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Rama at Sita

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Rama at Sita – The Musical
MusicRyan Cayabyab
Danny Tan
LyricsRoy Iglesias
Dodjie Simon
BookBienvenido Lumbera
BasisRamayana
by Valmiki
Productions1999, Manila

Rama at Sita – The Musical is a 1999 full-length OPM Filipino musical in the Tagalog language. It is an adaptation of the 1980 Filipino rock opera ballet by three National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera, Ryan Cayabyab, and Alice Reyes entitled, "Rama, Hari", based on the Indian epic Ramayana topbilled by Kuh Ledesma and Basil Valdez. The production was directed by Leo Rialp and is considered the most expensive theatrical production in the Philippines to date.[1][2]

Productions

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Rama at Sita – The Musical premiered on February 4, 1999, at the University Theater in Quezon City under the stage direction and stage design by Leo Rialp and the musical direction of Danny Tan. The choreographer was Agnes Locsin. The musical starred Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha in the title roles, with Jaya as Surpanakha and Robert Seña as Ravana. The musical is one of the most expensive ever produced in Philippine entertainment history with a budget of Php 40 million, and the actor Franco Laurel was among the producers. Philippine fashion pillar Patis Tesoro served as costume designer.[3][4]

Synopsis

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While Rama is supposed to inherit the throne of his father King Dasaratha of Ayuthaya, his father's favorite wife Queen Kaikeyi pressures Dasaratha to fulfill the latter's promise to grant her two wishes. Kaikeyi wishes for her son, Bharata, to become king and to send Rama into exile along with his loyal brother Lakshmana. In their pursuits, they meet Sita, and the evil siblings Ravana and Surpanakha try to lure the couple into becoming their partners.

Musical numbers

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Characters

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  • Rama – crown prince of Ayuthaya; son of Dasaratha and husband of Sita
  • Sita – princess of Mithila; daughter of King Janaka; wife of Rama
  • Ravana – evil king of Lanka
  • Surpanakha – sister of King Ravana
  • Lakshmana – brother of Rama
  • Dasaratha – king of Ayuthaya
  • Kaikeyi – favorite wife of King Dasaratha
  • Bharata – son of Queen Kaikeyi; regent of Ayuthaya

Cast

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Character Cast[5]
Rama Ariel Rivera, Raymond Lauchengco
Sita Lani Misalucha, Chiqui Pineda
Surpanakha Jaya, Emeline Celis
Ravana Robert Seña, Nonie Buencamino
Lakshmana John Arcilla, Ralion Alonzo
Dasaratha Mon David, Eugene Villaluz
Kaikeyi Pinky Marquez, Gigie Posadas
Bharata Franco Laurel
Kooni Carlo Orosa
Indrajit Michael Williams
Vishnu Bimbo Cerrudo
Sugriva Lou Veloso
Maricha Arlene Borja
Hanuman Andy Alviz
Gintong Usa Cecille Martinez, Patricia Borromeo Coronel
Lakshmi Girl Valencia
Janaka Zebedee Zuñiga
Vishnamitra Edward Granadosin

Awards and nominations

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Year Award ceremony Category Nominee Result
1999 Aliw Award Best Actress in a Theatrical Performance Lani Misalucha Nominated
Best Actor in a Theatrical Performance Raymond Lauchengco Nominated

References

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  1. ^ Rajendran, Charlene (February 2020). Performing Southeast Asia. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan. p. 56. ISBN 9783030346867.
  2. ^ The Free Library. "Ryan Cayabyab-'blessed with greatness of talent, yet his heart throbs with humility'". The Free Library. Farlex. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  3. ^ The Philippine Star. "Rama at Sita". The Philippine Star. The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  4. ^ Pencilpusher Manila. "Rama at Sita part 17--curtain call". YouTube. Pencilpusher Manila. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  5. ^ Gallardo, Ricky. "Dream come true for Franco and Ayen Laurel". Business Mirror. Business Mirror. Retrieved May 10, 2020.