No stranger to the stage, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson of the premier vocal group The Company joins Barangay Venizia of the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA)-Rak of Aegis as Kapitana Mary Jane. Having been immersed in the performing arts industry for 22 years, she fits right in with the talented cast of Rak of Aegis.
Known for her resonating vocals and commanding stage presence, Sweet has proven to be an ultimate performer having worked on and off stage for a number of prestigious theater companies such as TRUMPETS, 9Works Theatricals, and Tanghalang Pilipino where she started her theatrical career.
Aside from her impressive acting and musical theater credits, Sweet is also a revered voice coach and musical theater teacher having passed on her skills to the students of the University of Asia and the Pacific and currently, the Meridian International College (MINT) in McKinley.
Sweet has kept the ball rolling career-wise since 2013 as she kicked it off with a role as the Wicked Stepmom in Cinderella the Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater where she received rave reviews. In the same year, she was nominated at the 2013 Gawad Buhay as the Best Musical Director for her notable work in 9Works Theatrical’s GREASE. Continuing her winning musical streak, she nabbed the award for the Best Ensemble Performance and Best Children’s Musical for TRUMPETS’ Blue Bird of Happiness. In 2014, she took on the job of musical director for 9Works Theatricals’ La Cage Aux Folles which received positive reviews from several critics.
Having watched the show twice, Sweet is a self-proclaimed fan of the production. “Nakita ko talaga ang sarili ko sa production”, she explains when asked about her first Rak experience, adding that she has waited for the opportunity to be with the Rak family since the beginning. When she received the call to audition, she was ecstatic about taking on the challenge.
Originally aspiring for the role of Mercy (Aileen’s mother), Sweet was surprised to land the role of the strong Kapitana. “I feel like MJ’s voice should be bigger and alto, and I’m a soprano,” Sweet articulates when asked about the challenges of the role. Although she perceives this as a challenge, she remains positive as she trusts in the process of Director Maribel Legarda, and the entire cast.
Sweet is really optimistic that she will be able to put in a different twist to the character of Mary Jane. She is enjoying rehearsals with the Rak family as if she’s been working with them for so long.
Catch Sweet Plantado showcase her incredible voice in Rak of Aegis’ rerun with other new powerhouse cast members Renz Verano (Kiel), Lorenz Martinez (Kiel), Lani Ligot (Mercy), Benj Manalo (Tolits), Via Antonio, Teetin Villanueva, Roi Calilong, Raflesia Bravo (Ensemble), and other talented cast members. Rak of Aegis will run until August 16 from Tuesdays to Sundays at the PETA Theater Center. For tickets, contact Ticket World (632) 891-9999, ticketworld.com.ph, or visit www.petatheater.com for show buyer information.