Repertory Philippines steps boldly onto a brand new stage as it reopens its theater doors with a modern reimagination of "Carousel". The beloved Broadway hit musical will run from 26 November to 18 December 2022 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, making it one of the first shows to run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' newly inaugurated black box theater.
With music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, "Carousel" became an instant hit, lauded by critics and audiences alike. The original production won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical. Hailed by Time Magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century, its various revivals have also won several Tony Awards.
A story about a whirlwind romance between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan, it features some of musical theater's most timeless music and iconic songs, including "If I Loved You" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Rep's "Carousel" is directed by Toff De Venecia, who is determined to bring a bold, brave vision for a new generation of theatergoers. This musical masterpiece will be brought to life by a star-studded cast led by singer, actress, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari as Julie Jordan, and sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal as Billy Bigelow.
"Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants and take on the challenge of reimagining this classic musical for contemporary Filipino audiences," De Venecia says. "Featuring new artistic voices and talent as well as postmodern perspectives, the team boldly dreams up what 'the best musical of the 20th century' might look like today. It's a radical departure from previous iterations, even from what we set out to do in 2020. We draw inspiration from Filipino creativity and the words of the original choreographer and dancer Agnes de Mille – that is, 'taking leap after leap in the dark.' This will be the ultimate 21st-century test for a 20th-century text."
Tickets will be available at the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets. Message Repertory Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, its website www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or email info@repphil.org.
