OJ Mariano finds niche in musical-theater

MANILA, Philippines - OJ Mariano, winner of an Awit award for Best New Male Recording Artist, has found his niche in musical theater.

‘It’s where I can grow and thrive,’ the singer-actor says.

Close on the heels of lead roles in Rama Hari and Forbid- den Broadway, OJ is seen these days as one of the leads in Rivalry, the musical theater piece built around the mythical rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo.

Rivalry plays at the Meralco Theater all weekends until Feb. 17.

OJ considers performing Avenue Q at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore a highlight of his 2 012.