Ben&Ben to provide music for new Peta production

Ben&Ben at Peta –RAOUL J. CHEE KEE

Theater lovers who snagged tickets to catch the last performance of “Walang Aray” at Peta (Philippines Educational Theater Association) on Sunday night were treated to a sneak peek into the new production that opens in April 2024.

It was an emotional curtain call for the cast, backstage and production crew of “Walang Aray” with all its members called onstage and handed small bouquets. Lead cast members, Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila, who played the lovers Tenyong and Julia then acted out a scene from the well-loved movie, “One More Chance,” which starred John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. When Gahol said, “She had me at my worst; you had me at my best,” the audience cheered. They were in for another surprise after John Moran, who played the villain priest Padre Alfaro in “Walang Aray,” announced that the band Ben&Ben would be providing the music for “One More Chance: The Musical.”

Out came the nine-piece band with the twin vocalists singing, “Kathang Isip,” and people were on their feet, singing along. It was like a mini concert nobody expected, but that everyone present enjoyed. The band then performed a second song, “Araw-Araw” after joking that although it was a dream project for them, they wouldn’t be acting in the production. They would be in charge of the music.

Another hit

“One More Chance: The Musical” follows Peta’s string of successful jukebox musicals from the phenomenal hit “Rak of Aegis,” which ran for seven seasons, to the critically acclaimed rap musical “Three Stars and a Sun,” featuring the music of Francis Magalona.

If the audience response last Sunday is any indication, Peta might just have another hit in the bag.

For corporate partnerships and show-buying inquiries, contact Peta at [email protected] or 0917 539-1112.