Photo Flash: Ateneo Blue Repertory's SKIN DEEP: THE MUSICAL; Show Runs Now Thru 9/30

By: Oliver Oliveros Sep. 27, 2018

Photo Flash: Ateneo Blue Repertory's SKIN DEEP: THE MUSICAL; Show Runs Now Thru 9/30 Manila, Philippines--Musical theater composer and lyricist Vincent De Jesus' "Skin Deep: The Musical," which won Best Original Libretto and Best Musical Production at the 2008 Gawad Buhay! Awards, debuts a new set of songs in Ateneo Blue Repertory's (blueREP) take on the show.

blueREP's "Skin Deep: The Musical" plays at the Fine Arts Theater (3F Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City) now through Sunday, September 30, 2018.

Directed by Mia Fortugaleza, the musical tells the story of cosmetic surgeon Dr. Beaumont Batoctol and his one-stop beauty resort, Skin Deep Sanctuary, and the seven lucky winners who won the opportunity to experience the treatments and surgical procedures of the facility--for free!

The "Lucky 7" choose to become willing participants to improve their appearances and, eventually, veer away from the prying eyes of the public.

The Guidon writes, "[The show] essentially boils down to an inward experience; a guided meditation on our conceptions of beauty that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The play does not impose anything on its audience; the simple plot belies the complexity of its message."

In this production, which also opens blueRep's 2018-2019 season, the principal cast are Jan Rey Escano (Dr. Beaumont Batoctol), Maia Dapul and Senanda Gomez (Isah), Anton Peralta (Siso), Miguel Bongato and Joviell Sta. Maria (Chonggo), Nikki Cadiz and Sofia Santelices (Kit), Marynor Madasemila (Amor), Pia Marie Paulican and Sofeea Catignas (Happy), and Jason Tan Liwanag (Pipay).

The additional music is composed by Vincent De Jesus and Lucien Letaba; musical direction by Celine Bengzon and Xander Blanco; choreography by Misha Fabian; lighting design by King Morales, Luigi Soriano, and Daniel Estioko; set design by D Cortezano and Jolo Fernando; costume and makeup design by Yanna Parpan, and assistant direction by Yuji Los Banos.

Buy tickets from Rachel Asistores at (63917) 303 3074.

Photos: Julia Carpio