Storytelling through the Eraserheads music: ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ Returns in March

By: Brian Jules L. Campued

An original play told through the music of an all-time favorite OPM rock band, which garnered many raves, mixed reviews, and sold-out shows in its first run last year will be back in March to quench the Filipino theater junkies’ thirst for yet another masterful storytelling.

            Just a quick reminder for those who missed the show in its 2018 leg, this musical isn’t your usual sing-and-dance act nor a source of feel-good nostalgia when you hear Eraserheads but ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ will surely give you a narrative about friendship and tackles some societal issues associated with the still relevant songs of the iconic band.

            The all-original musical is written by Dingdong Novenario and directed by Dexter Santos. It follows the story of three men: Hector, Emman, and Anthony who have lost their friendship, found themselves in an unlikely reunion years later. As they reminisce their past from how they met in college to how they bid goodbyes on the last day of school, the cast takes us to a trip down memory lane as we hear them sing (or speak the lyrics of the) songs of Eraserheads.

            The play also brings a star-studded cast including Gian Magdangal and Reb Atadero who played the older and younger Hector, Jon Santos and Topper Fabregas who acted as Anthony, OJ Mariano and Boo Gabunada who portrayed Emman, Sheila Francisco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Tanya Manalang.

            12 songs that we loved were listed in the production and performed in its entirety while snippets from many E-heads songs were practically incorporated in the narrative’s dialogues by musical director, Myke Salomon.

            Bringing a new taste to the piece, Salomon made some of the songs arranged differently to evoke the necessary emotions and give new meanings as required in the script (hint: ‘With A Smile’ was turned into a graduation song).

            So, if you lost your chance to watch this spectacle last year, your wish has been granted! Ang Huling El Bimbo opens on March 1 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. Ready your pockets and better save the date.