Franco is Rizal in Fili

MANILA, Philippines - Dulaang UP is bringing back the original Filipino musical Isang Panaginip na Fili. The production, Dulaang UP’s prelude to the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, is written by Floy Quintos, with original music by Ceejay Manuel Javier.

Isang Panaginip na Fili is a radical reworking of Rizal’s El Filibusterismo. For one, Rizal himself is a central character in the musical.

The play is about the idea of transformation. Ibarra’s transformation from reformist to filibustero is the very crux of the novel, a shift echoed by Kabesang Tales’ morphing into Matang Lawin, Basilio into a disillusioned rebel, and Juli from a faithful lass to a sexual plaything.

Even Maria Clara transforms from Ibarra’s chaste inamorata to Salvi’s secret whore. The new libretto makes explicitly clear the transformations only hinted at in Rizal’s novel.

Reprising Pepe Rizal is Franco Laurel — a role that won for him an Aliw Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2009. Alternating with him is Red Concepcion.

Alternating as Tunying are Reuben Uy, OJ Mariano and Nazer Salcedo; Floyd Tena and Inno Martin play as Basilio; Greg De Leon and Dondi Ong as Kabesang Tales; Mica Pineda and Janine Santos as Juli; and Ces Quesada and Emlyn Santos as Donya Victorina.

Comprising the artistic team are musical director/composer CeeJay Javier, choral director Onyl Torres (who played Tunying in the original run), choreographer Dexter Santos, set designer Tuxqs Rutaquio, technical director Ohm David, lights designer Luther Gumia, sound designer Jethro Joaquin, video master/designer Winter David and stylist Jomari Jose.

Isang Panaginip na Fili runs today and on Dec. 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City, from Wednesdays to Fridays, 7 p.m.; and at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

For tickets, call 0917-7500107 or the Dulaang UP Office 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.