ART IS A BANG: Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady REVIEW

Superheroes does not also dominate TV and movies, they are now also invading the theater. With the expansion of Carlo Vergara's  one-act play KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY which was also made into a comic book, Philippine Theater has again experienced an original Pinoy superhero play which can be aligned with similar plays like Manhid and another Vergara's work Zsazsa Zathurnah. 

Originally a one-act play for Virgin Labfest, it has garnered praise and laughter with its staging. And due to its success and fan requests, the story has now evolved not just into a full stage play but also a musical. Drawing inspiration from various pop culture and trends, the story of KPANLL can be compared to Rex Navarette's famous skit "Maritess and the Superfriends" which involved a maid working for a group of superheroes. But for this story it has been given a full Pinoy treatment with a superhero group based in the Philippines, Puwerza Pilipinas with interesting heroes and powers. They hardly interact with the public but they enjoy being sponsored and given endorsements.

But it does not stop there, there is also another superhero team, the Kayumangilas, who also dream to be the nation's top supergroup to enjoy the fame and perks of Puwerza Pilipinas. And in the service of Fuwerza is Mely, a household help who works hard to provide for her family. Viva, younger and prettier sister will be involved and will pave the way for the fight of the two super teams. 

Bituin Escalate and Frenchie Dy share the role of Mely which both of them are known to be power belters and has also been part of musicals and other theater productions. Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein play Leading Man, one of Fuwerza Filipinas.  Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera play Viva. Menchu Lauchengco Yulo plays Madre De Dios – leader of Puwersa Pilipinas.

The stage was crafted to be optimized its use for all the actors, this also gave way for beautiful lighting by John Batalla. Production designs are made by Tuxqs Rutaquio, Nancy Crowe handled Choreography. There are also Lambert de Jesus as Technical Director , Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director) and Ejay Yatco (Assistant Musical Director). Vincent de Jesus - Musical Director and Composer has again captured our ears with wonderful and catchy songs like "We Have A Maid" and the "Kayumangilas Theme" which we hope can be released as an album. Chris Martinez directs the musical, who also worked with Carlo Vergara with the one act play, has made sure that those who watched the original play will find something new and fresh with this staging.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady brings out the creativity and styles of the creative team as well as the actor's charm with each of their numbers. One will love the songs, the scenes, the lines, even the last fabric of their costumes. The message may come in different interpretations, however entertainment value is truly beyond the ticket price. Dalanghita Productions did make a mark with their first venture. They have also incorporated things that were never done in Philippine theater... to know what they are, watch it to find out.

Other cast members include May Bayot (Nanay – Mely and Viva’s mother), Astarte Abraham (Madre De Dios - alternate), Giannina Ocampo (Nena Babushka), Caisa Borromeo (Windang Woman), Chesko Rodriguez (Popoy Pusakal), Jeff Flores (Bazooka Man), Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo (Senyor Blangko – leader of Kayumanggilas), Red Nuestro (Marakas Marko), Red Concepcion (Itak-Atak), Elliot Eustacio (Jeryc Sans Rival), Vince Lim (Henyotik), Mikoy Morales (Henyotik).

We also applaud the ensemble who are composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos, Brian Sy, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Alejandro Santos and Joshua Cabiladas. They seem to have the most costume changes with various roles that gives highlight to the characters.


The production team is composed of Ansis Aldrich Tan Sy, Pertee Briñas and Claudia Fernandez (Producers), Jerome Aytona (Stage Manager), Mariko Yasuda (Production Manager), Gee Pelaria (Assistant Stage Manager), RJ Deniega (Assistant Stage Manager), Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Kristin Bonifacio, Chuckie Campos Juan, Oskie King, Juan Lorenzo Marco, Guio Martinez, Phillippe Palmos, Celina Peñaflorida and Juan Miguel Severo (Sales and Marketing), Prodbook PH (Social Media Manager), Chester Ng (Photography).


“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” runs for until June 7, 2014. The show starts promptly at 8 p.m. (Thursday- Sunday). Matinee shows (Saturday-Sunday) start at 3 p.m.  

All performances are at the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Q.C.

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, call or text at mobile number 0998-5311389 or send email to dalanghitaproductions@gmail.com.

For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or via http://www.ticketworld.com.ph


Connect to Dalanghita Productions online through the following social media networks:
Twitter: @dalanghitaprod
Instagram: @dalanghitaprod 

DALANGHITA PRODUCTIONS INC.
Email: dalanghitaproductions@gmail.com


Contact Number: 09985311389

DALANGHITA PRODUCTIONS would like to thank its sponsors: MAC Cosmetics, Gardenia Philippines, Nescafé Smoovlatte, Sikat Studio, Idea Orchard Media, and Pancit Malabon Express.

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