Fo Guang Shan Philippines in cooperation with the Buddha’s Light International Association will restage Siddhartha: The Musical at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 17, at 2 pm and 8 pm. Directed by Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson and with musical direction by Jude Gitamondoc, Siddhartha: The Musical tells the story of Siddhartha, the prince who renounced his royal status to seek enlightenment. He would eventually become the Buddha, the awakened one. His teachings are still kept alive today by millions of people all over the world.
The musical is based on the book The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order. Most of the songs used in the musical are also based on the writings of the Venerable Master.
To date, Siddhartha: The Musical has been staged a total of 55 times. It has been shown in Cebu, Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Taiwan and the United States.
In November 2013, the entire cast and crew of the production was invited to perform by Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in southern California to take part in the temple’s 25th anniversary celebration. The production also traveled to Northern California and other parts of the U.S. Proceeds from the shows were used to rebuild structures damaged by the earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu, as well as in relief operations for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.
The cast of over 70 volunteer actors and dancers showcases the musical and performing talents of Filipinos, particularly of Cebuanos.
The cast are as follows: Benjamin Layos / Junrey Alayacyac (Siddhartha/Buddha), Gabriel Gomez / Clark Van Daryl Jolbot (Ananda), Ivy Melody Gallur / Joanna Ang (Yasodhara), Glicerio ‘Cerj Michael’ Germudo (King Suddhodana), (Queen Maya), Lavinea Rosa Hopkirk (Mahapajapati), Francis Eric Isidro (Assita).
The 5 Attendants/Monks are: Mark Jude Tenedero (Bhadrika), Joer Ivan Gallur (Asvajit), Sukharno Durado (Ajnata), Eyre Hyamze Dumalagan / Edlyn Clark Sereño (Dasbala) , Jose Christo Rhey Asignar (Mahanama) .
The supporting cast are Romel Abella (Anathapindada), Edison Saynes (Cudapinthaka), Jomar Gomez (Nidhi), Pamela Therese Estalilla (Lady Sujata), Francis Eric Isidro (Mara), Jessa Jean Amen, Lourdes Arnejo and Shane Reseroni (Daughters of Mara), Thomas Jacob Dañas (Little Siddhartha), Daniel Florenz / Corsini Atup (Little Ananda), David Elijah / Corsini Atup (Rajula), Shifrah Bouchikhi (Little Yasodhara) and Xyna Precious Juros (Little Girl of Royalty).
The ensemble are as follws: Jessa Jean Amen, Lourdes Arnejo,Julie Grace Coronel, Mark Arnold Langahid, Patricia Andrea Pateña, Brazilia Francesca Valdez, Shane Nicole Reseroni, Edisa Tantiansu, Dave Nielson Velez and April Marie Ynclino
The artistic and production team are as follows: Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson (Director), Jude Gitamondoc (Writer, Composer, Musical Director), Vince Gaton (Choreographer), Oj Hofer (Costume Designer Bhavna Gupta (Cosatume Design Consultant), Sherry Gail Liamting (Costume Design Asst.), Carlo Victorio Enad (Accessories Coordinator), Romero Vergara (Hair and Make-up), Walfrey Mercado (Set & Props Designer and Executor), Felipe Anjelo Calinawan (Sound Engineering), Ralph Joey Cabusas (Orchestration), Nendel Endrina and Niño James Bañares (Additional Orchestration), Grace Nono, Bob Aves and Joseph Abella (Additional Songs & Lyrics), Eyre Hyamze Dumalagan (Rehearsal Dance Master).
All proceeds of the restaging of the musical will benefit Guang Ming College based in Manila for the training of scholars from financially-challenged families all over the country in the fields of Performing Arts and Buddhist Studies.
For ticket inquiries, please call Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple at 559-9540.
Photo Credit: Erickson dela Cruz – thank you!