The election is no laughing matter, but it could be comedic! For the final offering of its 42nd Theater Season, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto. This musical comedy is written by multi-awarded composer, lyricist, and musical director Vincent De Jesus with additional scenes by Liza Magototo and Anj Heruela.
The play is set in the imaginary island of Isla Filiminimon. Following the chronology of the election process, the plot presents various iconic characters of the Philippine society. There is Juan Tamad, a young first time voter, who in his 'laziness' and decision to be 'uninvolved' tries to find reasons not to vote and participate in the Filimini elections.
The Diyablo, acting as the narrator of the play, further discourages Juan Tamad. He stresses the hassles of registering and voting: "Ang layo ng Presinto Kuweba JT. Napakalayo. Two blocks away" (points to the nearest precinct) "Parang perya ang eleksyon!" while his choir acts out his essays and narration in vaudeville style. In contrast to the Diyablo, Juan's Lola Anitan, the former kapitana, pushes Juan to be involved.
Other characters in the play are the candidates for the 2010 Pinuno ng Bayan: Bernardo Bungisnis, the two-term senator and former alkade mayor; Mariang Batibat, TV journalist, activist and environmentalist; Elsa Mananambal, a manghihilot, midwife and albularyo who speaks in sign-language; and Sigben Pugot, a young and dashing congressman. Each candidate advertises his/her platform and agenda through a series of hilarious song-and-dance numbers accompanied by tacky campaign jingles.
Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, directed by Phil Noble, also features a fine mix of veteran and budding actors. Not to be missed are performances by Robert Seña, Marvin Ong, Victor Robinson, Carlon Matobato, Marc Baluyan, Dudz Teraña, Roven Ramos, Joel Molina, John Eric Permejo, Lotlot Bustamante, Nicole Manulo, Joann Co, Meann Espinosa, Via Antonio and Sheenly Gener.
Select shows will have musical director Vincent De Jesus essaying the role of the Diyablo.
Juan Tamad goes onstage at the PETA-Phinma Theater on all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from February 5 until March 7, 2010. The PETA Theater Center is located at #5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. Tickets are at P300 each.
For details and other inquiries, call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 725-6244, 410-0821 or mobile number 0917-8044428. Interested parties may also send an email to petampro@yahoo.com Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.