Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical (A Review)

By Anton Diaz

Original Article can be found HERE

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (KPANLL) is a proudly Original Filipino Musical about the aspirations and tribulations of the common Filipino, set amidst a battle between superheroes and supervillains. The show is very endearing throughout, flawlessly integrating Pinoy humor, poking fun at our quirky habits and (mis)pronunciation of words, and a hopeless love story.

I was in awe after the latest media preview at Onstage Greenbelt 1. It was my first time to watch the show, and we couldn't stop laughing and enjoyed it immensely.

I'm proud to be a witness of this coming of age of Philippine Theater and to watch history as it unfolds. Don't miss out on the show that everyone is raving about! 

This collaboration between Carlo Vergara (Writer and Creator) and Vincent De Jesus (Composer, Lyricist) is brilliant and unbeatable. Watch the video as they explain the inspiration behind KPANLL - The Musical.

Meet Fuwerza Filipinas--the most beloved superhero team of the country--who ironically do not speak Filipino nor interact with the common Filipino people.

Fuerza Filipinas is made up of Team Leader Madre de Dios (Shiela Valderrama-Martinez/Astarte Abraham), Leading Man (Hans Eckstein), Nena Babushka (Giannina Ocampo), Windang Woman (Caisa Borromeo), Bazooka Man (Jef Flores/Chuck Lazaro-Hipol), and Popoy Pusakal (Chesko Rodriguez). 

Kayumanggilas is the supervillain team and nemesis of Fuerza Filipinas, who vow to annihilate the superheroes with their temporary superhuman powers provided by the "Chemical Q". They are the proud Filipino team with all the quirky Pinoy traits.

Kayumanggilas features Team Leader Senyor Blangko (Domi Espejo/Nar Cabico), Henyotic the Scientist (Mikoy Morales/Rhenwyn Gabalonzo), Jeryc Sans Rival the Wolfman (Elliot Eustacio), Maracas Marko the Expert Boxer (Red Nuestro), and Itak-Itak (Red Concepcion/Joshua Cabilas).

The story focuses on the struggles of domestic helper Mely Moran and her sister Viva, who is perceived as lazy but believes she is destined for greater things.

The plot is layered with different themes, including the kilig love story of Mely Moran, who hopeless falls in love with her amo, the superhero Leading Man...

...and the social theme of the fight of good citizens vs. evil politicians, with the latter seemingly winning and succeeding in eliminating the good people of this country.


In many ways, it's like an evolution of the Pinoy superhero universe--from Zsazsa Zaturnnah to the new heroes and villains in Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.

I love how the lights, sounds, and set all work together to illicit emotions from and rouse the imagination of the audience.

In the end, love conquers all and the common Filipino wins! Frankly, a lot of the side stories are left hanging in the plot, likely leading theater audiences to clamor for a Part 2.


There are a number of things I love about Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical.

Firstly, there's Vincent de Jesus' Tagalog songs. They give the audience a deep insight into the Filipino psyche, while also making inspired use of our colloquial language. If I could compare it to anyone's music, it would be that of the Eraserheads--relatable, catchy, and memorable--the kind you would just love to play over and over again. 

Secondly, I also love the story, with it's blend of witty Pinoy humor, relevant social themes, and parallelisms to our own lives.

Lastly, I love that it's a feel-good musical and, in my humble opinion, a world-class production that can be staged in the likes of Broadway.

There were admittedly some dragging parts in the beginning, as the personalities of each of the characters were still being established. I also feel like some of the songs were senseless, like "We have a Maid", and I couldn't help but compare "Pretend I'm Her" to Eponine's song in Les Miserables.

I missed the first run of KPANLL at the PETA Theater, so I vowed not to miss this Onstage run. You have to watch this show and experience how it elevates the Original Filipino Musical to the world stage!

Congratulations to Dalanghita Productions, the creative team, and the entire cast of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - The Musical!

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com

 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY 
on its closing weekend run!
July 26, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM @ OnStage, Greenbelt

Ticket Prices: 1500, 1200 and 800

For inquiries, ticket sales and reservations,

Text Karl (0908.986.1896)
RC (0922.888.5348)
Onay (0917.908.0565)

 

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Teleports to Makati!

 

Dalanghita Productions, Inc will be restaging  

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady the Musical  

after its successful first run last May 2015. 

This time, the critically acclaimed musical 

is moving to OnStage, Makati!

 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY 
on its closing weekend run!
July 26, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM @ OnStage, Greenbelt

Ticket Prices: 1500, 1200 and 800

For inquiries, ticket sales and reservations,

Text Karl (0908.986.1896)
RC (0922.888.5348)
Onay (0917.908.0565)

 

Rak of Aegis is Back!

