Photos: First Look at NOLI ME TANGERE OPERA Manila

Manila, Philippines--The long awaited return of the country's first full-length grand opera NOLI ME TANGERE (a full stage production of the opera was last seen in Manila 27 years ago), inspired by José Rizal's 1887 classic romantic novel "Noli Me Tángere" ("Touch Me Not"), featuring music by National Artist Felipe de Leon and libretto by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino, held its gala performance at a nearly packed house of 1,500 theatergoers at Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theater last night.

BroadwayWorld.com was there, and captured production stills, which distinctly highlight (check out the photos below) stage and costume designs by Jerry Sibal and Rommel Serrano; graphic designs by Sibal, Alan dela Rama, and Carlo Martin Manere; and lighting design by Shax Siasoco.

The opera, which has been seen in Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C., officially opens tonight, September 12, and will run until Sunday, September 28.

Student tickets at PHP 500 ($11) each for Balcony Center, Balcony Left and Right, and Premiere B Left and Right sections are now available to purchase. Call (632) 634-1720 (Present current, valid student ID card.)

Theatergoers may also avail of two free tickets upon purchase of 10 group tickets from PHP 1,200 to PHP 3,700 each. Call (632) 634-1720.

Sung in Tagalog (supertitles in English are provided), the musical presentation, an opera originally staged in Three Acts, follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo's plans, which creates "a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge."

The opera stars internationally acclaimed tenor Sal Malaki as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra (he also played the same role in New York City and Washington, D.C.); popular Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias as Maria Clara; Ivan Nery as Juan Crisostomo Ibarra; Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara; Greg de Leon as Elias; Eggo Velasco as Basilio; Mari Ferrer as Crispin; Antoni Mendezona as Sisa; Andrew Fernando as Padre Damaso; and Jonathan Velasco as Padre Damaso; among others. Freddie Santos directs the members of the cast, accompanied by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Rodel Colmenar.

Part of the proceeds will go to the preservation of the original copy of "Noli Me Tángere" in the National Library and scholarships for Filipino opera singers.

BroadwayWorld.com is an online media partner of NOLI ME TANGERE OPERA Manila.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

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