Kapuso and Kapamilya actors in Gantimpala Theater's "Kanser" July 17-Aug 14, 2011

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Announcement from Gantimpala Theater

Cris Pastor as Maria Clara

Kapuso and Kapamilya actors in Gantimpala Theater's "Kanser"

Jay Gonzaga

as Crisostomo Ibarra

Kapuso (GMA7) actors Jay Gonzaga and Benedict Campos, respectively playing Crisostomo Ibarra and Padre Salvi, will share the stage with Kapamilya (ABS-CBN) Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 top-six scholar Cris Pastor, who portrays Maria Clara, in Gantimpala Theater's "Kanser" (a stage version of "Noli Me Tangere" written by Jomar Fleras).

"I applaud these showbiz fledglings for their daring and their heart to face the challenges of theater,” says artistic director Tony Espejo.  “We are one with the nation in the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.  Thus, Gantimpala Theater opens its 34th season with 'Kanser,' the longest running dramatic play based on Rizal’s incendiary novel Noli Me Tangere.”

Gonzaga
For Gonzaga, (currently in the after noon soap "Sinner or Saint") Ibarra is, “A very intelligent man, well-bred, and when he believes in a cause, he puts his heart and soul to it. Doing this iconic role makes me nervous. However, I promise to give it my best and infuse it with certain freshness.”

“Ibarra is somewhat of a Superman and his kryptonite is definitely Maria Clara,” says Jay. “When Ibarra is with his inamorata, Clara becomes the center of his s universe.”

Pastor

Benedict Campos

as Padre Salvi

Pastor describes her character Maria Clara as, “The ideal Filipina. She lives in a time when women face so many restrictions. Despite the fragility she displays, I think she is a woman of strength. ”

“I am so excited because finally I am going to try something that is out of my comfort zone. Maria Clara is the exact opposite of me, so this is a challenge I know I will conquer.”

She states playfully that her Kapuso co-actors are, “Very good! They are very patient and gentlemanly. It helps that they are both good-looking, especially my Ibarras, thus it’s easier to play coy and sweet.”

Campos
Last seen in the top-rating fantasy drama "Grazilda" as Prince Charming, Campos takes pleasure in acting as Padre Salvi because, “I play contravida here.”

“Salvi is deceiving, scheming and will do every thing to harvest the most forbidden of fruits, Maria Clara. He is twisted, lusting for power and the flesh which he desperately hides under his cloak.”

Cast
Other cast members are Jojo Riguerra (Crisostomo Ibarra, alternate), Dax Alejandro (Elias), Mayen Estañero (Sisa), Manolet Concepcion (Padre Damaso), Dante Balaois (Filosofo Tacio), Ed Murillo and Joey David (alternately portraying Capitan Tiago), Joey de Guzman (Mang-aawit), Mosang and Wenah Nagales (Doña Victorina), Niesty Lopera (Don Tiburcio), Meldea Flor Formacil (Doña Consolacion), Vangie Inocencio (Tiya Isabel), John Zyke Santos (Basilio), Dainyle Jeremel Orara (Crispin), Abel Napuran (Teniente Guevarra) and Troy de Guzman (Alferez).

The Kanser artistic team includes Adriana Agcaoili (Director), Jheyar Caguimbal (Associate Director), Benjie Cayetano (Lights Designer), and Norman Penaflorida (Sets Designer).

Performances are slated on
July 17, (7pm), Concert at the Park, Open Air Auditorium, Luneta, Manila;
July 22, 23 and 24, August 5, 6 and 7, (10am/2pm), AFP Theater, Quezon City;
August 12, 13 and 14,(11am/2pm) Cinema 3, SM Southmall, Las Piñas City.

Gantimpala Theater’s Kanser is supported by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and Ever Bilena Cosmetics.

Contact 899-5911 or 899-5745.
Visit www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com or www.facebook.com/gantimpala

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