PETA, Repertory Philippines team up for ‘Care Divas’

MANILA, Philippines—Manila’s pioneer theater groups, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Repertory Philippines, are producing the much-awaited encore performances of the hit musical comedy “Care Divas” this Saturday and Sunday at Greenbelt, Onstage.

“Care Divas” is a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama about five transgender overseas Filipino workers in Israel who work as care givers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queen performers come night fall. While desperate to make ends meet in another country, they also struggle to search for freedom and acceptance in a foreign land.

The play’s theatrical and wickedly funny text, written by award-winning playwright, Liza Magtoto cradles lovely, gentle moments that mull over the lives of the main characters: the kind and loving Chelsea, the often-sarcastic group leader Shai, the ditsy Thalia, the bubbly Kayla and the ill-tempered Jonee.

Vincent de Jesus’ musical score leaves audiences humming tunes as it weaves through the narrative. Music and lyrics serve as the other “text” that embodies the romantic-whimsy of this play.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the creative team behind the show also includes costume designer John Abul, lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, visual artist and set designer Leo Abaya and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.

“Care Divas” includes a powerhouse cast of theater actors: PETA artists Melvin Lee, Vincent De Jesus, Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat, Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial and Eric dela Cruz. Featured guest artists are: Paul Holme, Ricci Chan, Jerald Napoles, Myke Salomon, Angeli Bayani together with Miguel Hidalgo and Dominic Miclat-Janssen.

Veteran actress and Repertory Philippines’ Children’s Theater Artistic Director, Joy Virata joins the cast as Adara and Sara, roles formerly portrayed by PETA President, Cecilia Garrucho.

Watch “Care Divas” at Greenbelt Onstage this April 27 (8:00PM) 28 & 29 (3:00PM & 8:00PM), 2012. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0917-5765400, [email protected].