Words by Kelly Punzalan
Photos by Kaye Bernal
The Romeo and Juliet-esque story between Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra we all know and love (or perhaps hate) will be brought to life on stage once again by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and J&S Productions, Inc. After its runs at the Kaye Playhouse in New York City in 2013, and at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. last 2014, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera will return home this March 8-10, 2019 at the CCP’s main theatre, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. A brilliant show based on the classic novel of Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera was able to bring even international audiences to tears with its beautiful music, heart-rending story, and exceptionally talented cast.
Noli Me Tangere, The Opera Cast and Creative Team
Noli Me Tangere, The Opera is one of the first and one of the few existing full-length Filipino operas in the Tagalog language–an amazing feat considering that most operas are in Italian, French, and German. Jerry Sibal, the director and set and costume designer, has a vision to continue the great legacy of our national hero, promote Filipino artistry, as well as showcase the talent we have right here in the Philippines.
“This is an expensive production and we’re not making money here. This is for the sake of art and love of country,” remarked Sibal. “We’re committed to promoting our arts and language, our culture and heritage, especially this beautiful work of our National Artists Felipe P. De Leon and Guillermo Tolentino.”
Allison Cervantes as Sisa
The show’s high-caliber cast gave soul-stirring performances that will move you emotionally. Although the WhenInManila.com team only saw snippets of the show, the powerful vocals of the singers made the hair on the back of our necks stand up!
The 2019 cast is lead by Nerissa De Juan and Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara); Ivan Niccolo Nery and Nomher Nival (Juan Crisostomo Ibarra); Allison Cervantes, Nicola Micaelle Peralejo, and Bernadette Mamauag (Sisa); Nazer Salcedo and Joseleo Logdat (Elias); Greg de Leon (Pilosopo Tasyo); Nils Flores and Ronnie Abarquez (Padre Damaso); Lawrence Roxas (Kapitan Tiyago); Noel Camia Jr. and Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).
Noli Me Tangere, The Opera Cast
On March 8-10, you can also expect a more modern set design with the combination of traditional physical set pieces and LED walls. The creative team wanted the production to have a more cinematic look and feel for this re-staging.
(left to right) Nomher Nival Juan as Crisostomo Ibarra, Ivan Niccolo Nery as Crisostomo Ibarra,
Nerissa De Juan as Maria Clara, Bianca Camille Lopez as Maria Clara
Let’s support our local theater industry and continue to show our appreciation for Filipino artists! Get your tickets now on Ticketworld or at the CCP Box Office. Students can avail of a 50% discount, while senior citizens, PWD, and government and military personnel are entitled to a 20% discount.
ALSO READ: A novel written by a Fil-Am will be published by Penguin Classics!
Noli Me Tangere, The Opera
March 8-10, 2019
Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay City, Manila
FB: www.facebook.com/nolioperamanila
CCP Box Office: 02 832 3704/06
Ticketworld: 02 891 9999
www.ticketworld.com.ph
Ticket Prices:
[Gala] Orchestra Center – P3,500 | Orchestra Side/Parterre – P2,800 |
Balcony 1 Center – P1,500 | Balcony I Side – P1,200 | Balcony II Center & Side – P1,000
[Matinee] Orchestra Center – P2,800 | Orceshtra Side/Parterre – P2,300 |
Balcony 1 Center – P1,400 | Balcony I Side – P1,200 | Balcony II Center & Side – P900
