Gantimpala Theater's 'Ang Pagong at ang Matsing' bags an Aliw Award
Gantimpala Theater’s “Ang Pagong at ang Matsing,” written by Palanca winner J. Dennis Teodosio, and directed by Tony Espejo with music composed by Jesse Lucas, won an Aliw Award for Best Musical Production.
Based on the comic strip drawn by Dr. Jose Rizal, the children’s musical is about a kind- hearted turtle and an arrogant monkey who see a floating banana tree on the river. The banana tree became the bone of contention of the two.
Lucas, Teodosio and Espejo made the strip into a full-length musical in Filipino. They also added extra characters such as animal sidekicks and talking trees, with engaging musical numbers and lively choreography. The musical teaches kids lessons about friendship, fairness, forgiveness, sharing and love for the environment.
The cast includes Michael King Urieta as Pagong; Francis Ong (who also bagged an acting nomination) as Matsing; Meldea Flor Formacil as Suso; Anthony Cruz as Tarsier; Leo Ponseca as Punong Mangga; Ronald Concepcion as Punong Acacia; John Paolo Garcia as Punong Bakawan; and Rene Nisperos and Rommel Aratan as the Kaputol ng Saging.
“Ang Pagong at ang Matsing” had successful performances in Subic, Pampanga, Tarlac, SM Southmall, Raha Sulayman Park in Malate, EDSA Shangri-la Mall, and at the Concert at the Park open-air auditorium in Rizal Park.
“This recognition from the Aliw Awards is a big surprise for Gantimpala Theater. After all, we were in competition with some of the best theater companies and the other nominated plays were also excellent. Who would have thought that our modest attempt to re-introduce the comic strip to the new generation will give us this honor,” enthuses Espejo.
The musical will be restaged in February 2009 in time for the National Arts Month celebration.
For inquiries, call 899-5745, 896-3503, 474-5198, e-mail gantimpalatheater.multiply.com.
