“Globe is an active supporter of projects that harness Filipino talents,” says Yoly C. Crisanto, head of Globe corporate communications. “We are hoping that by lending our resources to an original Filipino musical, we could be instrumental in further encouraging our artists to perfect their craft as well as promote local productions not only among discerning theater aficionados but to the general public as well.”
Just recently, Globe partnered with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) on the highly successful and long-running production of “Batang Rizal,” an educational, interactive comedy-musical theater play which went on a tour around the country to give a fresh look on the life and works of the country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal. Written by Christine Bellen, it featured all-original music composed and arranged by Vincent de Jesus, with direction by Dudz Teraña.
This time, “Katy!,” which was originally staged in the ’80s, chronicles the inspiring story of legendary jazz chanteuse Katy dela Cruz, who rose from the ranks to become one of the most illustrious, internationally acclaimed and highest-paid Filipino performers of her time. From the 1930s onward, throughout a prolific career that stretched over six decades, the live-wire act endeared herself to both foreign and local audiences with her mesmerizing stage presence, classic style and elegance, as well as her playful wit and irreverence.
The musical, which seeks to perpetuate the legacy of the Filipino jazz icon, features a powerhouse cast led by Isay Alvarez in the title role, Tirso Cruz III, Dulce, Epy Quizon, Lou Veloso, Gian Magdangal, the AMP Band, and Aicelle Santos who plays the young Katy.