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For the second time this year, Kapuso singers Thea Astley and Garrett Bolden star in a new musical, this time in 9Works Theatrical's Once on This Island.

In Once on This Island, Thea Astley portrays the lead star Ti Moune while Garrett Bolden plays Agwe, the god of water.

"It was a really a challenge but, glad we finally got over the hurdle of our first audience," Thea said after the press preview of the musical on Thursday, September 5.

Garrett added, "Of course, 'yun nga, sing, act, dance, lalo na sa dance, this is my first dance musical."

Ahead of the musical's limited run this September, Thea revealed how she prepared for a challenging role like Ti Moune.

"Proper diet and exercise, and a lot of sacrifices din kasi I tried, hindi tried, talagang I didn't go out at all kasi I wanted to minimize my exposure sa mga sakit-sakit, talagang sa bahay lang ako, nagpapahinga ako 'pag may time magpahinga," Thea said.

For Garrett, it was challenging for them especially the weather was challenging at times.

"'Yun 'yung malaking challenge sa amin, lalo na ngayon laging umuulan, marami sa amin nagkakasakit, so we have to rehearse kahit na medyo may sakit, kahit medyo under the weather," Garrett revealed.

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A post shared by THEA ASTLEY (@theaastley)

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A post shared by garrett devan bolden jr (@garrettboldenjr)

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the showgoers praised Thea for her portrayal of Ti Moune.

One user wrote, "You really can tell @theaastley enjoys performing especially when playing the role of Ti Moune. happy kid!!!"

You really can tell @theaastley enjoys performing especially when playing the role of Ti Moune. happy kid!!!

seeing the audience stand is heartwarming 🥹

© vyahenivince pic.twitter.com/sToqX8iAQ6

-- Cams ᥫ᭡ (@kanakhamil) September 7, 2024

Whether it's powerful belting or soft tones, Thea Astley can deliver. Krystal Kane's voice is crystal clear, deserving to be heard more than once. The presence of Lorenz Martinez is impactful. Lani Ligot is felt whenever she's on stage.

5/n

-- GoldwinReviews (@GoldwinReviews) September 7, 2024

I watched the version of Thea and the other guy, @theaastley is a revelation! Her performance is sooooo goooood!

-- Bin 🥠 - 👑 SKU 👑 (@inieebaby) September 7, 2024

Once On This Island is based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love: or The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, which is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid.

The 1994 West End production of this coming-of-age, one-act stage musical won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1995. In 2018, its 2017 Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

The 9Works Theatrical's Once on This Island will run until September 29 at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

Tickets are now available at www.Ticket2Me.net.