(From left) Rita Daniela, Alexa Ilacad, and Khalil Ramos in promo photos for “Liwanag sa Dilim.” Images: Instagram/@9workstheatrical
Alexa Ilacad, Khalil Ramos, and Rita Daniela were among the actors confirmed to join the upcoming jukebox musical “Liwanag sa Dilim,” which is inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Rico Blanco.
Ilacad, Ramos, and Rita’s casting was announced by production company 9 Works Theatrical, as seen on its social media platforms on Sunday, January 5.
The actors are joined by CJ Navato, Neomi Gonzales, Jasper Jimenez, Vien King, Denzel Chang, Lucylle Tan, and Brianna Bunagan.
Also part of the cast are Derrick Gozos, Mark Tayag, Iya Villanueva, Nicole Omillo, Anthony Rosaldo, Rica Laguardia, Jasper John Jimenez, Raul Montesa, Jon Abella, and Boo Gabunada.
Despite the striking colors shown in “Liwanag Sa Dilim’s” moving trailer, details on its storyline, characters, and Blanco’s songs that will be used are yet to be announced.
Ilacad, Ramos, and Rita’s characters have yet to be announced in the trailer as well.
Blanco started his entertainment career as the frontman of the rock band Rivermaya in 1994, which eventually became one of the leading OPM bands in the country. He left in 2007 and established a solo career a year later.
The upcoming musical is not Ilacad’s first time to dip her toes into theater. She was part of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)’s production of “Walang Aray” in 2023. She also hinted to reporters on the sidelines of the MYX Music Awards in November 2024 that she’s working on something musically-inclined, but kept her lips sealed.
Meanwhile, Ramos made his theater debut in the Manila production of the hit musical “Tick, tick… Boom!” in August 2023.
Rita, on the other hand, starred in the musicals “Snow White at ang Pitong Dwarfs,” “Andres Bonifacio: The Musical,” “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag,” and “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!”