Imelda: A New Musical

The former First Lady Imelda Marcos was known as the Steel Butterfly of Asia, and was and still famous of her thousands collection of shoes.  Even at her ripe age of 80, Madame Meldy is still a box-office and media hot item.  She is indeed a newsmaker, anywhere she go and whatever she do, the former first lady is a hot news.  A Steel Butterfly whose wings continue to flutter that even the New York can’t seem to have enough.

This coming September 22 to October 18, 2008 the Pan Asia Repertory Theatre will presents a musical entitled Imelda: A New Musical.  It is an adaptation of a book written by Sachi Oyama.  According to the words of Vivian Velasco, a noted Fil-Am community leader, “Imelda: A New Musical will give Filipino tourist another reason to see Big Apple.”

The following is an excerpt of the report written by Edmund Silvestre, the Philippine Star Funfare’s New York correspondent:

An off-Broadway production about the “ambitious” and “controversial” former Philippine First Lady will be staged this fall at The Julia Miles Theater on 55th Street in Manhattan on a limited engagement, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 18.

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre will present Imelda A New Musical that has a book by Sachi Oyama, music by Nathan Wang and lyrics by Aaron Coleman. East West Players producing artistic director Tim Dang, who staged the 2005 Los Angeles world premiere of the musical, will direct, with choreography by Reggie Lee.

Broadway actress Jaygee Macapugay will play the title role, with Liz Casasola as Corazon Aquino, Mel Sagrado Maghuyop as Ferdinand Marcos, and Brian Jose as Ninoy Aquino.
The cast also includes Alan Ariano, Angelica-Lee Aspiras, Billy Bustamante, Leanne Cabrera, Sacha Iskra, Loresa Lanceta, Jonelle Margallo, and Romney Piamonte.
The creative team is headed by Kaori Akazawa (set), Victor En Yu Tan (lighting), Ivy Chou (costumes), and Leslie Espinosa (hair and make-up).

Tisa Chang, artistic producing director of Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, said Imelda, which will be New York theater’s first Filipino-themed musical, spans the 1940s to 1980s, the pivotal years after the Philippines gained its independence. “Imelda Marcos wanted to set her country as an equal player on the world stage and gain the respect of the world,” Chang said.

Tickets are priced at $55, $35 for seniors and $20 for students. For more informations about the musical you may visit their official website www.panasianrep.org.