Calling all hopeless romantics and Ben&Ben fans! Brace yourselves because the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) just announced that One More Chance, The Musical is getting an extension, in response to an unprecedented outpouring of support. Remember that heart-stopping moment when tickets disappeared faster than you could say “Araw-Araw”? (It’s a Ben&Ben song, for the uninitiated!) Due to overwhelming demand, the musical will now run from April 12th to June 30th, 2024 at the PETA-Phinma Theater in New Manila, Quezon City. One More Chance, The Musical will be available starting March 7 via TicketWorld.
The initial 50-show run of One More Chance, The Musical witnessed an absolute ticket-buying frenzy. We’re talking close to 1,800 tickets snatched up in the FIRST HOUR of the pre-sale! By the end of the three-day pre-sale, more than half of the entire run was already sold out.
“We are thankful and extremely grateful for the unprecedented ticket turn-out and box-office surge” shared Maribel Legarda, the musical’s director and PETA’s artistic director. “The local theater industry is rising and seeing an economic boom,” she adds. “We’ve chosen to put together two Pinoy icons, One More Chance and Ben&Ben to tap and develop new audiences outside of the regular mainstream musical theatergoers,” Legarda said, adding that the overwhelming reaction of the public shows the strength of this collaboration of a lifetime.
This outpouring of love for the show is a testament to the thriving Filipino theater scene and the enduring power of the Popoy and Basha story.
A Match Made in Musical Heaven!
This innovative musical takes the iconic 2007 film, One More Chance, and reimagines it for a contemporary audience. It’s not just a carbon copy of the original story – it offers a richer, more nuanced experience thanks to the powerful writing of Michelle Ngu-Nario and the emotionally resonant music of Ben&Ben.
Expect a show packed with the band’s chart-topping hits like “Kathang Isip,” “Araw-Araw,” and “Leaves.” The production also delves deeper into themes of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of relationships, and the choices we make, making it even more relatable for today’s audience.
Addressing Modern Issues with Sensitivity
“We brought depth to how we view the self in relationships, the choices that we make, and how these reverberate to our social circles, our family, friends, and society in general,” One More Chance, The Musical playwright Michelle Ngu-Nario said, adding that it will also immerse in raging issues such as mental health. This includes exploring the complexities of mental health, adding another layer of depth and relevance to the story while staying true to its core message.
A Stellar Cast Takes Center Stage!
Get ready to be mesmerized by the performances of a phenomenal cast led by the talented Sam Concepcion, CJ Navato, who will play Popoy, together with Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo as Basha. They are joined by Kiara Takahashi and Sheena Belarmino as Tricia, Jef Flores and Jay Gonzaga as Mark. The musical will also feature Poppert Bernadas and Paji Arceo as Kenneth, Ada Tayao and Rica Laguardia as Krizzy, Via Antonio and Dippy Arceo as Anj, Jon Abella as JP, and Johnnie Moran as Chinno. The cast also includes budding and veteran theater artists: Chez Cuenca, Coleen Paz, JC Galano, Matthew Barbers, Neomi Gonzales, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Raul Montesa, Floyd Tena, and Hazel Maranan, a whole ensemble of amazing theater actors, both veterans and rising stars!
One More Chance, The Musical is written by Michelle Ngu-Nario, directed by Maribel Legarda, assistant direction and dramaturgy by J-mee Katanyag, musical direction and sound design by Myke Salomon, choreography by Michael Barry Que, set design by Ohm David, costume design by Carlo Pagunaling, lighting design by David Esguerra, projection design by Bene Manaois.
Don’t Let This Chance Slip Away!
One More Chance, The Musical promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of the original film, Ben&Ben enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good love story with a modern twist. Tickets go on sale again on March 7th via TicketWorld. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this theatrical phenomenon!
The musical is presented by PETA together with Metrobank and Robinsons Malls.
For more info, check out the PETA website here: https://petatheater.com or follow them on social media (@petatheater). For partnerships, contact PETA’s Marketing and Public Relations Office at 0917-5765400 or petatheater@gmail.com.
