The Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” ended its run last weekend, featuring Nyoy Volante, Jay Glorioso, K-La Rivera, Felix Rivera.
A night at the theater always makes you feel good about how rich indeed the Philippines is—in artistic talent. No matter that they know how theater is hardly one’s bread and butter, the young are nonetheless drawn to the stage. And today, they have a thriving audience.
Leading the young artists in “In the Heights” is 20-year-old Canada-raised K-La Rivera, who, with the voice, the acting skills, and the looks to hook the audience, can remind one of Lea Salonga when the music icon was beginning to gain an audience. Rivera began singing at age three, took voice lessons at nine, and after graduating from high school at 18, committed herself to a performing career.
There’s also Altair Alonso whose moves onstage easily grab the limelight. He’s the second son of the performing-arts couple Chinggoy and Veda Alonso.
This broadway musical (conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, music and lyrics also by Miranda) was directed by the man behind Atlantis, Bobby Garcia.
After “In the Heights,” Atlantis brings back “Next to Normal,” Oct. 7 to 16, also at RCBC Plaza. Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and 3 Tony Awards, it was a hit when Atlantis staged it a few months ago.
It stars Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jett Pangan and Felix Rivera.