Karylle and Gian Magdangal Star in Repertory Philippines' Carousel

(SPOT.ph) While the past two years have put a damper on the Philippine theater industry, local productions are now more alive than ever as two new stages open in Metro Manila: the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City and the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in Pasay City. Theater company Repertory Philippines, which has been around for more than five decades, is gracing the latter venue come November as it opens Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's Carousel. The hit musical runs from November 26 to December 18 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' new black box theater.

Carousel follows the story of carousel barker Billy Bigelow (Gian Magdangal), who falls in love with millworker Julie Jordan (Karylle Tatlonghari). The Repertory Philippines production was originally scheduled to open on May 1, 2020, with the intention of rescheduling in July or August in the same year—which, of course, didn't happen. The role of Julie Jordan was supposed to be played by Nikki Gil, had the 2020 run pushed through.

Carousel's original Broadway production opened at the Majestic Theatre in 1945 and ran for 890 performances until 1947. It premiered in the West End at the Theatre Royal in 1950 and ran for 566 performances.

Carousel runs from November 26 to December 18 at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay City. Tickets, priced from P1,000 to P3,000, are available through the CCP Box Office, Ticketworld, and SM Tickets.