Resorts World Manila in cooperation with Ultimate Shows, Inc. is set to stage for the first time in the country, Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on October 27 at the award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).
Known to deliver world-class productions that champion the Filipino, RWM finally reveals its all-Filipino cast for the upcoming family musical led by the stage actor Gian Magdangal who comes back to the country after three years of performing theater roles in Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys and Mickey and the Wondrous Book, and as one of the main performers for Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan.
Gian takes on the role of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, while young yet seasoned actress Yana Laurel, two-time Aliw Awards Best Actress, plays his love interest: Truly Scrumptious. “I was very excited when I got the part, I’m really a fan of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it was a big part of my childhood,” shared Laurel when asked about her role. “I think it will appeal to Filipino audiences because it’s a spectacle of a show, the music is beautiful, and for those who are unfamiliar, it’s going to be an exciting treat for them because every single number is a production number.”
For the role of Jeremy Potts, 12-year-old Noel Comia, a two-time Aliw Awardee for Best Child Performer and recent Cinemalaya Fest Best Lead Actor for his role in the movie, Kiko Boksingero, alternates with 11-year-old Albert Silos who has been cast in RWM’s The King and I and Cinderella, and was nominated in the 2015 Metro Manila Filmfest New Wave Category as Best Supporting Actor for his role in the independent movie, Turo Turo.
Isabeli Araneta-Elizalde also returns to the NPAT stage as Jemima Potts, after her breakthrough performance in RWM’s Annie which won her the Discovery of the Year award in last year’s Aliw Awards. Alternating with Isabeli is Zoey Alvadere who performed in numerous stage productions including It’s a Giant World, Jewel of Antilles: Two Worlds, One Island, Seussical Jr., Wizard of Oz, and Greased Lightning.
Also, cast in the production are Mako Alonso as Boris, Reb Atadero as Goran, James Paolleli as Grandpa Potts, Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo as the Baroness, Raymund Concepcion as Baron Bomburst, Michael Williams as the Toymaker, and Lorenz Martinez as the Childcatcher.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be directed by Jamie Del Mundo, assistant direction by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and artistic direction by Michael Williams; all with the music of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opens on October 27 at the NPAT in RWM.
