My first
encounter with the mythical Adarna bird happened during my freshman year in
high school. Back then, it was an academic requirement to study corrido [a
popular narrative song and poetry that forms a ballad.] as part of Philippine
literature. Ibong Adarna is a 16th century Filipino epic poem about
an eponymous magical bird. The story is commonly attributed to the Filipino
poet Jose de la Cruz, better known as “Huseng Sisiw.” However, to this day, the
exact authorship is disputed because another legend says it was brought to the
Philippines by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.
Last
weekend, my boyfriend Jason and I were given the privilege to see the latest
show that REP Theater For Young Audiences [RYTA] has staged as it returns this
season via Quest For The Adarna at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati
City.
Purple Plum Fairy with boyfriend Jason enjoyed The Quest for Adarna
An enduring
epic that remains one of Filipinos’ great cultural treasures, the Ibong Adarna
story is reborn as an entertaining play with all-original music. This musical
is a must-see for everyone as it is the very first original Filipino musical
adaptation in English by REP!
RTYA gathers
brilliant production creatives to mount this spectacular musical. Creative
director Joy Virata is assisted by co-directors Jamie Wilson and Naths Everett,
music by Rony Fortich, and book and lyrics by Luna Grino-Inocian. Scenic design
by Joey Mendoza, Tata Tuviera for costume design while Otto Hernandez for the
Adarna design. These people behind the production joined hands to bring the
kingdom of Berbania into life.
A powerful
cast completes the production headed by veteran stage actress Carla
Guevara-Laforteza as the Adarna bird, Shiela Valderama-Martinez, Andrea Monique
Alvarado, and Cara Barredo. Joining them are Leo John Guinid, Diego Aranda, and
Neo Rivera as Prince Juan, Arion Sanchez, Jim Andrew Ferrer, and Ade Valenzona
as Prince Pedro; and Vinni Todd, Luis Marcelo, Sean Nolasco, and Andres
Borromeo as Prince Diego.
Diego Aranda and Alex Reyes
Completing
the wonderful cast are Jay Barrameda, Noel Rayos, and Hans Eckstein as the
Hermit; Justine Narciso, Alex Reyes, and Jillian ita-as as Maria Blanca; Arnel
Carrion and Raymund Concepcion as King Fernando and Naths Everett and Ayama
Eckstein as Queen Valeriana.
Cara Barredo played Maria Blanca during the opening show
The story
revolved around the life of King Fernando, Queen Valeriana and their three
sons, Prince Pedro, Diego and Juan. When the King was struck with a mysterious
illness which an expert says only the song of the mythical Adarna bird can
heal. His sons decided to capture the bird on Mount Tabor. After his two
brothers failed on their mission, Prince Juan bravely takes on the task to save
his ailing father.
Considered
as one of the oldest and well-known story in Philippine Folklore, REP’s take on
The Quest For The Adarna will surely make your imagination come alive in such a
colorful, magical and interactive stage that is suitable for all ages. It’s the
kind of play that not only kids will enjoy but also those kids-at-heart will
also definitely love as well. Adarna teaches kids unforgettable lessons about
family, courage, forgiveness, and love in one entertaining musical stage
production.
Tickets are
sold at Php800 [Orchestra center], Php600 [Orchestra side] while Balcony seats
are sold at Php500. Don’t miss this chance to see REP’s very first Filipino
musical adaptation. It’s going to be worth it, I can guarantee you that.
Catch Quest
For The Adarna from September 14, 2019 to January 26,2020 at Onstage Theater
Greenbelt 1. Grab your tickets now and brace yourselves on your epic journey
back to the magical kingdom of Berbania.
For
inquiries, call Rep at 451-1474 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Log in to www.ticketworld.com.ph
For updates
and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph
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