Atlantis Productions stages Jessica Hagedorn's critically acclaimed play, Dogeaters, for the first time in the country. This production was performed at New York's Public Theatre in 2001 to rave reviews.
The local version of this play features some of the Philippines' most acclaimed thespians—Gina Alajar, Michael de Mesa, Rez Cortez, Jon Santos, Leo Rialp, Andoy Ranay, Teresa Herrera, Ana Bitong, and Joel Torre—who bring to life the novel written by the New York-based writer Jessica Hagedorn, who grew up in the Philippines.
Directed by Bobby Garcia, Dogeaters tells the story of over 40 people (performed by 16 actors) during the tumultuous administration of President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda. Both funny and heartbreaking, Dogeaters is based on Jessica's New York Times Best Selling novel.
The play's director is ecstatic about the cast he has gathered. "I wanted the best actors for this show because it really deserves a stellar cast. I am so thrilled that we have accomplished that. We have some of the country's most respected performers of stage and screen. It is a beautiful play and I can't wait to begin work with these inspiring actors," says Bobby Garcia.
Gina Alajar will be playing multiple roles, including Leonor Ledesma, the penitent wife, and Lola Narcisa Divino, the storyteller's deceased grandmother. Gina is both excited and nervous to do Dogeaters as it is her first English-language stage play.
Michael de Mesa, who has performed numerous times before with Atlantis Productions, including Rent, Proof, Urinetown, will be playing the roles of Freddie Gonzaga and Severo "Chuchi" Alacran, the richest man in the Philippines.
Jon Santos will play the roles of the fabulous drag queen Perlita Alacran, New York Times correspondent Steve Jacobs, and BoomBoom Alacran.
Teresa Herrera, who returned to Manila from Los Angeles to perform in Dogeaters, will play the role of balikbayan Rio Gonzaga.
Television director and actor Andoy Ranay will play the First Lady of the Philippines and her personal stylist Chiquiting Moreno.
Film/television actor and director Rez Cortez plays the roles of the corrupt General Ledesma, the simple-minded houseboy Pedro and a clueless waiter at the Jeepney Bar.
Acclaimed actor and director Leo Rialp plays the handsome host of TV and radio Nestor Norales.
And Joel Torre, will reprise the roles he played in the 2001 New York Public Theatre Production of Dogeaters, including Senator Domingo Avila, the head of the opposition movement against the Marcos Government.
Also featured in the stellar cast are Ana Abad Santos, Chari Arespacochaga, Richard Cunanan, Jenny Jamora, Nico Manalo, Jerald Napoles, Cheryl Ramos, and Paolo Rodriguez.
Dogeaters will run from November 16 to December 2, 2007 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
This
play is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, with production design by Mio
Infante, lighting design by Jay Aranda and original musical scoring by ManMan
Angsico.
For show buying and ticket information contact Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.