What is one word you can use to describe Liwanag Sa Dilim? Director Robbie Guevara, who also wrote the book, quickly jumped in with ‘mystery’. Pressed further to explain why, he just says, “You’ll have to watch it to see what we mean.”
Turning to scenographer and costume designer Mio Infante for some clarity, and a hint to his design inspiration, he replied in turn, “It’s inspired by mystery. It will be something different.” These cryptic descriptions are the driving force behind one of the most anticipated shows of the year’s theater season — 9Works Theatrical’s Liwanag Sa Dilim, featuring the songs of singer-songwriter Rico Blanco — which opens this weekend.
At the center of this story is Elesi, a young boy in search of his real parents, in an attempt to reconcile his past with his present life, uncovering mysterious secrets along the way. Playing counterpoint to him is his trusted friend Cris, with whom their connection, along with a close group of allies, ignites a revolution that changes their lives. Set in a dystopian-inspired space, it tells a story that is driven by heart, grit, and dreams of a better world.
Bringing both story and song to life are a cast of talented young actors
— all of whom have carved out a space for themselves on both film and stage. Leading the pack are Khalil Ramos and Anthony Rosaldo, sharing the role of Elesi. Both actors have received rave reviews in past 9Works’ productions (and both Jonathan Larson’s work) — Ramos in Tick, Tick, Boom in 2023, and Rosaldo in last year’s Rent. Joining them in featured roles are Alexa Ilacad, and Vien King, along with One More Chance alums CJ Navato and Nicole Omillo. GMA Sparkle artist Rita Daniela and Isang Himala actress Noemi Gonzales complete the starring set.
With the continued popularity of jukebox musicals, it made sense for the music of a prolific singer-songwriter like Rico Blanco to have made its way to the stage. In what can only be described as serendipity, Guevara (who was thinking up new ideas for a show) found himself at a dinner with Blanco. Taking the chance, and, figuratively, popping the question, the singer turned and said, “Let’s do it!”
Guevara set out to work on a book and script, along with Infante, and dramaturg JonJon Martin, targeting a 2020 opening. The pandemic may have put everything on hold, but it gave the writer-director time to revisit and retell this story — one that their primarily Gen Z audience would relate to. “We brought in a Gen Z consultant to help us with the language, the tone, and the overall telling of the story,” shared Guevara. “We kept most of the original story, but we changed up a few of the elements. We’re still fine-tuning as we go along.”
Liwanag Sa Dilim will feature many of Blanco’s songs from his Rivermaya era, with new arrangements and orchestration by Orlando dela Cruz. Theater actor Lorenz Martinez (who was last seen in Once On This Island and Bar Boys) steps in as assistant director, musical direction will be led by Daniel Bartolome and PJ Rebullida as choreographer.
Get ready to immerse yourself and unravel a dystopian world of mystery, told through the music and prose of Rico Blanco, in 9Works’ Liwanag Sa Dilim . The show opens this weekend, with 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. show on Saturdays and Sundays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Come together under Isang Bandila, and grab your tickets now are now through Ticket2Me.