PETA Scores A Hit With CARE DIVAS, Encore Performances Set 4/1-3

Manila, Philippines, March 26, 2011 - Musicals on drag queens have irresistible appeal to theater audiences nowadays -- Broadway classic "La Cage Aux Folles" has been running strong at the Longacre Theatre (N.Y.) since it opened last year. New Broadway import "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" has been attracting long lines of ticket buyers at the Palace Theatre (N.Y.) since it opened March 20.

On the local front, "Care Divas," Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) newest musical comedy, responds to a public clamor for encore performances at the PETA Theater Center (Quezon City) set April 1, to 3.

"During 'Care Diva's' February-March run, the musical had been enjoyed by a wide range of audiences: students, gay groups, Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs) families, balikbayans and local celebrities that included Sharon Cuneta, KC Concepcion, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, film and stage directors  Maryo J. Delos Reyes, Joel Lamangan and Brillante Mendoza," a news release stated.

"The encore performances will be packed with the same combination of explosive dance numbers, fancy music, comedic antics and a visual feast of glitter, wigs and high heels that enticed its first set of audiences."

"Care Divas" tells the life stories (based on book writer Liza Magtoto's personal interviews) of five OFWs -- Chelsea, Shai, Kayla, Thalia and Jonee -- who work as caregivers of elderly Jews in the morning and perform as drag queens at night in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Vincent De Jesus, who also acts in the play as Shai, composes the show's music.  Maribel Legarda directs PETA's new hit show.

"Care Divas" also features Melvin Lee (Chelsea), Ricci Chan (Kyla), Jerald Napoles (Kayla), Dudz Teraña (Thalia), Jason Barcial (Thalia), Phil Noble (Tonee), Buddy Caramat (Tonee), Eric Dela Cruz, Cecilia Garrucho, Paul Holme, Myke Salomon, Angeli Bayani, Miguel Hidalgo and Dominic Miclat-Janssen.

For tickets, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations office at (632) 725-6244, 410-0821 or (63)917-564-2433, petatheater@gmail.com. Ticket prices: PhP600, PhP800 (Premium seats)

About PETA

Now on its 43rd theater season, The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) continues to help bring about social awareness and change through its productions, performances and workshops -- as it calls on its audiences to act and respond to social issues facing the Philippines today.