People who have read the book and seen the film now get to experience the classic story of Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag live and onstage because a musical based on it is in the works!
The musical will serve as a tribute to the late National Artist for Film, Lino Brocka, who directed the 1975 film. It is based on a novel by Edgardo Reyes and tells the story of Julio Madiaga, a probinsyano, who goes to Manila to search for his beloved Ligaya Paraiso.
After the auditions held last June, Grand Leisure Production finally announced the stars who will be giving Julio and Ligaya life onstage.
Arman Ferrer is set to play the probinsyano Julio, a role that was portrayed by Bembol Roco in the film. Ferrer appeared in a number of musicals before which includes the Steampunk Musical Mabining Mandirigma which earned him the PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY 2015 award for Best Featured Male in a Musical.
Meanwhile, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue will be giving life to Ligaya which was first played by Hilda Koronel. Valderrama-Martinez appeared in 50 Shades The Musical Parody and RAK of Aegis where she was nominated Best Actress in a Featured Role in the 2016 Gawad Buhay Awards. Maigue, on the other hand, is a soprano who has written songs and performed in solo cultural concerts in different parts of the world. She was one of the leads of TV5's Trenderas.
Bringing the musical to life is Joel Lamangan (director), Von de Guzman (Musical Director). It will feature a libretto by Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez, and choreography by Douglas Nierras.
Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag, the Musical will run from September 30 to October 6 at the KIA Theater. Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets and online.
While waiting for details on the upcoming production, here's the trailer for the restored version of the 1975 film:
