March 30, 2025
In 2025, young NGO worker Elesi (Khalil Ramos) became an orphan again. His adoptive parents passed away within a year of each other. Elesi received two things which he had with him when he was adopted. One was a necklace with a distinct pendant. The other was a handheld spinning toy. Elesi soon realized that he can actually travel back and forth in time whenever he would press the green button on this toy.
In one of his trips back in history, Elesi found himself in the 1880s in Manila. He met Cris (Vien King), a gentleman who just came home from studying in Europe. For more ease, Cris and his fiancee Clara (Alexa Ilacad) called Elesi as Elias. Cris was busy building a school in his community, while seeking justice from a powerful person who had disrespected his father. One day, a bad accident at the construction of Cris's school put all his plans in jeopardy.
This new production staged by 9 Works Theatricals is another jukebox musical, this time using the songs written by Rico Blanco for himself and for his previous band, Rivermaya. As you can probably surmise from the synopsis above, the book written by director Robbie Guevara was based on a certain famous Philippine novel, at least the first act. However, on the second act that Guevara totally went off page to whip up new surprises for all the characters.
Musical director Daniel Bartolome had the meticulous task of picking which Rico Blanco songs and which parts of these songs to stitch into the book to move the story forward. "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" and "Umaaraw, Umuulan" were recurrent themes. "Kisapmata" was a heartbreaking moment for a neglected lover. "Himala" was an answered prayer for a distressed mother. "Balisong" became a gothic incantation of lust by a creep.
Now 1-1/2 years after his theater debut in "Tick Tick Boom!" also with 9 Works, Khalil Ramos still stunned his audiences with his acting skills, as well as his singing range as he belted out his difficult songs. Elesi's name was obviously chosen because of the song with the same title. However, the part how the song was integrated in the story was very well-written. Ramos' rendition of "Elesi," "Ulan," "241" and especially "214" were memorably emotional, as his "Your Universe" and "You'll Be Safe Here" were romantic. (Anthony Rosaldo alternates as Elesi.)
Vien King struck a noble stance and strong tenor vocals as hot-headed heroic figure, Cris. He gets to lead the singing of patriotic songs, "Isang Bandila," Panahon Na Naman," "Yugto," "Posible," "Alab ng Puso," and the title song "Liwanag sa Dilim." Like her Julia in "Walang Aray," Alexa Ilacad's Clara, delightful in her fast pick up of Gen Z English slang, was hopelessly in love with her man, but she also aspired for agency for women like her. (CJ Novato and Nicole Omillo alternate as Cris and Clara.)
Arnel Carrion, with his height and classic Hispanic visage, looked perfect to play the most reviled villain in Philippine literature. However, the only solo he got to sing was "Chismis," in a comedic number that felt forced in. On the other hand, Boo Gabunada and his huge curly pigtails, played the sleazy shadowy second villain to the hilt. For "Faithless," he was given a full production number bathed in eerie red light, with a chorus of evil nuns behind him.
Neomi Gonzales played Nanay, a woman whose husband was a useless drunkard and gambler. She thought the safest place for her two young sons (Prince Espana and Elian Santos) was at the church as altar servers. However, she suffered overwhelming misfortune and abuse that drove her mad. Unlike her past roles, Gonzales had no comic relief at all in this tragic role. She cannot even afford to smile. (Rita Daniela alternates as Nanay. Clave Sun and Gian Sarita alternate as her sons.)
The rest of the cast include Jon Abella, Raul Montesa, Rica Laguardia, Lani Ligot, and Jasper John Jimenez, Brianna Bunagan, Iya Villanueva, Lucylle Tan and Denzel Chang. The male swings are Paji Arceo and Mark Tayag. The female swings are Chez Cuenca and Fay Castro.
The scenography of Mio Infante was one of the most stunning aspects of this show. The time-travel theme required backdrop quick-changes which were executed well with the actors, as Elesi went from high-rise condominium to the balcony of Clara's house to the inner sanctum of a convent (even to a close encounter with a T-rex) with a mere click of a button. The live band played on an elevated platform above the main stage, obscured by a translucent screen.
This show was certainly an ambitious undertaking by 9 Works Theatricals. The running time of 2 hours and 45 minutes is formidable, in spite of the 15 minute intermission. Perhaps the script could use some streamlining for future stagings, especially for Act 1 since its events are already familiar to most viewers. Appreciation of the parody aspects of Act 2 may depend on the sensitivities of the viewers, since it subverts a supposedly virtuous martyr character. I did like the way that the ending set up for a possible sequel, perhaps with music of another band.
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"Liwanag sa Dilim: The Musical" was originally running from March 7 up to April 13, 2025 only, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. However, it has been announced that its run will be extended to resume after Holy Week for two more weekends, continuing up to May 3, 2025.
Ticket prices range from P3900 (Orchestra Center Premium), P3,700 (Orchestra Center, Loge Center), P3,500 (Orchestra Center Front), P3,600 (Orchestra Side), P3,400 (Orchestra Side Zone 2, Loge Side, Loge Back), and P2,00 (Balcony) -- available via Ticket2Me via this LINK.
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