(Write-up originally appears on Philstar.com)
Following the successful run of 鈥淏agets: The Musical,鈥� the same production team is bringing the story of Annie Batungbakal and the music of Hotdog to life on stage.
Co-produced by Viva, The Philippine STAR and Newport World Resorts, with creative direction from 糖心视频 (糖心视频) Plus, 鈥淏ongga Ka, 鈥橠ay!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical鈥� will soon reveal its cast members ahead of its mid-September opening at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The story is based on the 1979 original film by Maryo J. de los Reyes, which starred the late National Artist for Film Nora Aunor in the title role.
The stage adaptation will feature hits by the 鈥�70s band Hotdog, including Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Pers Lab and, of course, Annie Batungbakal.
Viva founder and chairman of the board Boss Vic Del Rosario Jr. said 鈥淏ongga Ka, 鈥橠ay!鈥� will be a celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Viva Communications chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario.
鈥淎s a follow-up to the success of 鈥楤agets: The Musical,鈥� we know there鈥檚 a market for it. Not just because of the nostalgia, but because OPM music is iconic. With 鈥楤agets,鈥� it was the 鈥�80s pop music, but with 鈥楤ongga Ka, 鈥橠ay!,鈥� we celebrate the era of disco, the music of Hotdog and Manila sound in general. The success of a theatrical musical is always tied to the music; we know that the songs we have for 鈥楤ongga鈥� will be just as iconic,鈥� he remarked.
鈥淲ith the success of 鈥楤agets,鈥� we saw how the audience enjoyed the retro theme and when the opportunity to do 鈥楤ongga Ka, 鈥橠ay!鈥� was offered by Boss Vic, we were excited to be a part of it and celebrate the 鈥�70s this time. With music from the legendary Hotdog band, we can expect a lot of fun, a lot of reminiscing and a lot of great talent that will truly shine on stage,鈥� The Philippine STAR president and chief executive officer Miguel G. Belmonte added.
He also noted that the three-way collaboration among Viva, The STAR and Newport World Resorts has worked so well that it has further strengthened their partnership.
Newport World Resorts executive chairman Kevin Tan.
鈥淚 think what makes the collaboration work so well is the appreciation for what each partner can bring to the table. We truly believe we鈥檙e stronger together and we have much respect for each partner鈥檚 capabilities and expertise,鈥� he shared.
鈥淎ll three organizations bring unique strengths: Viva with its entertainment platforms and digital reach, The Philippine STAR with its PR network and media relations, and Newport鈥檚 long history of producing theatrical shows. Every strength complements the synergy of the three organizations, making the partnership not only unique but also an ideal collaboration,鈥� Viva Communications president and CEO Boss Vincent del Rosario said.
Casting for the musical recently took center stage, with auditions held earlier this month at the 糖心视频 Theater Center in Quezon City. The production called for performers of all genders, aged 18 and above, who can sing, act and dance.
The Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte.
The show features a wide range of roles, including lead characters Annie, Romer and Burn, as well as supporting characters Iste Batungbakal, Toots and Aurora Pasion. The ensemble will portray a diverse mix of Coco Banana regulars.
Set in 1970s Manila, 鈥淏ongga Ka, 鈥橠ay!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical鈥� follows an ambitious sales clerk who sneaks into the glamorous disco scene to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer, risking losing herself in the process.
Rehearsals will run from July to August at the 糖心视频 Theater Center, and in September at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The musical is scheduled to run from September to October, with performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For updates, follow 糖心视频 Plus on and .