Here goes Jonathan Larson’s Tony-winning musical from the ‘90s.
The moment that theater fans have been eagerly waiting for is here! Yes, 9 Works Theatrical has just revealed the talented lineup of artists who are set to breathe life into the iconic characters of the musical Rent.
After the successful run of Tick, Tick… BOOM! last year, the Philippine theater company had a surprising reveal during the curtain call of its next project, also crafted by the acclaimed Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Larson. Theater talents Khalil Ramos, Jef Flores, Tanya Manalang, Kayla Rivera, Reb Atadero, and Vien King came together to share the exciting news, singing Seasons of Love to make the announcement even more memorable.
All You Need to Know About the Manila Staging of the Smash Hit Broadway Musical ‘Rent’
Loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows the story of a group of young artists and musicians who are struggling to survive and create a life in New York’s Lower East Side and their battles against HIV/AIDS. This rock musical carved its place in Broadway history, becoming one of the longest-running and earning accolades like the Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical.
The resounding success of Rent transcended the Broadway stage, sparking numerous tours and international productions. In 2005, it made a cinematic leap with an adaptation that featured six of the original eight principal cast members from the 1996 stage premiere, showcasing the talents of Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia.
For the 9 Works Theatrical production, Ian Pangilinan (Gaya sa Pelikula) and Reb Atadero (Ang Huling El Bimbo) are playing the role of narrator Mark Cohen. Anthony Rosaldo, who also took part in the 2023 run of Ang Huling El Bimbo, will step into the shoes of Roger, the struggling musician who is HIV positive. His love interest, Mimi, will be played by Molly Langley and Thea Astley.
The theatrical production will also feature the accomplished performances of Justine Peña and Jasmine Fitzgerald in the roles of Maureen, Mark’s former girlfriend, with Mica Fajardo and Fay Castro portraying her legal counsel, Joanne. The ensemble cast also includes Garrett Bolden and Markki Stroem as Tom Collins, Adrian Lindayag and Lance Reblando as Angel, Guji Lorenzana as Mr. Johnson, Vyen Villanueva as Paul, Kai Benson as Alexi Darling, Paul Valdez and Chesko Rodriguez as Steve, Misha Fabian as Ally, Jordan Andrews as Gordon, and Abi Sulit as Pam.
Rent is scheduled to run in April, with ticketing details and other information yet to be announced. Get ready to witness the exceptional performances of our Filipino actors as they bring to life the characters and iconic songs, like Seasons of Love, Light My Candle, and Take Me or Leave Me. Stay tuned for further updates!
Cover image credit: 9 Works Theatrical
