Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical is an edgy production that brings to life three characters that will continue to live in one's mind long after the curtains close.
The musical play tells the story of three good friends Hector, Emman, and Anthony who have grown apart during their adulthood.
They are forced to come together again by an unexpected turn of events on account of Ligaya, a long-forgotten girl who turns out to be the common thread that binds the three friends despite being apart.
A flashback 20 years earlier reveals that the trio were tight buddies all throughout their college years.
In the back story, Hector, a typical Manileño, leads the pack with his charm and go-getting attitude. Anthony is the sheltered guy with an unassuming personality, while Emman is the idealistic probinsyano who dreams of bettering his life.
In between their classes, they befriend the ever-optimistic Ligaya, the niece of Tiya Dely, who owns a diner where they hang out.
The three have gotten close, known one another's strong and weak spots, each one privy to the secrets, heartbreaks and struggles in school and family life of the other two.
However, their seemingly unshakeable friendship is put to the test by an incident that continues to haunt them even when they're supposed to have moved on.
@pepalerts A night of laughter, tears, and beautiful music. What a heart-stirring show! Don’t miss Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical 2023 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater! ????? #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
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ang huling el bimbo the musical STELLAR CAST
Produced by Fullhouse Theater Company and Newport World Resorts, Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical, or simply AHEB, is now on its third run at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Its powerful combination of beautiful music, unforgettable story, and vibrant production numbers has continued to draw audiences every performance night since it opened in April 2023.
The showing of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical is extended until the whole month of June, as of this writing.
The impressive gala night, which was attended by members of the media and invited celebrities, was held on April 28, 2023.
The show was led by Anthony Rosaldo (Hector), Paw Castillo (Emman), Topper Fabregas (Anthony), and Gab Pangilinan (Ligaya) for the flashback scenes.
The present-day characters were played by Gian Magdangal (Hector), OJ Mariano (cover for Emman), Nino Alejandoro (Anthony), and Katrine Sunga (Ligaya).
The Clash 2018 finalist Anthony marked his musical debut in Ang Huling El Bimbo with an impressive performance as Hector.
He stepped onstage emanating a boy-next-door charm that was evident even to an audience member seated rows away from the stage.
He sang from the heart and danced with emotional gusto.
Anthony proved to be a right match for Gab as they delivered kilig vibes reminiscent of the early days of courtship between young couple in love.
NOT your typical LOVE STORY
But Ang Huling El Bimbo was not just a tale of love and friendship, but also a story of facing hard truths about life.
The show also presented subplots for Paw and Topper, whose humor and drama made the college journey of their barkada richer, relatable, and nostalgic to viewers who watched the play unfold.
Not to be outdone, the present-day characters were given their own time to shine onstage.
The adults' timeline in the play brings out the depth of what the story of Ang Huling El Bimbo is all about—a reflection on what may be the consequences of the choices one makes and what it all comes down to when the going get tough.
As the play’s characters look back on their youthful ideals, are they truly happy and content with what they have become? If given the chance to make amends for their mistakes, will they choose to do the right thing?
Other members of the cast are Bullet Dumas as Emman, Jamie Wilson as Arturo, and Shiela Francisco as Tiya Dely.
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, VIBRANT PRODUCTIONS
Written by playwright Dingdong Novenario, the story of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical unfolds through the timeless songs of Eraserheads that shaped the growing-up years of '90s kids.
The iconic band's hits "Tindahan Ni Aling Nena" and "Pare Ko" are depicted as big production numbers showcasing not just the singing voice of the performers but also the snappy and harmonious dance steps of the ensemble cast.
More Eraserheads songs like "Ligaya," "Overdrive," "Alapaap," "Huwag Kang Matakot," "Spolarium," and "Ang Huling El Bimbo" not only evoke nostalgic feels, but keep one in awe as well with how they're interwoven in the story.
Even the set design comes to life.
It moves around not just to fit quick costume changes, but to help establish as well a character's way of life or to signal a passage of time.
The synchronicity of the play's story, direction, choreography, music, and design is a testament to how hard the creators and the stars have worked to deliver a good show.
ANG HULING EL BIMBO THE MUSICAL creators
Here are creative minds and production people behind Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical:
- Dexter Santos - direction and choreography
- Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo - associate director
- Dingdong Novenario - playwright
- Floy Quintos - dramaturg & additional scenes & dialogue
- Myke Solomon - musical director & arranger
- Stephen Viñas & Ernest Fritz Esase - choreographers
- Gino Gonzales - scenic designer
- Monino Duqye - lights designer
- Marlon Rivera - costume designer
- GA Fallarme - projection designer
- Rodel Colmenar - musical director, founder, and conductor of Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
- Michael Jacinto - conductor
- Rards Corpus & Arvy Dimaculangan - sound engineers
- Ellija Aurelio - hair & makeup designer
DATE NIGHT FOR CELEBRITY COUPLES
A few celebrities were spotted at the gala showing of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical last April.
Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao came with some of their friends.
It was their first media-covered event as a new couple, with Marco accommodating several fans who asked for a photo-op with him.
Gabbi Garcia and boyfriend Khalil Ramos were there, too, seated with the group that included Kris Bernal.
TICKETS
The extension for Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical will run for the whole month of June.
Available at ticketworld.com.ph, tickets are sold at PHP3775 (SVIP), PHP3,236 (VIP), PHP2,696 (Gold), PHP1942 (Silver), and PHP1079 (Bronze).