MANILA, Philippines - Those who visit Star City over the Christmas break will be treated to free admission to the critically-acclaimed blockbuster ballet Tatlo Pa’ng Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, which returns to the Aliw Theater stage with original Filipino music, plus colorful sets and costumes for families to enjoy.
Based on the Severino Reyes classic published by Anvil, the values-laden trilogy mounted by Ballet Manila under the artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Tatlo Pa’ng Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, as re-told by Christine Bellen, features the adventure-romance Ang Palasyo ng mga Duwende, illustrated by Albert Gamos, choreographed by Gerardo Francisco with collaborators Kris-Belle Paclibar-Mamangun, Naomi Jaena and Romeo Peralta and Diwa De Leon as composer/arranger; the fantasy-romance Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa, illustrated by Abi Goy, choreographed by Lisa with collaborators Francis Jaena, Rudy de Dios and Sofia Peralta, and Arnold Buena as composer-arranger; and the horror-comedy Anting-Anting, illustrated by Hubert Fucio, choreographed by Osias Barroso with collaborator Michael Divinagracia and Juan Carlo Magsalin as composer-arranger.
Veteran TV actress and radio talent Luz Fernandez returns as Lola Basyang, who together with the young girl Ate Missy portrayed by Missy Macuja Elizalde, will be weaving the three stories together. Stage direction is by Roxanne Lapus, costume design by Michael Miguel, lighting design by Jaime Villanueva and production design by Jonathan Janolo.
The show will be free for those who purchase the regular Ride-All-You-Can tickets to the theme park at P420, or those who avail of entrance-only admission access at P65 per person.
Performances have been scheduled today at 1 p.m., 4.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Dec. 26 to 30, 6 p.m.; and Jan. 1, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The ballet runs for one hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission.