New Musical SANDOSENANG SAPATOS Opens Saturday, 7/13

Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2013--Composers Noel Cabangon and Jed Balsamo, and book writer Layeta Bucoy's new musical "Sandosenang Sapatos" (12 Pairs of Shoes), based on Dr. Luis Gatmaitan's Palanca Award-winning children's story of the same name, premieres Saturday, July 13, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

"Sandosenang Sapatos," which opens Tanghalang Pilipino's 27th theater season, will also mark the professional theater debut of newspaper columnist and socialite Tessa Prieto-Valdes as the diwata (shoe fairy).

"Sandosenang Sapatos," which Dr. Gatmaitan wrote while attending a scholastic training program in Tokyo, explores several themes, including love, respect and genuine concern for physically challenged people.

Its story revolves around the unconditional love of a father to a daughter (Susie) that goes beyond her physical limitations.

Wheelchair-bound girl Susie, in her dreams, asks the diwata to give her a pair of feet on the night before her sick father's--a shoemaker-- birthday because she hopes to fulfill her father's wish to have a daughter who danced ballet.

In her dreams, Susie always imagines certain pairs of shoes.

Unfortunately, Susie's father dies.

While fixing the personal belongings of the deceased, Susie's older sister discovers an unopened box filled with the best 12 pairs of shoes made by their father. Susie, her sister and their mother are surprised to see that the shoes in the box look exactly the same as the shoes that Susie imagines in her dreams.

"Sandoseng Sapatos," directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, besides Valdes, also stars May Bayot (Nanay), Trixie Esteban (Susie), Hazel Maranan (Diwata), Jonathan Tadioan (Tatay), Regina de Vera (Ate), Marco Viaña (Red), Remus Villanueva (Maong), Jovanni Cadag (Yellowy), Ralph Mateo (Bluey), Doray Dayao (Whitey), Raquel Pareño (Diwata understudy), JV Ibesate (Sandals), Antonette Go (Pinky), Lhorvie Nuevo (Sequins), and Aldo Vencilao (Bluey).

Artistic and production team includes John Batalla (lighting designer), TJ Ramos (sound designer/guitarist), RJ Alfafara (percussionist), Leeroy New and James Reyes (costume designers), Gerald Mercado (choreographer) and Nanding Josef (artistic director).

"Sandosenang Sapatos," which runs until Sunday, July 21, is co-produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the City of Marikina, under Mayor Del De Guzman.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

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