‘Joseph the Dreamer’ returns with a new generation of storytellers

A familiar biblical tale of betrayal, faith and forgiveness returns to the stage this November, with Jordan Andrews, Neo Rivera and Nonie Buencamino leading Trumpets’ latest production of Joseph the Dreamer.

The musical will run from 6 to 22 November at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, bringing one of Philippine theater’s enduring productions back to audiences old and new.

For Andrews and Rivera, the role of Joseph carries the weight of a legacy. Both actors previously played Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, while alternating in the title role. They now return to the character with more experience and a deeper understanding of his journey.

Andrews, whose theater credits include Ang Huling El Bimbo, Rent, Shrek the Musical and A Chorus Line, first played Joseph in 2025. His early stage experience includes performances in Miss Saigon and The King & I on Broadway and in the West End. He later gained wider recognition in the Philippines as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother Season 10: Celebrity Edition.

For Andrews, Joseph’s story is about offering hope to people who may be going through difficult times.

“Playing Joseph means being part of a story that might reach someone exactly when they need it,” he said. “If I’ve done my job right, someone else goes home wearing their own coat of hope, integrity, and forgiveness.”

Rivera, meanwhile, has worked across theater, film and the visual arts. His credits include Going Home to Christmas and The Quest for the Adarna. After taking a break from the stage, he returned in A Christmas Carol and played Phil in On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

His connection to Joseph the Dreamer goes back to 2020, when he joined as an understudy. He became an alternate in the 2022 run and now steps into the role again.

“Truly, it was God’s hand at work when the opportunity to play this role presented itself,” Rivera said. “Beyond the pressure of living up to our predecessors, what I choose to focus on is bringing my own interpretation of Joseph to life.”

Legacy

Since its earlier runs in the 1990s and 2000s, Joseph the Dreamer has remained a significant part of Trumpets’ history. The musical has also served as a career milestone for performers who have taken on the title role, including Audie Gemora, Gary Valenciano, Franco Laurel, Alvin dela Peña and Sam Concepcion.

Gemora, Trumpets’ artistic director and the original Joseph, said the production continues to hold a special place in his life.

“Of all the musicals I’ve done, there was only one show that changed my life — that is Joseph the Dreamer,” he said. “The same goes for everyone who has been part of this show. It reminds us that God truly has a plan for all of us.”

The story follows Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, whose brothers sell him into slavery out of jealousy. What begins as an act of betrayal sets him on a journey marked by hardship, unexpected turns and the power of forgiveness.

The 2026 production builds on the musical’s previous reimagining, which featured original direction by Paolo Valenciano, musical direction by Myke Salomon and choreography by MJ Arda. Bernice Aspillaga takes the lead as staging director for the upcoming run, with Jim Ferrer serving as assistant director and dance captain and Jay Pangilinan as musical director.

New cast

Veteran actor Nonie Buencamino joins the production as Jacob, Joseph’s father. With decades of work across film, television and theater, Buencamino brings an extensive body of experience to the role. His screen credits include Heneral Luna, Goyo: The Boy General and Jose Rizal. He also recently won a Gawad Buhay award for playing three roles in Balete and portrayed Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.

The supporting cast includes Iya Villanueva and Naya Ambi, who alternate as Asenath and the principal narrator, while Lorenz Martinez plays the Pharaoh. Omar Uddin takes on the role of Potiphar, with Dippy Arceo and Jannah Baniasa as Mrs. Potiphar.

Rapah Manalo and Boo Gabunada play Judah and Reuben, respectively, alongside Luis Marcelo, Renz Bernardo, Sam Panililio, Anton Posadas, Daniel Solis, Carlos Canlas, Gabo Tiongson, Antonio Valdez and Matthew Barbers. Liam Nery and Enzo Isaac portray Young Joseph and Manasseh.

Julia Serad plays Rachel, Joseph’s mother, and performs the ballad “He Opens a Window.” Justine Narciso, Kathleen Francisco, Gabby Concepcion, Jim Ferrer and Coleen Paz complete the cast.

Bringing the musical back is also a chance to introduce its message to a new audience, according to Gemora.

“I think it’s time the next generation of theatergoers get to experience JTD, and the powerful story it has to tell,” he said.

Tickets are available through Ticket2Me.net and the production’s official showbuyers. Follow

@trumpetsph and @jtdthemusical for updates and behind-the-scenes content.