Everyone and their mother knew the tandem of KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad—a.k.a KDLex—from “PBB: Kumunity Season 10 Celebrity Edition.” People instantly loved the chemistry (and special connection) between the two, especially when they constantly stood to protect each other while inside the house.
But as much as I already find the pair pretty cute since then, I only started taking a genuine interest in them after they dropped their song collaborations “When I See You Again,” “Misteryo,” “Hiwaga,” and “Palagi.” Unlike most love teams who have their singles produced for them, KD and Alexa often have a hand in writing the lyrics and melody of whatever they put out.
With a shared fondness and talent for music, I knew it was only a matter of time until the onscreen couple (who are exclusively dating in real life) would take the next step and explore the music world on a deeper level. And I was right.
On Nov. 13, the Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA) officially announced that KD and Alexa are playing the protagonists in the musical farce “Walang Aray.”
Think “Romeo and Juliet” meets “Hamilton: The Musical” but set during the Philippine revolution. It’s a modern, genre-defying adaptation of Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela “Walang Sugat,” which follows the story of Tenyong (KD) and Julia (Alexa) who fought for their love in an era when the injustices of Spanish colonization still reigned.
According to PETA, KD and Alexa will play alternately with “triple threat performers” Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila. (Fun fact: Gio and Marynor were the OG actors who portrayed Tenyong and Julia in the musical farce’s 2019 run.) They will also be joined by Jarred Jaicten, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Gie Onida, Norbs Portales, Neomi Gonzales, and John Emmanoel Moran, among others.
Written by Rody Vera, directed by Ian Segarra, and music by Vince Lim, “Walang Aray” promises an old-meets-new approach: the use of classic language larded with contemporary lingos, funk and pop tunes, and tongue-in-cheek humor to address heavy political issues during the Spanish rule. It’s set to be staged at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from February to May 2023, marking PETA’s official return to the live stage.
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Photos from PETA Theater on Instagram