Photo Coverage: First Look at NOLI ME TANGERE, The Opera 60th-Anniversary Production

Manila, Philippines--The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc., in cooperation with Ayala Foundation, celebrate the 60th-anniversary of National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino's grand opera NOLI ME TANGERE, starting tonight, January 28, through Friday, February 3, at CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Below, BroadwayWorld.com has captured some of the cast members in action: John-Andrew Fernandez as Padre Damaso; Bianca Camille Lopez as Maria Clara; Radnel Ofalsa as Alfonso Linares; Nomher Nival as Crisostomo Ibara; Irene Quiso-Ednave as Sisa, and Noel Comia Jr. as Basilio.

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal's 1887 classic novel of the same name, NOLI ME TANGERE, The Opera, recently had critically-acclaimed engagements in Manhattan, New York (2013), Washington D.C. (2014), and at the Resorts World Manila (2014).

This 60th-anniversary production, chaired by philanthropist Mercedes Zobel, features more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew, 16 scene changes, and a brand-new staging under the directorial reins of Jerry Sibal, who is also designing the sets and costumes.

Jose Jeffrey Camanag is assistant director, Edwin Mendiola, Sound Designer, and John Batalla, lighting designer.

The show's score and orchestrations are played by the newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

NOLI ME TANGERE, The Opera follows the story of 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.

For tickets, contact J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros