The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) latest opus, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray, will be back for its second leg of shows from April 14 – May 14, 2023 at the PETA-Phinma Theater.
Walang Aray marked PETA’s long-awaited return to live performances after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its first twelve shows alone, Walang Aray has shown so much promise that it has been dubbed as PETA’s “next potential blockbuster,” joining the roster of productions like Rak of Aegis and Care Divas, which ran for several seasons.
Directed by Ian Segarra with music by Vince Lim, Walang Aray is a modern retelling of Severino Reyes’ century-old masterpiece Walang Sugat. Now a modern-day musical, Walang Aray thrives on tongue-in-cheek humor, contemporary pop culture references, and masterful original music that combines kundiman, rock, rap, and pop, while oozing with Pinoy flavor.
Severino Reyes’ gripping story of love and war brings much-needed laughter and hope through good comedy in true PETA fashion.
“This production also looks at our history in the hopes of encouraging reflections regarding our current situation as a nation,” shares director Ian Segarra.
“Walang Aray tries to do what Walang Sugat has masterfully done in the past: look at present painful conditions with humor, poke fun at what ails us to jolt us into feeling and thinking and caring. Beyond the laughter, I hope Walang Aray also leads us on what needs to be done in our current situation,” he adds.
Apart from the sharp comedy and contemporary reflections – the highlight of the show is the strong chorus and ensemble. The #TatakPETA ensemble that has been the heart and soul of many PETA productions in the past continue to elevate humor and a wide array of emotions in Walang Aray through spectacular song and dance with crisp chemistry. (When they are not acting, most of the ensemble and PETA cast members also facilitate acting and musical theater PETA workshops for all ages!)
The cast features PETA artists Jarred Jaicten, Bene Manaois, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Gie Onida, Norbs Portales, Neomi Gonzales, John Moran, Tom Bienvenida, Donn Boco, Gerard Dy, Yeyin Dela Cruz, Ada Tayao, and Ayla Garcia, with Gardo Exconde and Csai Habla as the swings.
Walang Aray is led by three pairs of cast alternating in Tenyong and Julia’s roles: Marynor Madamesila and Gio Gahol (who is also the choreographer of the musical), Shaira Opsimar and Jon Abella, and #KDLex, KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, whose crossover is history in the making for Philippine entertainment in the realm of theater and television.
The three pairs of Tenyong and Julia add a unique experience for theatergoers, where each set provides a unique flavor to the story of Walang Aray.
The second leg of shows run for a month beginning April 14, until May 14. While many audiences are aiming to see the different renditions offered by the three pairs alternating in the roles of Tenyong and Julia, those who have yet to see the production have one month left to grab tickets and partake of PETA’s monumental theater comeback post-pandemic.
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information visit www.petatheater.com/walangaray or follow PETA’s social media pages @petatheater.
