MANILA, Philippines—Iconic original Filipino production “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical“ returns to with a perfect blend of nostalgia and newness coming together seamlessly in an fresh staging at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts. Theatergoers who have seen it the first time can expect new faces and a more dynamic choreography and overall production, while those who have the 2020 virtual streaming as reference can trust AHEB is a must-watch, live experience.
Following recent celebrations of the World Theater Day, the theater community has brought excitement into overdrive as Newport World Resorts’ and Full House Theater Company brings phenomenal all-Filipino musical for its long-awaited return. “Ang Huling El Bimbo (AHEB)”, which opens this April has since been striking the chord in the hearts of Filipino audiences since its 2018 premiere to this day.
Image credit: Newport World Resorts
“When you choose to revive a show, especially an original piece, you are always on the lookout for aspects of the show you can improve on: how to make it relevant today. A lot of the choreography is fresh and new. The new cast will also bring a new energy to the show. And that’s what excites me,” said Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Artistic Director of Full House Theater Company and creator of Ang Huling El Bimbo.
Michael Stuart Williams, FHTC Co-artistic Director, talks about how the musical readily gave the much-needed escape to Filipinos especially during the pandemic. “There is a nostalgic quality to the music that transports you to happier times in act one. Then by act two, you are so invested in the characters and their respective stories that you are thoroughly hooked. And as it is with shows like this, it becomes cathartic to be taken through the gamut of emotions you will feel when you watch the show. I think it was a potent escape for those who were in lockdown during the pandemic.”
Image credit: Newport World Resorts
Led by returning cast members Gab Pangilinan, Topper Fabregas, Gian Magdangal, and Sheila Francisco, #AHEB2023 now features a diverse roster of upcoming and established actors taking on key roles in the fan-favorite production, including Bullet Dumas, Niño Alejandro, Katrine Sunga, Paw Castillo, and Anthony Rosaldo, in the show’s lead roles, joined by an ensemble cast of theater veterans and rising actors.
As director and former choreographer Dexter Santos highlights on the return of the show to a live audience following a momentous virtual streaming amid the pandemic, “The theater is back and it makes it more special because it’s ‘El Bimbo’.”
During the rehearsals preview, the cast showcased improved, more dynamic numbers with choreography led by Stephen Viñas and Fritz Esase and musical numbers with returning musical director Myke Salomon at the helm with well-loved segments including the “Waiting For The Bus” opening sequence, the beloved “Cha Dely Medley”, and the now iconic “Alapaap/Overdrive” mash up.
Image credit: Newport World Resorts
On the changes employed to mark the return of the musical after the pause caused by the pandemic, Santos highlights, “The beauty of theater is that no two performances are the same so in terms of choices, personality, and personalization, it’s going to be very interesting.”
“And as we go on rehearsing and discovering new things in terms of creating narrative, it becomes more [powerful], it becomes more updated, and more recent. It’s not exactly an overhaul, but it’s a matter of improving and enhancing the production. And since theater is alive, of course, di kami papayag that it’s going to be the same.”
Image credit: Newport World Resorts
AHEB returns as long as people are present in the room. People will be walking down the halls of the theater wanting to be entertained, to be able to cry, laugh and have joy again. Even when they know how the story goes and the music playing in every act, they slip into the dark for a new experience every time, because it becomes their nostalgic escape at that very moment.
And for those who are still uncertain, trust us when we say that AHEB is an absolute must-see, and feel. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, the blend of the old and new in AHEB is sure to leave you in awe.
Watch highlights of the exclusive media preview of “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical 2023” here:
The “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical” experience returns at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets outlets: P3,776 (SVIP), 3,236 (VIP), P2,696 (GOLD), P1,942 (SILVER), and P1,079 (BRONZE).
For inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team via JhayR Dela Cruz at 0917 818 9847, Raf Sangco at 0917 807 9387, Carl Cuaresma at 0917 829 2173, and Girah Manaligod at 0917 872 8309.