Video: Sneak Peek at BONIFACIO by Philippine Stagers Foundation

Manila, Philippines, July 14, 2013--Philippine Stagers Foundation or Stagers ("Cory ng Edsa," "Joe, The Filipino Rock'sical") celebrates the 150th birth date of Andres Bonifacio, one of the Philippines' greatest heroes, in "Bonifacio: Isang Sarsuwela." The new musical's world premiere is set Friday, July 19, at Tanghalang Pasigueño.

"Bonifacio" is a retelling of the life and times of the revolutionary hero, which encompasses the founding of the Katipunan, a Philippine revolutionary society against the Spanish rule; Bonifacio's marriage to Gregoria de Jesus, founder of the women's chapter of the Katipunan; and Bonifacio's conflict with Emilio Aguinaldo, a fellow revolutionary leader who later became the Philippine Republic's first president. The material also touches on the kangaroo court that led to the execution of Bonifacio in Maragondon in May 1897.

At a recent kick-off party, excerpts from the play were shown to guests and members of the press. The show's lead actors and ensemble members filled the entire venue with unbridled energy, passion and emotion. The performances were intense, and painful to watch to some extent.

At a preview, theater reviewer Fred Hawson, pointed out that this "Bonifacio" is different from the other portrayals of the hero because Tañada has opted to show Bonifacio's core vulnerabilities. "We're not used to seeing Bonifacio cry...but there's no doubt he was in a lot of pain--both physically and emotionally--especially toward the end of his life," said Hawson.

Besides Tañada, who plays the title role, the musical also stars JM Encinas (Bonifacio), Cindy Liper (de Jesus), Jordan Ladra and Kevin Posadas (Emilio Aguinaldo), Monique Azerreda and Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim (Hilaria Aguinaldo), Patrick Adrian Libao (Emilio Jacinto) and Chin Ortega (Macario Sakay).

Performance schedule: July 15, Mon., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. at Cinema 9, SM North Edsa; July 19, Fri. 10 a.m., 2 p.m., at Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City; July 19, Fri. 6 p.m. at Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City; July 20, Sat., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. at Cinema 1, SM Centerpoint; July 21, Sun., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. at Cinema 1, SM Centerpoint; July 27, Sat. 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. at Cinema 1, SM Centerpoint; and July 28, Sun., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. at Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City.

Performance schedule in August will be announced soon.

For more information, visit philstagers.8m.com or Stagers' Facebook Page.

Come back for discounted tickets/ticket raffle on BroadwayWorld.com.

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