Original Article can be found HERE
 

 

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been a fruitful 47th theater season for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and while the theater is ablaze with the ongoing Summer Program, the company shows no signs of stopping for a breather.

PETA’s 48th season sees the comeback of crowd favorite and hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis. Fans and first-timers are expected to flood the theater for this record-breaking hit that is set to open this June, due to insistent public demand.

 

Breakout Kapuso star Aicelle Santos, and 2009 WCOPA Champion Kim Molina come back as Aileen; the promodizer with big dreams to raise her family from the knee-deep floods that have plagued their town for months. This all-Filipino, all-original musical features songs from the iconic band Aegis, with a star-studded ensemble on an award winning, must-see set.

This comedy musical has hit a record-breaking 135 shows in the first year of its showing alone, a milestone for the theater company and indeed, for Philippine theater. In 2014 alone it has garnered over 16 citations for performance and technical categories including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto), Musical Direction (Myke Salomon), Choreography (Gio Gahol), Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), Sound Design (Salomon and Happy Constantino), Set Design (Mio Infante), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Aicelle Santos and Joan Bugcat), Female Featured Performance in a Musical (Kalila Aguilos) and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Myke Salomon, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Juliene Mendoza)

 

The cast of Rak has also enjoyed several new projects in between runs: Poppert Bernadas who plays Aileen’s suitor Kenny was recently seen in The Voice Philippines, while Pepe Herrera (Tolits) enjoys a stint in the romcom TV series, Forevermore. Singer Kim Molina also breaks into the theater scene with production after production, most recently in the upcoming Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady by Dalanghita Productions.

This run also welcomes many new neighbors to Barangay Venizia. Renz Verano and  Lorenz Martinez both play Aileen’s father Kiel, opposite Lani Ligot (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert; Broad Way, Narrow Way) who plays Mercy, Aileen’s mother; The Company’s Sweet Plantado also joins the cast as Mary Jane. The ensemble is joined by PETA artist-teacher Roi Calilong (D’ Wonder Twins of Boac, PAMANA), Teetin Villanueva (MANHID, Maxie the Musical) with Via Antonio and Raflesia Bravo.

The cast also sees the return of talented ensemble members made up of Stella Mendoza (Mary Jane), Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy), Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Myke Salomon (Kenny), Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, and Gie Onida (Fernan), Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, and Jimmy Marquez (Jewel), Gimbey dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Jet Barrun, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, and Kakki Teodoro (Ensemble).

    

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch RAK OF AEGIS
on July 31, 2015 | Friday | 8PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1800, 1500 and 1000

For inquiries, ticket sales and reservations,

Text RC (0922.888.5348)

 

‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’ opens in Manila

By: Rhea Manila Santos

Original Article can be found HERE

What was originally meant to just be a one-act play and graphic novel, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is now a full-length production courtesy of playwright Carlo Vergara (whom we can also thank for giving us Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah). Add to that the brilliant direction of Cris Martinez (of Kimmy Dora and Here Comes the Bride) and the musical genius of Vince De Jesus (Himala the musical) and you've got the best possible maiden outing of Dalanghita Productions. The original storyline promised a love story, a family drama, and a general critique on Philippine society (mestizos versus the morenos) but during the press preview held last May 6 at the PETA Theater in Quezon City, it offered so much more.

Bituin Escalante does not disappoint as the central character Mely, a 35-year-old breadwinner who ends up becoming the housemaid of Fuerza Pilipinas, the fair-skinned superhero crime fighting squad of the country. Mely enters her employment choosing not to be star struck by her employers’ status and instead focus on the daunting tasks ahead for her. Escalante's vocal range is both expressive and powerful as it conveys varying emotions of conflict, anger, and love throughout the show. 

Playing her leading man is Markki Stroem who is aptly named Leading Man as well. His character is a lonely man looking for friendship, but ends up discovering love in Mely. He is also the newest member of Fuerza Pilipinas. After having been consistently seen in stage productions like Carrie last year, Stroem seems to have built up a quiet confidence and stage presence which makes him one of the most endearing characters in this musical. 

In the musical, Mely's dilemma starts when her younger sister Viva (Kim Molina) leaves home and crashes with her for the night at the headquarters. What Mely does not know is that Viva has been brainwashed by the Kayumanggilas, an underground group jealous of Fuerza Pilipinas's popularity and power. When Viva tries to steal secret documents, a whole lot of trouble ensues. 

From start to finish, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, in it's own endearing way, aims to entertain then to impress. Not hard for it to achieve both with so much fun involved onstage. In a series of touching, humorous, and always witty song numbers, the audience finds itself losing track of the three hours it takes to watch this ambitious and entertaining production. 

    

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!    

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY (The Musical)
on June 6 and June 7 (Saturday & Sunday) 3PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1200, 900 and 600  

For June 6, 2015 | Saturday | 3PM

Text: Karl (0908.986.1896),  LA (0917.633.9448)  and/or Jayme (0917.770.2762)   

For June 7, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM
Text: Buena (0917.885.0091),  Dain (0917.592.4567)  and/or Onay (0917.908.0565)

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‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’: 5 reasons to watch the ‘yaya’ musical of the year

By Ma. Glaiza Lee | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com
Original Article can be found HERE

 

The leading ladies of ‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady.’ In photo on the first row, from left are: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Madre de Dios, Bituin Escalante as Mely, Kim Molina as Viva; second row, from left: Astarte Abraham as Madre de Dios, Frenchie Dy as Mely, and Natasha Cabrera as Viva. Photo courtesy of Dalanghita Production.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady made a splash when it first came out as a one-act play-turned-graphic-novel at the annual Virgin Labfest in 2013. It revolves around two sisters, Mely and Viva, who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry become more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, amid the ongoing war between the superheroes and supervillains. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job in the headquarters of the superheroes, she needs to step up for the sake of her family.

The one-act play comes back with a vengeance as a full-length play which is set to open on May 7 and will run for four weekends until June 7, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Produced by Manila’s newest theater company Dalanghita Production, in cooperation with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), playwright Carlo Vergara extended the story and added some music and dance choreography to create a full-length musical spectacle.
Here are five reasons to watch this “new and improved” musical.


1. It’s created by the same team behind Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal.
From the creator of Zsazsa Zaturnnah, playwright and graphic novelist Carlo Vergara created another superhero-themed musical, and it brings back the artistic team behind the well-received musical that enjoyed successful multiple stage runs.

Leading Lady will be directed by Chris Martinez, with music and lyrics by Vincent de Jesus. Tuxqs Rutaquio, who played Ada in the Zsazsa Zaturnnah musicale, takes part in the stage and costume designs. Completing the crew are Lambert de Jesus (technical director), John Batalla (lighting designer), Nancy Crowe (choreographer), Mara Marasigan (assistant director), and Ejay Yatco (assistant musical director).


2. It pays homage to maids, the Filipino household’s real-time superheroes.
No controversial yaya meals here, but a “Yaya Musical” instead, says Carlo Vergara who shared during a recent press conference that he wrote the story with house helpers in mind.

“I created my graphic novels with an idea that everyone can be a superhero. In Zsazsa Zaturnnah, for instance, it was the parlorista who became the superhero. In Leading Lady, it was the maid. Growing up, with house helpers around, I would see their lives. They would come and go, some would stay longer. But as you learn about their lives, you can’t help but admire them for living away from their families and trying to make both ends meet. The thigs that they do, when you think about it, they are like superheroes. They can do everything. This play is like a little ‘thank you,’ a way of honoring them,” shared Vergara.

“In the song ‘We Have A Maid,’ the cast sings it when they finally find a new maid. Sometimes, we read social media posts like ‘Wala kaming yaya‘ or ‘Umalis na ‘yung yaya namin‘ and one can really feel the sadness; then, maya-maya, you’ll see an update ‘Yehey, we are so happy, we found a new yaya.’ You can feel that a heavy burden has been lifted. I want to capture that energy. I think house helpers deserve a little more praise.”


3. It has a powerhouse cast.
Bringing the characters to life are the country’s established artists from the theater, television, and film industries. Leading the cast is the First Lady of Philippine Theater, Menchu Launchengco-Yulo, who will play Madre De Dios, the leader of the group of superheroes called Puwersa Pilipinas.

Alternating as Mely the Maid are Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy who are both known for their powerful vocals. Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera alternate as Viva, Mely’s younger sister. Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein share the role of Leading Man, the newest member of Fuwerza Filipinas.

The stellar list of cast members include May Bayot as the mother of Mely and Viva, Astarte Abraham who will be alternating as Madre De Dios; Giannina Ocampo as Nena Babushka; Caisa Borromeo as Windang Woman; Chesko Rodriguez as Popoy Pusakal; Jeff Flores as Bazooka Man; Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo alternating as Senyor Blangko, the leader of supervillain group Kayumanggilas; Red Nuestro as Marakas Marko; Red Concepcion as Itak-Atak; Elliot Eustacio as Jeryc Sans Rival; and Vince Lim and Mikoy Morales as Henyotik.

The ensemble is composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos, Brian Sy, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Alejandro Santos and Joshua Cabiladas.

