“Mula Sa Buwan” cast (from left) Phi Palmos, Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan and MC Dela Cruz. Image: Paw Castillo via Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
The cast of “Mula Sa Buwan” looked back at some of their most unforgettable memories and what they would miss about one another, as the musical’s 2024 run will come to a close on Sept. 14.
Beginning its staging in December 2016, the musical is an adaptation of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, and her love, Roxane. Local reruns were staged in different venues, and many actors took part in its production including Markki Stroem, Nicco Manalo and Cedrick Juan.
“Mula Sa Buwan” has been around for eight years. And while the all-Filipino musical’s 2024 restaging captivated fans, its co-creator Pat Valera said that it won’t return to the theater in the near future.
Myke Salomon (Christian in 2018; Cyrano in 2022 and 2024); Gab Pangilinan (Roxane in 2018, 2022 and 2024), MC Dela Cruz (Maximo in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022; Christian in 2022 and 2024); Phi Palmos (Rosanna in 2018, 2022 and 2024); and Jillian Ita-as (Gabriel in 2022 and 2024) will also take their final bows as the musical’s mainstay stars.
Opportunities, milestones
The musical’s stars said in a press statement that staging the musical was a profound moment for them, as it opened doors for them in their respective careers and allowed them to form strong bonds with their castmates.
“It was the first original Filipino musical that gave me a chance to be a ‘lead.’ Roxane was my first big Filipina role,” Pangilinan said. “It opened doors for me and it allowed little girls to dream bigger — of the kind of woman and artist they want to be… I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without her.”
Meanwhile, Palmos said the musical is a “milestone in Philippine theater” as it allowed a queer actor like him to portray a female character. “I am so happy and proud that I found the courage to ask Pat to audition for the role of Rosanna when on paper, it can’t happen.”
“Opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community were pushed further and widened. A glass ceiling was shattered,” he continued. “‘Mula sa Buwan’ is one prime example of LGBTQIA+ representation. That during the war, we exist. Nandun kami at hinding-hindi mabubura (we were there and that can’t be taken away from us).”
A scene from “Mula Sa Buwan.” Image: CJ Ochoa via Barefoot Theatre Collective
Dela Cruz, for his part, said he considered the musical as his “home” since it is where he kicked off his career as a theater actor. “Maliban sa mga cast members na nakatrabaho ko since 2016, I’ll miss Maximo and Christian the most, because sila ang mga karakter na nagturo sa akin magbigay ng tiwala sa kakayahan ko bilang aktor,” he said. (Aside from the cast members that I worked with since 2016, I’ll miss Maximo and Christian the most. These are the characters who taught me to trust in my abilities as an actor.)
Gratitude
Aside from the cast and production team, Ita-as said the musical is a “familiar piece of hope” since it captivated audiences through the years.
“It’s just this familiar piece of hope that you keep coming back home to — whether you are an audience, production or cast member. It’s just this timeless, classic story that people love coming back home to again, and again, and again,” she said.
A scene from “Mula Sa Buwan.” Image: CJ Ochoa via Barefoot Theatre Collective
Salomon said that even though the musical is about to hold its final staging, he hoped theater fans would remember its story in the years to come.
“Sana ay nakaukit na sa buhay ninyo ang liwanag ng ‘Mula Sa Buwan.’ Maaring balikan, maaring itahan, pero alam nating lahat na ito’y nakatupi sa loob ng ating puso, kupas man ang mga letra kahit may patak ng dugo at luha,” he said, in reference to a crucial scene in the musical.
(I hope the light that “Mula Sa Buwan” brought to you will remain. You can look back and recall its moments, but we know that its story will stay in your hearts, even though there will come a time that its letters will be faded, with blood and tears.)
According to its theater production company Barefoot Theater Collective, “Mula Sa Buwan” was originally set to close on Sept. 7. However, a final extension was announced due to tickets selling out immediately.