Stage Version
Screenwriter Ricky Lee collaborated with the Cultural Center of the Philippines' resident theatre company Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) to stage a musical version entitled Waláng Himalâ.
Originally, the collaboration intended to stage a "sequel," set twenty years after Elsa was shot (the same time that had lapsed since the movie was shown). It would have starred Nora Aunor in the role of Elsa, establishing her as surviving the gunshot.
However, Aunor was not available and the team went on to produce a musical version of the movie. It was staged in the Huséng Batutè Theatre of the CCP in 2003 in the 20th season of TP. The libretto was by Ricky Lee, music and musical direction by Vincent de Jesus, lyrics by Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee, direction by Soxie Topacio, set and costume design by Gino Gonzales, choreography by Jose Jay Cruz and lighting design by Benjamin Villareal, Jr. May Bayot played the role of Elsa together with Isay Alvarez as Nimia, Cynthia Culig-Guico as Chayong, Eladio Pamaran as the Reporter and Dulce as Nanay Saling. Bayot won an Alíw Award for Best Actress in a Musical that year.
Due to popular demand, it was re-staged at the larger Tanghalang Aurélio Tolentino in 2004 in the 21st season of TP with the same artistic team. It went to Shanghai, China in 2008 as the Philippine representative to the Shanghai International Theater Festival. Waláng Himalâ which was the final song in the musical, was featured in CCP's Gala 40th Anniversary Concert "Rubies," performed by mezzo-soprano Clarissa Ocampo with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, arranged and conducted by Maestro Chino Toledo.
The original cast recording, produced by de Jesus, was recorded in 2008 and was released independently and is available for download at http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/album/vincent-de-jesus/1099017/Himala_(Original_Cast_Recording).html.
"A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSICAL - HIMALA, 10TH ANNIVERSARY," a concert celebrating the musical will open on March 15, 2013 at the PETA Theater Center featuring the original cast and several new performers.
Read more about this topic: Himala
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