From anthems of love to songs of hope and pride, the upcoming musical “Delia D” will breathe new life into the beloved songs of renowned Kapamilya songwriter-producer Jonathan Manalo.
Happening at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from April 25 to June 8, “Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo” is a musical about chasing dreams and finding one’s voice with the titular character, Delia, a drag performer entering the world’s biggest singing competition.
Jonathan’s music, which has made a significant impact on the OPM scene in over two decades, is accompanying Delia’s journey of self-discovery along with other original songs written for the musical.
Here are some of the relatable themes theatergoers can look forward to from the show from the hitmaker’s compositions and produced tracks:
Songs of hope and dreams. “Delia D” will feature a roster of Jonathan’s inspiring compositions from Angeline Quinto’s “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” to Zephanie’s “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo” as the lead character goes through the highs and lows of her ambition and passion. A contemporary addition to be adapted as well is the empowering song “Strings” by BINI.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming love tunes. Heart-tugging songs from the ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head will make their mark on the show. Expect “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw” popularized by Sheryn Regis and Morissette, “Hawak Mo” performed by Lyka Estrella, and Erik Santos’ “Pagbigyang Muli” in the lineup of songs you can sing your heart out to.
Feel-good R&B tunes. Apart from popular ballads and pop anthems, the audience will also enjoy R&B faves from Jonathan’s discography, such as Kyla’s “Beautiful Days,” “FANA’s “Tawa Tawa,” Jeremy G’s “Sinayang Mo,” and “Kyle Echarri’s “Let It Loose.”
Pinoy pride anthems. Nationalistic tunes composed and produced by Jonathan that will be reimagined through the show include “Pinoy Big Brother” theme songs “Kabataang Pinoy,” “Sikat Ang Pinoy,” and the iconic “Pinoy Ako.” His winning piece “Tara Tena” from the 2001 Himig Handog songwriting competition is another song of pride intended for the youth.
Sounds that energize and uplift. The musical will not be complete without songs that boost energy and spirit, including BINI’s “Blooming,” “4th Impact’s “Unleash the Diva,” and and Vice Ganda’s “Boom Panes.”
Jonathan is currently the most-streamed Filipino songwriter-producer with over eight billion streams as of March 5 according to data from music credit platform Muso AI. His songs were previously featured on iWantTFC’s teen musical drama “Lyric and Beat.”
“Delia D” is headlined by Phi Palmos with Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena. Supporting cast members are John Lapus, Joann Yap Co, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Joshua Cabiladas, Rapah Manalo, Omar Uddin and Chaye Mogg. Featured roles will be performed by Mimi Marquez, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche and Natasha Cabrera.
Mikaela Regis, Liway Perez, Cara Barredo, Cheska Quimno, Mica Fajardo, Jannah Baniasia, Julia Serad, Meg Ruiz, Cydel Gabutero, Julia Santiago and Abi Sulit are part of the female ensemble. The male ensemble features Francis Gatmaytan, Ralph Oliva, Rofe Villarino, Denzel Zara, Ian Hermogenes, Sebastian Katigbak, Franco Ramos, Chesko Rodriguez, Aira Igarta, Almond Bolante and Stephen Viñas.
Completing the “Delia D” cast are Khalil Tambio and Jules dela Paz serving as both covers and ensemble members. Janina Mendoza takes on the role of the female swing, while John Paul Basco serves as the male swing. Also joining are Ring Antonio and Shaun Ocrisma as the female and male covers, respectively.
The show is led by acclaimed director Dexter Santos alongside associate director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and assistant director Michael Williams, scriptwriter Dolly Dulu, dramaturg Rody Vera and musical director/arranger/vocal arrangement Vince Lima. Also joining the musical are sound designer Justin Stasiw, sound effects designer Arvy Dimaculangan, lights designer John Batalla, choreographer Stephen Viñas, scenic designer Lawyn Cruz, costume designer Mitoy Sta. Ana, video designer GA Fallarme with associate video designer Joyce Garcia and makeup and hair designer Marlon Rivera. Technical director Toff Legaspi, company manager Maribel Garcia, and stage manager Christian Parado complete the “Delia D” team.