‘Tabing Ilog: The Musical’ rerun cast members during their recent media conference | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
After its successful first run last November 2023, “Tabing Ilog: The Musical” is set to return to stage with the promise of a better production and tight grip to showcase relevant Gen Z issues in society.
Director Phil Noble discussed during the recent media conference for the rerun that they tried to “intensify” the production to make it more appealing to the audience.
“For me, as a director, I only tweaked a little because, of course, theater is a never-ending process that requires well-thought out planning. Almost the same, but we made the characters more intense and some choreography adjusted and made even more beautiful, and some of the sets. Otherwise, in terms of characters, they are all still there. I’m sure their interpretation will be more viscous because their acting comes from experience,” he said.
One of its cast members, Gimbey Dela Cruz, who will be the alternate Nanay Azon for the first time, emphasized that the musical sheds light on important issues concerning the younger generation that warrant a rerun.
“That time, the original ‘Tabing Ilog’ of the ’90s was my teen years. I think it’s still very relevant, but conversations about a lot of things were a little deeper. The teenage angst is still there, but it’s easier to understand them now and easier to help our teenagers,” she stated.
“Mental health was taboo; when we were younger, we didn’t talk about it. Now, when you are feeling something, you may cry about it. Before, when I was younger, ‘Uy, itigil mo ‘yan’ (‘Stop, don’t do that’). I think it’s a good thing that there’s something like ‘Tabing Ilog’ to really cross boundaries and target teenagers to talk about their worries,” added Dela Cruz.
Reprising their roles for the rerun are BINI’s Jhoanna Robles, Sheena Belarmino, and Vivoree Esclito as Eds, BGYO’s Akira Morishita and Benedix Ramos as Rovic, Miah Canton and Anji Salvacion as Corrinne, Vino Mabalot as Fonzy, Kiara Takahashi and Andi Abaya as George, Jordan Andrews and Kobie Brown as James, Jude Hinumdum as Badong, Omar Uddin, and newcomer Adrian Lindayag will be alternates to play Andoy.
Joann Co and Red Nuestro will also return as Lola Juling and Panyong, respectively, while Lance Reblando, Vyen Villanueva, and Teetin Villanueva will reprise their roles as Meow, Toots, and Anchang, respectively. Yeyin Dela Cruz, one of the new additions to the cast, will play alternate Nanay Azon.
“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” rerun will open its curtains from Nov. 8 to Dec. 1 at the PETA Theater Center.