Maris Racal excited for stage debut in immersive 'Sunshine' play
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Maris Racal is prepared to dust off her gymnast attire and portray Sunshine Francisco for her first-ever foray into theater.
Antoinette Jadaone's "Sunshine" where Maris played the titular character is getting a stage adaptation next year, with the actress reprising her role of an ambitious teen gymnast preparing for a national tryout only to find out she is pregnant.
Rather than a straightforward seated play, it will be an immersive stage production where audiences move through spaces as the story progresses. Audiences can move around and encounter characters up close ala a choose-your-own-adventure experience, allowing those who watch to navigate the story differently.
"Bar Boys: A New Musical" director Mikko Angeles will helm the production on a script by playwright-actor Mikaela Regis. Theater veteran Phi Palmos will assist in producing, while Joshua Chan serves as production manager.
Philstar.com sat down with Maris in an exclusive interview to discuss what early preparations have been made for "Sunshine: The Immersive Stage Adaptation."
Related: Maricel Soriano, McCoy de Leon win as Maris Racal earns FAMAS distinction
The actress shared that "things were being locked in" such as the scheduling and script development, adding her excitment for the immersive quality of the show.
"The spotlight will not only be on Sunshine but the [rest of the] cast," Maris added. "Mas buo na at mas well-rounded ang story."
She expounded by pointing out literally following characters on the set and their individual paths will result in different takeaways or opinions.
"It's just so up close, and you see everything," Maris said, ending with an anecdote she told Jadaone being ready to be her student again.
Maris later confirmed that her "Sunshine" co-stars Elijah Canlas and Xyriel Manabat will reprise their respective roles as Sunshine's partner Miggy and Sunshine's best friend Thea. Like Maris, this will also be Xyriel's stage debut.
RELATED: Maris Racal, Xyriel Manabat to reprise 'Sunshine' roles for stage debut