4. It has an insane plot.
The musical will take the audience through the journey of the characters as each one tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist. This original Filipino musical combines comedy, drama, romance, action, and deceptions, among others. It tackles the complexities of different relationships, from family to lovers, from friends and foes.

In a fantastical Philippines, the dry existence of the common folk is occassionally punctuated by the apperance of the greatest defenders of the republic, the Fuwerza Filipinas, a corporate-sponsored band of six superheroes. Though the common folk marvel at the grand exploits of these superheroes who are prone to often land on tabloid showbiz news, the public have little doubt that these heroes are beyond their reach.

But unknown to the public, the superheroes are struggling with a challenge: they have to find a maid. They used to have an army of housekeeping personnel, but because of a security breach caused by one of the housekeeping staff who had fallen in love with Leading Man, they now have none.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the city of the common folk, Mely Moran tries to make ends meet. 

Because her mother is unable to work and her sister Viva is not responsible enough, Mely takes whatever odd jobs her high-school education can give her, such as working as a domestic helper. Their mother scolds Viva for not being as industrious as Mely, but Viva believes that she is meant for greater things. Mely would also berate Viva, though she knows too well that she once did a terrible thing to her sister.

Mely eventually finds herself in the vast headquarters of Fuwerza Filipinas as the superheroes’ one and only housemaid. Viva, on the other hand, gets hired as well, for a job that promises her the kind of prestige she has long been dreaming of. The job, however, will require her to enter the Fuwerza Filipinas headquarters, as she is made to believe that the superheroes aren’t the supreme defenders they project themselves to be.


5. It is an original Filipino production.
From the story to music and lyrics, it is downright Filipino. And since it is fairly a new material, after Vergara has rejuvenated it into a full-length play, the audience can look forward to the fresh and the unexpected.

The new additions to an existing material has also become a challenge to the actors as they try to turn their respective roles, all rich and zany with backstories, into relatable characters.

Menchu Launchengco-Yulo enthused: “It is an original production. I came on the set with no idea what to do. It is like a clean slate. Most of the time when I portray a certain role, like for example in ‘Anna and the King,’ I already had an idea where Anna is leading to. I already have a model for the role. But with this one, I don’t have any. I have to start from scratch and build the character myself. And it is a good thing. It enhances an actor’s creativity when it comes to characterization. And it leads to creative exchanges among the cast members.”

    

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!  

Catch KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY (The Musical)
on June 6 and June 7 (Saturday & Sunday) 3PM @ PETA Theater Center

Ticket Prices: 1200, 900 and 600

For June 6, 2015 | Saturday | 3PM

Text: Karl (0908.986.1896),  LA (0917.633.9448)  and/or Jayme (0917.770.2762) 

For June 7, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM
Text: Buena (0917.885.0091),  Dain (0917.592.4567)  and/or Onay (0917.908.0565)

Like our FB Page:
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Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady June 6 - 7, 2015

 

from the creators of Zsazsa Zaturnnah ze Muzikal

Created by Carlo Vergara
Music and Lyrics by Vincent de Jesus
Direction by Chris Martinez

SYNOPSIS:
COMEDY, DRAMA, ROMANCE, ACTION, DECEPTION, CONFESSIONS, SUPERHEROES, SUPERVILLAINS, FAMILY

and a MAID
  

Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job under a group of superheroes, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. Based on Carlo Vergara's one-act play and graphic novel of the same title, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady the Musical revolves around Mely and Viva’s sibling relationship, made complicated by an unsettling past and a budding romance, all in the context of an ongoing war between the superhero and supervillain teams. The musical takes us through the journey of the characters as each tries to find his/her place in the world.  

Starring
Bituin Escalante & Frenchie Dy
Kim Molina & Natasha Cabrera
Markki Stroem & Hans Eckstein
May Bayot
Astarte Abraham
Giannina Ocampo
Jeff Flores
Chesko Rodriguez
Caisa Borromeo
Nar Cabico & Domi Espejo
Red Nuestro
Vince Lim & Mikoy Morales
Elliot Eustacio
Red Concepcion
Kakki Teodoro, Raf Bravo
Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Josh Cabiladas
Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos
Brian Sy, Ali Santos

With
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! 

Ticket Prices: 1200, 900 and 600

For June 6, 2015 | Saturday | 3PM
Text: Karl (0908.986.1896), 
LA (0917.633.9448) 
and/or Jayme (0917.770.2762) 

For June 7, 2015 | Sunday | 3PM
Text: Buena (0917.885.0091), 
Dain (0917.592.4567) 
and/or Onay (0917.908.0565)