Sugarfree hits featured in new stage musical

Posted at 03/07/2013 8:13 PM | Updated as of 03/07/2013 8:13 PM

MANILA, Philippines -- In the tradition of the hit Broadway musical "Mamma Mia!," an all-new musical featuring the songs of Filipino rock band Sugarfree will be staged in April.

Produced by Culture Shock Productions and Fringe MNL, "Sa Wakas" is billed as a Pinoy rock musical, which weaves together a story -- that of a relationship's beginning and end -- from several Sugarfree songs.

Hits from the rock group that will be featured in "Sa Wakas" include "Mariposa," "Burnout," "‘Wag Ka Nang Umiyak," "Hari ng Sablay" and "Makita Kang Muli."

Through these songs, the stage musical written by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan and Mariane Abuan also aims to answer the question why certain relationships fall apart.

Arranged by Ejay Yatco, the music of "Sa Wakas" is said to marry Sugarfree's brand of rock and Broadway sensibilities.

Featured in the lead role as Topper are theater actors Fred Lo and Vic Robinson. Lo previously appeared in the the local staging of "Rent" by 9 Works Theatrical, while Robinson has been part of a number of productions by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), including "Si Juan Tamad."

The female lead will be played by theater actresses Caisa Borromeo and Kyla Rivera, who were part of Repertory Philippines' "Little Women" and "I Love You Because," respectively.

Also part of the cast are actresses Laura Cabocha and Justine Peña.

"Sa Wakas" will have a limited run at the PETA-PHINMA Theater in Quezon City starting April 13. Matinee and evening performances will also be held on April 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.