Photo Flash: Production Shots of the First International Staging of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Manila, Philippines--Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) brings the first international production of the book-to-stage adaptation of Robert James Waller's THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Manila. Already buoyed by early rave reviews, the production premiered last Friday, November 20, and will run until Sunday, December 6, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium (4/F RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City).

Directed by Bobby Garcia ("Saturday Night Fever," "The Addams Family"), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, stars Joanna Ampil ("Miss Saigon," "Les Miserables") and MiG Ayesa ("Rock of Ages," "We Will Rock You") in the lead roles of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride who lives in Iowa, and Robert Kincaid, National Geographic magazine photographer, respectively.

Based on Waller's 1992 novel of the same name, the musical is written for the stage by MarSha Norman ("The Color Purple," "The Secret Garden"), featuring music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown ("The Last Five Years," "Parade"). Brown won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations for his work on the original Broadway production of the show, which played Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre from February 20 to May 18 last year.

"THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson (Ampil) and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid (Ayesa). It's an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more," its official synopsis says.

The production in Manila features choreography by Cecile Martinez ("Ghost, the Musical"), musical direction by Ceejay Javier ("Saturday Night Fever"), set design Faust Peneyra ("Piaf"), lighting design by JonJon Villareal ("Rak of Aegis"), hair and makeup design by Johann dela Fuente ("Saturday Night Fever"), costume design by Eric Pineda ("Saturday Night Fever"), and vocal direction by ManMan Angsico (Disney's "Aladdin").

Also in the cast are Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Marian, Chiara), Nino Alejandro (Bud), Emeline Celis-Guinid (Marge), Jamie Wilson (Charlie), Bibo Reyes (Michael), Mikkie Bradshaw (Caroline), Steven Conde, Nel Gomez, Franz Imperial, Yanah Laurel, Abi Sulit, and Teetin Villanueva.

To get tickets to THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, call TicketWorld at (632)891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: Jaime Unson