Following the restaging of Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil, a modern retelling of Jose Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) will next feature the music of Filipino rap legend Francis Magalona. PETA looks into a dystopian future in the musical 3 Stars and a Sun to close its 48th season.
Set in the year 2166 inside a fallout shelter created to protect the country Pinasland from extreme weather and the threat of global warfare, 3 Stars and a Sun attempts to duplicate the success of the musical Rak of Aegis by making use of the songs and tunes of FrancisM.
Compared to the Aegis-inspired musical, the new futuristic story, which is written by young playwright Mixcaela Villalon and veteran writer Rody Vera, is premised on a situation when the country’s problems are left unresolved.
The cautionary tale, which also serves as a challenge to today’s youth to unite and act swiftly before time runs out, happens inside a giant steel dome created by the government to cover the entire archipelago. The shelter, which is called The Stormdome, is equipped with millions of hidden cameras designed to monitor the citizens in an attempt to maintain peace and order.
Two groups – kids coming from the glossy and developed Lumino city led by smug slacker Chino (Paolo Valenciano alternating with Gio Gahol) and those from the rough streets of Diliman city led by fiery troublemaker Sol (alternately played by Nicco Manalo and Gold Villar), clash given their varied lives. Despite these differences, the Lumino and Diliman kids must realize that there are problems in Pinasland far larger than their petty gang issues.
After enjoying a breakout 2015 characterized by record-setting comebacks and a reimagining of literary classics, PETA now takes a leap into the future but still providing a social commentary on Philippine politics and culture as what the theatre company has been known for. Although the futuristic new world is something PETA hasn’t done before, expect another exciting show in a fresh context as the group looks forward to its golden year celebration.
3 Stars and a Sun is directed by Nor Domingo, with the music of the late visionary and master rapper arranged by Myke Salomon, who was awarded Outstanding Musical Direction in 2015 for his work in Rak of Aegis. Also providing support to the original Filipino musical are production designer Gino Gonzales, lighting designers Shoko Matsumoto and Ian Torqueza, sound designer Teresa Barrozo, and choreographer Delphine Buencamino.
Apart from Valenciano, Gahol, Manalo, and Villar, the talented cast also includes Che Ramos-Cosio and Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Congresswoman Inky, Bodjie Pascua as Mang Okik, Giannina Ocampo and Justine Peña as Dianne, Anna Luna and Jet Barrun as Nazty, John Moran and Nar Cabico as Poy, Lee Villoria and EJ Pepito as Kat, Anj Heruela and Gab Pangilinan as Chelsea, and Jef Flores and Norbs Portales as Winston. Rounding off the cast is a versatile ensemble made up of Jason Barcial, Raflesia Bravo, Yesh Burce, Lance Busa, Roi Calilong, Nica Santiago, Ian Segarra, and Kakki Teodoro.
3 Stars and a Sun runs from Feb. 4 to Mar. 6, Tuesdays to Sundays (Tuesday – Friday 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at the PETA Theater Center.
PETA is located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. For tickets and inquiries you may call 725-6244 or visit petatheater.com and ticketworld.com.ph.