“PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907” OPENS TANGHALANG PILIPINO’S POWERFUL NEW SEASON

Start:	Aug 10, '07
End:	Sep 2, '07
Location:	Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

The landmark sarswela by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson is revived in a new production as Tanghalang Pilipino’s 21st theater season opener. “PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907” will run at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino from August 10 to September 2, 2007. The production, set in the period prior to the national elections in 1907, tells about political conflict and family relations getting in the way of two pairs of star-crossed lovers when America was more in the heart.

Leading the remarkable cast are two of Manila’s finest sopranos alternating as Leonor, Ana Feleo and Lani Mabilangan Ligot. Theater’s most beloved leading men, Arnold Reyes and Miguel Castro, alternate as Leonor’s lover, the poet-journalist Emilio. Classical singer Nazer Salcedo and Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company member Bong Cabrera alternately play Andres, the supervisor of the family’s tobacco factory. Alternating as Pura, Andres’ object of affection, are Aliw Best Supporting Actress nominee, Wenah Nagales and Sugar Hiccup lead vocalist Jeanette Reyna. The bane to the star-crossed lovers is Don Pardo, played by character actor Dido dela Paz, the Federalista who’s at political odds with his family. Doña Pilar, the family matriarch, is alternately played by Mia Bolaños and Clotilde Lucero. Veteran actor Lu Veloso and comedian Garry Lim lend their comic talents as the balikbayan trumpet player Porong. Also in the cast is Andrew Cruz and Bong Embile (Juan/Pedro) , Eric dela Cruz and Roeder Camañag (Robert), Jean Judith Javier (Dorothy), and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company.

The libretto is by Nicanor Tiongson, with music by Lutgardo Labad, Louie Pascasio, Chino Toledo, Lucien Letaba, Nicanor Abelardo, Scott Joplin and Barry Fagan. Musical direction is by Chino Toledo, with production design by Leo Abaya. Notable fashion designer, Danilo Franco, creates fabulous ternos for the production. Legendary Dance artist Edna Vida Froilan provides the choreography while Barbie Tan Tiongco handles technical direction. At the director’s helm is Dennis Marasigan. The production is his first directorial assignment with Tanghalang Pilipino after assuming the company’s Artistic Director seat. He also doubles as the production’s lighting designer.

“PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907” has all the elements that made the sarswela very popular with audiences – love between gallant heroes and beautiful heroines, poignant solos and lavish choruses, comic songs and characters, period manners and domestic situations. But more than these, “PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907” also has contemporary themes – politics and tradition, human tragedy and conflict, and the search for realistic solutions – that make a point for today while retaining the sarswela’s old charms. This production caters to all ages and persuasions, but more specifically for music theater enthusiasts and students of Philippine history, literature, political science, and humanities. And plain old romantic lovers, too.

“PILIPINAS CIRCA 1907” is generously supported by Tesoro's, artonedesign, Flowerline, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT and Heart 103.5.

For details, bookings, reservations and ticket inquiries, please call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-3661, Ticketworld at 891-9999, or the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.