wilson as Charile, Bibo Reyes as Michael and Mikkie Bradshaw as Caroline.

Joining them in the ensemble are Steven Conde, Nel Gomez, Franz Imperial, Yanah Laurel, Abi Sulit and Teetin Villanueva.

“The Bridges of Madison County” is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Cecile Martinez, musical direction by Ceejay Javier, set design by Faust Peneyra, lighting design by JonJon Villareal, costume design by Eric Pineda, hair and make up design by Johann dela Fuente and vocal direction by ManMan Angsico.

Tickets now available at Ticketworld at 891-9999. TVJ