‘Mula sa Buwan’ to open on Dec. 2

Black Box Productions proudly presents its first theater produc­tion, Mula sa Buwan (From the Moon), a musical that deals with love and ideals—and the heart­breaks in between—that’s set to run at Ateneo de Manila Universi­ty’s Henry Lee Irwin Theater from December 2 to 4.

Taking place among Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets and colegialas in 1940s Manila, this adaptation of Frech poet Edmond Rostand’s famous play Cyrano de Bergerac puts Cyrano, Roxane and Christian in a beautiful and innocent period in Philippine history, when romantic music, wit, passion and hope rule. That changes when World War II explodes, during which virtue, honor, and love are all tested, and the young Filipinos of that time are forced to grow up fast in a field littered with rubble and forgotten memories as they struggle to survive.

Mula sa Buwan is the brainchild of director and Palanca award-winning playwright Pat Valera, who conceptualized, wrote the book and helmed the production, and lauded composer Wil­liam Elvin Manzano, who composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics with Valera.

The musical was first mounted in 2010 by the Dulaang Rock Opera Company at the University of Asia and the Pacific, where it was well-received by audiences. Since then, Valera and Manzano have reworked the musical to make it more moving and relevant.

Leading the cast of Mula sa Buwan are Nicco Manalo and Boo Gabunada, who alternate in playing the role of Cyrano; KL Dizon as Roxane; and Fred Lo and Edward Benosa, who take turns portraying the role of Christian. Lending support are Jon Abella, Jasmine Balunes, Gel Basa, Matthew Chang, Nico Dans, Harly Daria, MC dela Cruz, Michael Fernandez, Francelle Fetalve­ro, Rhenz Gabalonzo, Patrick Libao, Arielle Magno, Victoria Mina, Ralph Oliva, Gerhard Pagunsan, and Ronah Rostata.

Joining Valera and Manzano in the creative team are musical director and vocal arranger TJ Ramos, musical arranger Dana Marquez, set designer Ohm David, lighting designer Meliton Roxas Jr., choreographer JM Cabling, and dramaturg Katherine Sabate.

Comprising Mula sa Buwan’s production and marketing team are production manager Baha Vergara, stage manager John Mark Yap, technical director D Cortezano, marketing manager Cat Aldeon, and public-relations consultant Toots Tolentino.

Performance schedules of Mula sa Buwan are 8 p.m. on December 2, 3 p.m. on December 3, and 3 and 8 p.m. on December 4. For more informa­tion or inquiries, visit www.facebook.com/mulasabuwan or send an e-mail to info@mulasabuwan.com.