One of my favorite movies is Matilda! A year ago, we watched it again since it was first released in 1996, together with our daughter. She was three years old at that time. When I heard that this was turned into a play, I was excited to watch it. I was even more excite to find out that this internationally acclaimed musical, Matilda, will be produced and shown here in Manila by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group. The opening night will be on November 10!
One of the things that I looked at right away were the people who will be playing the different significant roles. The role of Matilda will be played by Telesa Marie “Esang” De Torres, whose most notable works include ABS-CBN’s The Voice, and the Les Miserables Asian tour, Uma Naomi Martin, who has made her theater debut in A Little Princess, and Felicity Kyle Napuli, who has been recognized as Outstanding Child Performer at the Gawad Musika Awards.
The other cast members who will be Matilda’s wacky and charming classmates are namely Gabrielle Aerin Ong and Maria Ericka Peralejo as Lavander; Denise Fidel Arteta and Chi Chi Tan as Amanda; Nicole Chien and Ella Gonzalez as Alice; Alba Berenguer-Testa and Chantel Marie Guinid as Hortensia; Josh Nubla and Miguel Suarez as Bruce; Rhythm Alexander and Ian Albert Magallona as Eric; Gabo Tiongson and Pablo Miguel Palacpac as Nigel; and John Joseph Miraflores and Teddy Velasco as Tommy.
The Wormwoods
Of course, I also wanted to know who will be playing the adult roles. Due to give some show-stopping performances are Jamie Wilson (37 years of acting experience) as Miss Trunchbull. He has made the theater his home since the age of seven, appearing in numerous critically acclaimed productions such as Pippin, Almost Maine, Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli; The Four Seasons, and Run For Your Wife.
Cris Villonco will play Miss Honey. Cris, who rose to stardom as a solo artist best known for her hit single “Crush ng Bayan”, and has since then has made a name for herself in the world of theater and film. She recently appeared as Alison in Atlantis’s Fun Home.
Joaquin Valdes will play Mr. Wormwood. Joaquin is not a stranger to the Philippine theater scene. He started as a performer at a very young age and took a break from it working in advertising for eight years.
Carla Guevara-Laforteza will play the wife, Mrs. Wormwood. Carla, who is a Miss Saigon alumni, has performed with Atlantis in many productions including Nine, The Addams Family, Saturday Night Fever and Avenue Q.
Emeline Celis-Guinid will be Mrs. Phelps. Emeline has started performing at seven years old and has been seen in Atlantis musicals such as Rock of Ages, The Bridges of Madison County, Jersey Boys and Saturday Night Fever.
Nel Gomez, who will be playing Michael Wormwood, has been acting for 10 years, was most recently seen in Kinky Boots.
Bibo as Rudolpho, started his acting venture with The Ateneo Blue Repertory, was last seen on the Atlantis musical stage as Bob Crowe in Jersey Boys. The energetic ensemble consists of many of the country’s most dynamic performers.
To complete the cast are Steven Conde, Tim Pavino, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Teetin Villanueva, Gerhard Krystoffer, Alex Reyes, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Gabby Padilla and Mica Fajardo.
Matilda is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecile Martinez, Lighting Design by Driscoll Otto, Musical Direction by Farley Asuncion, Set Design by Faust Peneyra, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Kevin Heard, Vocal Coaching by ManMan Angsico, Assistant Direction by Steven Conde, Assistant Choreography by Jim Ferrer, and Assistant Vocal Coaching by Rhenwyn Gabalonzo.
Presented by Promil together with Metrobank Card Corporation, Matilda will make its Philippine debut at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Center, Pasig City from the 10th of November to the 10th of December this year. My family is very excited to watch this!
Shows will be scheduled on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m and 8:00pm. The show is recommended for children aged 7 and above (children under the age of 4 will not be permitted inside the theater). Tickets ranging from P1,500 to P4,000 are now available at Ticketworld (call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph).
For more information, visit http://atlantistheatrical.com/faq.
