Gian Magdangal goes back on stage after Singapore theater gig

Gian Magdangal (left) with fellow cast members (from left) Gabbby Padilla, Krystal Kane, Marvin Ong, and Barbara Jance, and director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (right). Image: INQUIRER.net/ARMIN P. ADINA

Actor Gian Magdangal has reprised his multiple roles in the hit restaging of Repertory Philippines’ take on the off-Broadway musical “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” just as he has returned from his Singapore theater run.

At the opening night of the show’s rerun, now being staged at the Rep Eastwood Theater in Quezon City, on Friday evening, Feb. 21, he shared his experience with the neighboring city-state’s theater community.

“Of course, that was really something that was so unforgettable. It’s a different audience, in a way, that Tuesday to Sunday it’s full, and people [are] coming again and again,” Magdangal said.

He played the role of Larry Murphy in Pangdemonium Singapore’s staging of “Dear Evan Hansen,” the theater company’s closing production for its 2024 theatrical season, that opened to audiences in October last year.

“They’re really hungry to watch, and nakakataba ng puso iyon (and it warms my heart),” Magdangal said. “They really love their theater community, I’m proud. They’re proud of their shows. It’s part of their culture,” he continued.

He also shared that there were moments when sadness would hit him while immersed in Singapore’s theater scene. “Parang gusto ko nang umuwi (I felt like I wanted to go home) at some point talaga, sa totoo lang (really). ‘Uh, gusto ko nang umuwi, pero ang ganda ng show, pero gusto ko nang umuwi.’ (I want to go home, but the show was so good, but I want to go home,'” Magdangal said.

The actor said the Philippine theater scene is joyful. However, there is no point comparing the environment in the two countries, beause it would be like “apples to oranges,” he explained.

“You have to just count your blessings, and just see it in the good parts of it all the time. So [if] three, five or 500 people [are] in the audience, you still do a show, right? You still have fun at the end of the day,” Magdangal said.

Magdangal shared that the first Rrepertory show that he saw was “The Boyfriend” in the late 90s, when his first girlfriend brought him to see it. “My life was changed. I saw Michael Williams tap dance. Oh my gosh. And, you know, I literally got [bitten],” he said.

“And now that it has come full circle, I’m doing this, so grateful to be able to do this. But there’s so much mixed feelings doing this, and being able to get opportunities abroad. You just want to go back here, and like, ‘c’mon guys, do this, c’mon,’ You know, because we can do so much better,” Magdangal said.

He also pleaded to the Filipino theater audience to be more proactive if they want to sustain the current boom that the theatrical community is experiencing.

“If you want theater to last, it’s up to you guys. Because they (Singporeans), as I observed, they really spread the word,” Magdangal said.

“Sana talagang gusto talaga natin ito. Gusto ba talaga natin ito? Kasi kung gusto natin ito, gagastusan natin, seryosohin, pag-usapan natin, lagyan natin ng purpose. Lagyan natin ng pera, bigyan natin ng importance. Hindi lang iyong ‘ang ganda noh, nakakatawa,'” he continued.

(I hope we really want this. Do we really want this? Because if we want this, we will spend on it, take it seriously, talk about it, put purpose to it. Let’s put money on it, give importance. Not just ‘isn’t it good? It’s funny.’)

Magdangal, who also recently signed up with GMA Sparkle, is protraying about 10 characters in the four-header production, where the actors take turns in bringing to life multiple stories told in vignettes.

Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo, who directed the first run in June last year, returns for the restaging, Repertory Philippines’ opening production for its 88th theater season.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will run from Friday to Sunday in February, and from Thursday to Sunday in March, until the 9th of the month, at the Rep Eastwood Theater on the fourth level of Eastwood City Walk in Quezon City. Visit the theater company’s social media pages for ticket inquiries.