PETA taps into Francis M’s music for ‘3 Stars and a Sun’

How do you do a follow-up to Rak of Aegis? After the massive success of the hit musical based on videoke favorites from Aegis, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) turns to the music of King of Pinoy rap, Francis Magalona, to tell the goings-on in a dystopian Philippines known as Pinasland.

In a fallout shelter constructed in response to climate change and global political strife known as The Stormdome, citizens can no longer view the famous Manila sunset, as the sky is completely blotted out by solar panels. This is the world in "3 Stars and a Sun."

Inside, youths from different parts of town begin to clash. Chino leads the group from the fancier Lumino City, while Sol takes command of the gang from the shady streets of Diliman City. Sounds a little like West Side Story, but the two factions have a bigger enemy than each other—and, of course, they need to learn to work together to fight it.

Nor Domingo directs the cast led by Nicco Manalo alternating with Gold Villar as Sol and Paolo Valenciano alternating with Gio Gahol as Chino. The script is written by Mixcaela Villalon and Rody Vera and the story will be told with the aid of Francis M's music.

Joining the cast are Che Ramos-Cosio alternating with Carla Laforteza, Giannina Ocampo alternating with Justine Peña, Bodjie Pascua alternating with Raffy Tejada, John Moran alternating with Nar Cabico, Anna Luna alternating with Jet Barrun, Lee Villoria alternating with EJ Pepito, Anj Heruela alternating with Gab Pangilinan, and Jef Flores alternating with Norbs Portales. The musical arrangement and direction is by Myke Solomon.

Now on its 48th theater season, PETA continues to produce works that don't shy away from tackling social and political issues. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News

Catch "3 Stars and a Sun" from February 4 to March 6, 2016 (Tuesday to Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at the PETA-PHINMA Theater at the PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. For tickets and inquiries contact (02) 725 6244 or visit petatheater.com and ticketworld.com.ph.