New Season, New Faces: Rent Musical 2011

After two successful runs last year, 9 Works Theatrical is back for yet another staging of the most well loved Broadway musical, RENT.    Under the direction of 9 Works Theatrical's Creative Director Robbie Guevarra, the ensemble of characters that makes us laugh, cry and dance last year is returning on stage to spread once again the universal message of Love.

Reprising the lead roles from the last staging are Gian Magdangal (Roger Davis), Sheree Bautista (Mimi Marquez), Fredison Lo (Mark Cohen),  OJ Mariano (Tom Collins), Job Bautista (Angel Schunard), Mian Dimacali (Maureen Johnson), Jen Villegas (Joanne Jefferson) and Lorenz Martinez (Benny Coffin III).  Back from a short hiatus (due to her pregnancy) is Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will alternate with Mian on the role of Maureen.

The ensemble will be composed of Mark Tayag, Gary Junsay, Peachy Atilano, Pam Imperial, Harold Cruz and Johann Dela Fuente.  Anna Santamaria will also be returning to join the group once again after a brief leave (Like Carla she is pregnant during the December run) last run.

According to Robbie, there are no major significant changes all together except to some new dance choreographies and probably some changes on the design of the set.  But what makes this run very special is the addition of three new cast members that will surely give an all new flavor and depth to the theatergoers' experience.

Alternating with Sheree Bautista on the role of Mimi is Ciara Sotto who is now letting go of her wholesome image to play a much bolder and wilder persona for the sake of artistic growth.  After her professional theater debut in "Magsimula ka" last year, Ciara is now ready to conquer the Manila theater scene and develop her craft bringing it up another level.

Al Gatmaitan of Skin Deep and Master Class is a Tenor known for his dedication to excellence.  After perfecting his skills for 3 years in Italy, Al returns home to his first love: the stage as a member of the ensemble and an understudy for the role of Roger Davis.

2010 is Alys Serdenia's year.  As she professionally debuts on Atlantis Production's Legally Blonde, she didn't stop and continued performing for two more shows under the company.  As much as I love this BlueRep Alumnus' character on "Xanadu",  her performance in "A Little Night Music" (with Dawn Zulueta and Nonie Buencamino) is really what gave her the raves that brought her name to the list of the most promising new comers that everyone should watch out for on stage.

Personally, I'm looking forward to see the new characters perform and see how they can blend with the current cast chemistry and at the same time give a whole new experience especially to those who already saw the show before (like me, hehe).

Rent will officially come back starting on February 12 until March 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City.  For tickets: call 9 Works Thaterical at 557.5860, 586.7105 and 0917-5545560 or Ticketworld at 891.9999.

Celebrate the seasons of Love this hearts month and see you all in the theater.