Gantimpala Theater tours the provinces once more, bringing to kids and the young at heart, “Ang Prinsipe at ang Pulubi,” a new children’s musical based on Mark Twain’s classic Engish tale ‘The Prince and the Pauper,” under the direction of Gean Allain de Leon, with book and libretto by the late Beth Nacion Puyot.
Leading the cast are theater newcomers Julian Roxas as Prinsepe Edward Tudor and Martin Buen as Tom Canty, the pulubi.
Julian Roxas, De La Salle University Political Science graduate, athlete, commercial and ramp model says, “I am very happy that Gantimpala has given me this opportunity.”
For him Edward is, “A typical rich boy whose life is planned out for him that is why he wants to see what is out there, what is outside the walls of the place Being young, he craces for adventure. We are similar in that aspect, I am adventurous type of person, for me, anything goes. One must really see the world and explore new things.”
“Every body is welcoming and very friendly.. I just feel comfortable, it’s like I found another family,” enthuses Julian Roxas of his Gantimpala experience.
He goes on, ‘Doing theater is like coming back to school but this time you are more focused. There is no reason for you to get bored or distracted. I admire the people’s discipline. It is something else. Frankly, every rehearsal gets better and better. Theater is what I want to do.”
In the nearest future, Julian Roxas wants to be a successful actor, then an athlete, continue giving life to character or lead roles in TV or film, and of course, doing more plays. .
Any first day jitters? Julian Roxas smiles and answers, “I picture that day will be frightening and of course, exciting. I know I will get by. We will get by. Positive that I will get support from every one.”
Martin Buen, who portrays the role of Tom Canty is a BS English graduate, a former pre-school teacher, and flight attendant.
“I am happy,” begins Martin Buen. “I find myself smiling every day. The daily choreography, blocking sessions, singing and dancing, every day is a learning experience. Time flies so fast during rehearsals, mabibigla ka na lang, tapos na siya,”.
“Tom is a chap tired of living miserably,” Martin Buen describes his role. “He desires to be part of the nobility. So when the opportunity happens, he took it, not knowing that being a prince is not an easy task. In the end he realizes that there is much responsibilities that a prince carries, especially for England. It is not all festivities and flirting.”
“Every one should see it, not only kids, because it will open up the eyes and hearts of people to the many realities of life,” adds Martin about the play.
Other important characters in the musical are Ralph Bantilan as King Henry VIII, Ronald Concepcion as Miles Hendon, Enrhil Serguino as John Canty, Donalyn Balbag as Gng. Canty, and Darby Dizon as Lord Hertford.
Rounding up the production and artistic staff are RJ Jimenez, musical composer. Lights Design by Joseph Matheu. Production Design by Joey de Guzman. Production Manager is Jorge Cabullo. Stage Manager is Roselle Buenaventura.
Performances are on August 8,9 & 10, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Pampanga; August 14, 15 & 16, Bren Guiao Cultural Center, San Fernando, Pampanga; August 23, in Laguna; August 28 & 29, Olongapo Convention Center, Olongapo City, Zambales; September 14 & 15, Ortega Gymnasium, San Fernando, La Union.
The National Parks Development Committee, Ever Bilena, Skin Sanctuary and Aces and Pros fully support Gantimpala Theater’s Ang Prinsepe at ang Pulubi.
For tickets and bookings, please call 9985622 or 8720261.