The call of musical theater proved to be too irresistible as these stars flexed their acting and singing prowess on stage.
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Despite being grounded in the same discipline, the worlds of acting for TV and movies and acting in theater rarely intersect. Both fields are told in different mediums, one recorded and the other in front of a live audience. It’s a task that gets even trickier when it’s musical theater as it requires its actors to sing live on the stage. It takes a certain level of skill to excel in both, and that is something these following stars have.
While they got their start away from the theater stage, they found the spotlight and belted a tune in one or a few local musical theater productions. They traded in the movie cameras for a live audience, and they didn’t disappoint. Take a look at these multi-hyphenates.
KD ESTRADA AND ALEXA ILACAD
We already saw the hottest musical pair flex their vocals skills on ASAP and their first digital series together, Run To Me. Now, they’re taking their talents to the stage as part of the cast of Rody Vera’s Walang Aray, an adaptation of the Severino Reyes classic Walang Sugat. Serving as PETA’s return to the live stage, Walang Aray is set during the Philippine Revolution and follows two lovers, Julia and Tenyong, as they try to make their love work during a tumultuous time. KD is playing Tenyong while Alexa is bringing to life Julia. KDLex is playing the lead couple in select shows until its end this May so check their dates accordingly.
KIM MOLINA
Hailing from a family of musicians, Kim Molina is a pro at musical theater. Some of the actress and singer’s past work on stage includes appearing in local productions of Tarzan The Musical and Carrie The Musical. But Kim may be most known for her award-winning stint in Rak of Aegis in 2014. Kim’s latest project sees her become the latest actress to bring the iconic superhero, Zsazsa Zaturnnah, to life in a play production of the komik character for Ateneo Blue Repertory. The show runs from March 17 until April 2.
SAM CONCEPCION
Sam Concepcion isn’t just a familiar face on the big and small screen, he’s also a regular on the theater scene. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Sam starred or appeared in quite a few musical productions, from Peter Pan to High School Musical. His most recent stage work was starring in Joseph the Dreamer, which marked his return to the stage after nearly a decade.
MARKKI STROEM
While Markki got his start as a contestant on Pilipinas Got Talent, the musician, and actor has found his niche in musical theater. Over the years, the recording artist has lent his talents to the cast of multiple local musical productions such as Camp Rock The Musical, Carrie The Musical, and Jersey Boys. In 2022, he was part of the main cast for the latest revival of Mula Sa Buwan. Currently, he’s playing Rolf in the Manila leg of The Sound of Music, one of the few local actors a part of the international production.
KARYLLE
Music runs in Karylle’s blood. This is why it’s the least bit surprising that the musician, actress, and host has a few musical theater credits to her resume. Her past work includes appearing in The Little Mermaid, West Side Story, and 2022’s Carousel. Karylle’s latest foray into musical theater is playing Elsa Baroness von Schraeder in the Manila leg of The Sound of Music.
ATASHA MUHLACH
With a famous last name, numerous endorsements, and an international education, Atasha Muhlach seems primed for her debut in showbiz. And if ever she does decide to follow in her parents’ footsteps, she won’t be a total rookie. When she was just 9 years old, Atasha played Brigitta Von Trapp in a local production of The Sound of Music.
BONUS: PIOLO PASCUAL
One of the hottest and most well-known actors of his generation making his musical theater debut? Now, this we got to see. After spending years charming audiences with his film work, Piolo Pascual is set to begin a new chapter of his career, that of a musical theater actor. He is set to star as Ibarra in a Tanghalang Una Obra production. The play, which is based on Jose Rizal’s character from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, is an adaptation of Kanser by Jomar Fleras. Aside from adapting Rizal’s novels, the production is said to incorporate some commentary and themes on Philippine society. Piolo will make his musical debut at the GSIS Theater starting June 8 until 18.
Continue Reading: From Stage To Screen: Filipino Musicians Who Also Tried Their Hand At Acting
