Theatre Review: "Maynila... Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag" Is A Spectacular Show-stopper

I'm a big fan of musicals. Whether it's a movie or a live presentation, I always enjoy watching people sing and dance their hearts out. There's something magical about watching musicals. It's like an escape from the harsh realities of life, even for just a few hours. Sadly, I don't really get to watch live musicals frequently. I remember the last time I went to see a musical was way back in January 2017, when I watched Sa Wakas, an original Filipino musical based on the songs of the band Sugarfree. So when I was invited by a friend of mine, Jonell Estillore, to go see Maynila... Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag : The Musical, I was so excited.

I've never seen Lino Brocka's 1975 classic film which was based on Edgardo M. Reyes' 1986 novel Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag. So I have no idea what to expect when I went to see this stage adaptation in Kia Theater last October 1. Presented by Grand Leisure Corporation, this two-act, two-hour stage adaptation of the timeless novel is brought to life by critically-acclaimed director Joel Lamangan, together with Von De Guzman (Composer and Musical Director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer), and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design). Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. acts as line producer.

The story opens in Manila, circa 1970. Julio, a young man from the province, arrives in Manila to search for his missing lover, Ligaya. While staying in the city, he works in a construction  site and becomes close with his fellow workers Pol, Imo and Atong. Each one shares their own hardships brought by impoverished lives. The first act of the play follows them as they encounter maltreatment at work and injustice from the society while the second act focuses on Julio's continuous search for Ligaya.

The whole cast during the stage play's finale.

The story is peppered with amazing songs and show-stopping performances along the way. Most of the songs that were sang by individual characters were really heartfelt. But the ones that left a mark in my memory were the extravagant ensemble performances. One of my favorites was the introduction of Mrs. Cruz, the lady supposedly responsible for Ligaya's departure from the province and disappearance in the city. She had a grand entrance with an all-out performance of "Tengkyu, Mrs. Cruz" which will really make you feel like you wanna dance along with them. Then, just when you thought things couldn't get any better, comes the end of Act I which featured a jaw-dropping ensemble of "Sigaw ng Manggagawa" that will send shivers down your spine with it's haunting music and visuals, with the main participants leaving the stage and marching along the aisle of the theater, adding more to the experience of watching the play. Aside from the amazing songs, inventive choreography and imaginative lightning, the Maynila's biggest strength was it's very talented cast. Special mention to Arman Ferrer (playing the lead character Julio), and Aicelle Santos (playing Perla) managed to pull off their characters despite the big pressure of moving the story forward. Of course, the rest of the cast also deserve some praise for their committed performances.

Despite it's heavy themes and relevant social commentary, Maynila... Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag : The Musical  was definitely fun and entertaining. It's jaw-dropping, at times heartbreaking, but nonetheless a breathtaking extravaganza. A spectacular show-stopper of epic proportions. One that you shouldn't miss.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ of 5

You can still catch this one-of-a-kind theater experience during these dates:
October 5 - 8pm
October 6 - 3pm and 8pm

Tickets are available at all TicketNet outlets and online.
For inquiries, call ‎897-7142 or ‎890-0853