MANILA, Philippines—In a recent announcement, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has officially unveiled its cast for the highly-anticipated upcoming musical theater adaptation of the 2007 film One More Chance featuring the rich discography of equally beloved Filipino entertainment icons, Ben & Ben. The moment the acclaimed theater company announced “One More Chance: The Musical” on its lineup of big productions for 2024, the promise to bring the audience back to the rollercoaster journey of Popoy and Basha of heartbreak and life has been eagerly awaited for since the folk pop collective took the stage to bring the wonderful news in late 2023.
As we brace ourselves for this musical offering, let’s take a brief walk down memory lane from 17 years ago in reminiscing the iconic characters whom we’ve loved and lines that etched a lot of viewers’ hearts from this film.
Originally portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz as Popoy, and Bea Alonzo as Basha One More Chance ushered in a blockbuster career for the two young actors at the time, it also brought a new era of modern love stories in formats loved by the viewing public through the lens of Cathy Garcia-Molina becoming a household name, not to mention iconic lines that captivated the audience’s attention such as “She had me at my worst, you had my best. And you chose to break my heart.”
Now, as PETA gears up for “One More Chance: The Musical”, the Popoys who will deliver the iconic lines have been announced to be taken on by Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato, who will bring a depth of emotion and heart to the role.
Alongside them are the female leads, Basha, who will touch the hearts of the theatergoers and surely fill the PETA Theater Center with tears, with actresses Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo.
Tricia, played on the screen by Maja Salvador, who will see the worst and heartbreak of Popoy are Kiara Takahashi and Sheena Belarmino, while the character of Mark, played in the film by Derek Ramsay, who will enter Basha’s life after a heartbreak are Jef Flores and Jay Gonzaga.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Completing the musical’s Thursday barkada and bringing an extra layer of depth and authenticity of emotional of journey of adulthood and life are Ada Tayao and Rica Laguardia alternating as Krissy (originally played by Dimples Romana), Poppert Bernadas and Paji Arceo alternating as Kenneth (played by James Blanco), Via Antonio and Dippy Arceo as the feisty Anj (played for the screen by Beatriz Saw), Johnnie Moran as the shampoo-drinking Chinno (played by Janus Del Prado), and Jon Abella as JP (played by Ahron Villena).
Completing the cast are Chez Cuenca and Coleen Paz, who is set to alternate as Helen/Guia/Roselle, Carla Guevara Laforteza and Neomi Gonzales, alternating as Rose/Edith, Raul Montesa and Floyd Tena, who will alternate as Bert/ Willie, JC Galano as Francis/Mr. Tan, and Hazel Maranan as Elvie/Mrs. Abellera.
And adding more doors of melancholy and heart-rending melodies by the Filipino band Ben & Ben.
As PETA rolls its sleeves for another musical production that is set to captivate and pull another heartbreaking and impactful show, bringing another timeless love story to the fore, “One More Chance: The Musical” is looking to be a welcome celebration of the rich talent pool of actors, singers, and creatives in the theatrical scene. This crossover of yet another mainstream-loved material to the stage is a welcome treat unlike any other.
See this touching story performed live on stage. The PETA’s “One More Chance: The Musical” runs from April 12 to June 16, 2024.