Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is excited to announce the full cast for the internationally-acclaimed musical, MATILDA, inspired by Roald Dahl's beloved book.
Composed of some of the finest musical theater talents of the country, the cast is currently deep into rehearsals gearing up for a November 10th opening night at Meralco Theater in Ortigas Center.
Playing the title role are three of theater's small miracles: Telesa Marie "Esang" De Torres, whose most notable works include ABS-CBN's "The Voice," and the "Les Miserables" Asian tour; Uma Naomi Martin, who has made her theater debut in "A Little Princess," and Felicity Kyle Napuli, who has been recognized as Outstanding Child Performerat the Gawad Musika Awards. They are accompanied by a team of incredible performers who will appear as Matilda's wacky and charming classmates, namely Gabrielle Aerin Ong and Maria Ericka Peralejo as Lavander; Denise Fidel Arteta and Chi Chi Tan as Amanda; Nicole Chien and Ella Gonzalez as Alice; Alba Berenguer-Testa and Chantel Marie Guinid as Hortensia; Josh Nubla and Miguel Suarez as Bruce; Rhythm Alexander and Ian Albert Magallona as Eric; Gabo Tiongson and Pablo Miguel Palacpac as Nigel, and John Joseph Miraflores and Teddy Velasco as Tommy.
But it would not be a "Matilda" story if not for the adults who give these kids many a reason to be naughty.
Due to give some show-stopping performances are Jamie Wilson as Miss Trunchbull; Cris Villonco as Miss Honey; Joaquin Valdes as Mr. Wormwood; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Mrs. Wormwood; Emeline Celis-Guinid as Mrs. Phelps; Nel Gomez as Michael Wormwood; Bibo Reyes as Rudolpho, and to complete an electrifying ensemble are Steven Conde, Tim Pavino, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Teetin Villanueva, Gerhard Krystoffer, Alex Reyes, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Gabby Padilla, and Mica Fajardo.
Jamie as the terrifying Miss Trunchbull has 37 years of experience as an actor to back him up. He has made the theater his home since the age of seven, appearing in numerous critically-acclaimed productions such as "Pippin," "Almost Maine," "Jersey Boys," and "Run For Your Wife." A fellow veteran to accompany him is Cris, who rose to stardom as a solo artist best known for her hit single "Crush ng Bayan," and since then has made a name for herself in the world of theater and film. She recently appeared as Alison in ATEG's "Fun Home."
Joaquin is not a stranger to the Philippine theater scene, he started as a performer at a very young age and took a break from it working in advertising for eight years. Now, he returns to the stage as Mr. Wormwood. Playing his wife, Mrs. Wormwood is Carla, who is a "Miss Saigon" alumna who has performed with ATEG in many productions including "Nine," "The Addams Family," "Saturday Night Fever," and "Avenue Q." Not to be outdone is Emeline who will be Mrs. Phelps. Emeline has started performing at seven years old and has been seen in ATEG musicals such as "Rock of Ages," "The Bridges of Madison County," "Jersey Boys," and "Saturday Night Fever."
Nel, who will be playing Michael Wormwood, has been acting for 10 years, was most recently seen in "Kinky Boots." Bibo as Rudolpho, who started his acting venture with the Ateneo Blue Repertory, was last seen on the ATEG musical stage as Bob Crowe in "Jersey Boys."
Together, they help tell the story of Matilda and her friends: a group of children who are determined to fight against the injustices of childhood and are inspired to start a revolution that will change their destinies forever.
MATILDA The Musical is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography is by Cecile Martinez; lighting design by Driscoll Otto; musical direction by Farley Asuncion; set design by Faust Peneyra; projection design by GA Fallarme; costume design by Raven Ong; sound design by Kevin Heard; vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico; assistant direction by Steven Conde; assistant choreography by Jim Ferrer, and assistant vocal coaching by Rhenwyn Gabalonzo.
Seen by over seven million people across more than 60 cities and playing more than 5,300 performances worldwide, MATILDA The Musical is now preparing for its first UK and Ireland tour, beginning in March 2018, and running alongside the continuing West End production. To date, the show has received 86 major international awards, including 16 for Best Musical.
Presented by Promil, together with Metrobank Card Corporation, MATILDA The Musical will make its Philippine debut at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Center, Pasig City from the 10th of November to the 10th of December this year. Shows will be scheduled on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The show is recommended for children aged seven and above (children under the age of four will not be permitted inside the theater).
