ShareThisThe Manila production of Roger and Hammerstein classic “The Sound of Music” is a hit.
In fact, the show which was originally set to end last December has been extended up to February 2012 due to insistent public demand.
The show actually started last October 15 at the Resort World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
There are one show on Fridays and two shows each every Saturday and Sunday.
Ariel Rivera
Due to the demand, singer-actor Ariel Rivera has been tapped to play the role of Captain Georg von Trapp three times a week in the show.
Ariel will alternate with main actor Audie Gernora, according to the promoters of the show.
Ariel, who lived in Canada for some time, admitted his new role would be difficult, but he said it is a challenge he had accepted.
The actor-singer said: “It will be difficult for me Doing theater is not something I normally do. But it’s a challenge I look forward to.”
Ariel has actually appeared in a musical in the past. He played the role of Rama in the original Filipino musical “Rama at Sita” at the University of the Philippine Theater in the late 1990s.
The singer-actor, who will be seen in ABS-CBN’s upcoming TV shows “E-Boy” and “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin,” joined veteran comedian-actor Leo Martinez in the cast. Leo returns to the stage as Max Detweiller. Martinez will alternate with Miguel Faustmann and Robbie Guevarra.
Also joining the cast are Sheila Valderrama as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, which was originally played by Pinky Amador, and upcoming actor Fred Lo as Rolf.
Atasha Muhlach, the daughter of Aga and Charlene Muhlach who plays one of the Von Trapp children, has excused from the musical because she went back to school.
Actress Cris Villonco plays the lead role of Maria in the show. Actress Julie Andrews played Maria in the movie version of the show.
West End star Joanna Ampil, who also plays Maria, said she recommended Ariel to the musical’s production team.
Showdates of “The Sound of Music” at Resort World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater are Friday (8:00 p.m.), Saturday (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. and 7 p.m).