‘Gabriela: The Musical’ full cast unveiled
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative has officially announced the complete cast and artistic team behind its original production, Gabriela: The Musical, which is set to open later this year.
Gab Pangilinan, who starred in Mula sa Buwan and We Aren't Kids Anymore, will play the titular role. Joining her in the lead cast are Myke Salomon as Diego Silang and CJ Navato as Miguel Vicos.
The musical tells Gabriela Silang’s story against the backdrop of the 1762 Ilocos revolt led by Diego Silang. After Diego’s assassination, Gabriela is often remembered simply as his widow, driven by grief and revenge.
Reimagining the heroine's story, the musical will offer a different perspective, presenting her as a revolutionary in her own right—someone who was part of the movement from the beginning and who took on its leadership as the uprising began to fall apart.
Through myth, magic, and mystery, the musical also explores Gabriela’s identity as an Ilocano woman reconnecting with her Itneg roots.
"Ultimately, this is a love story between people who believed that a different life was possible—and its heartbreak, when the fight forces us to ask: Who belongs to this land?" the synopsis reads.
Other main cast members are Kerr Allen as Sebastian, Mikaela Regis as Kunyap/Gimayad, Jasper Jimenez as Tagaben, and Delphine Buencamino as Dawak. The principal cast also includes Carlon Matobato as Frayle, Jon Abella as Alcalde, and Jules Dela Paz as Principalia.
The ensemble is composed of Curp Adriano, Joshua Rico Santos, Vincent Sumo, Andre Manguba, Ace Polias, Khalil Tambio, Evan Asuela, Chesko Rodriguez, Ada Tayao, Teetin Villanueva, Mijon Anne Cortez, Denize Castillo, Ronah de la Peña, Lance Reblando, Pappel, and Joie Eborde, representing the dual worlds of Mga Kailian and Mga Itneg.
Several ensemble performers will also take on understudy and swing assignments: Pappel as Gabriela Understudy, Khalil Tambio as Diego Understudy, Curp Adriano as Sebastian Understudy, Ronah de la Peña as Dawak Understudy, Lance Reblando as Kunyap Understudy, Chesko Rodriguez as Male Swing for Frayle, Alcalde, and Principalia, Janji Gamboa as Male Ensemble Swing, and Joie Eborde as Female Ensemble Swing.
The musical is helmed by the creative trio behind Bar Boys: The Musical: Pat Valera on book and lyrics, Salomon on composition and musical direction, and Mikko Angeles as director.
Gabriela: The Musical runs from Nov. 13 to Dec. 6 at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Quezon City. Tickets are available through this link, Ticket2Me, and Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s authorized show buyers.
