The stage musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” which became a big hit on its debut run in 2018 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, is currently showing at the same venue until April 14. What makes its playdate at 8 tonight, March 31, special is that it’s a benefit for the Inquirer Foundation, which supports newsboys and their families.
Original Filipino musical
An original Filipino musical production that tells the story of a group of friends reliving the past and confronting the present—through the songs of The Eraserheads—“Ang Huling El Bimbo” stars Gian Magdangal, OJ Mariano, Jon Santos, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as the older versions of Hector, Emman, Anthony, and Joy, respectively. Reb Atadero, Boo Gabunada, and Tanya Manalang play their younger versions.
From the first run, Topper Fabregas has been replaced by Lance Reblando, and Phi Palmos as the young Anthony.
Jamie Wilson and Sheila Francisco reprise their original roles as sergeant and Joy’s aunt.
The new cast members are Bibo Reyes as the young Hector, Gab Pangilinan, the young Joy, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, the old Joy, David Ezra, the old Hector, and Nicco Manalo and Myke Salomon (who’s also the musical director) as the old and young Emman.
Dexter Santos directs from the script of Dingdong Novenario. Costume designer is Marlon Rivera. Floy Quintos serves as dramaturg who helped streamline the narrative.
“Ang Huling El Bimbo,” March 31, 8 p.m., Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay
