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Renowned musical theater virtuoso Shiela Valderrama-Martinez is currently immersed in whirlwind preparations for her forthcoming portrayal in the iconic musical masterpiece, “Rama Hari.” The project is a dream come true for Valderrama since the production proudly unites the unparalleled talents of five distinguished Philippine National Artists.
The team behind “Rama Hari” is a constellation of artistic luminaries, with National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes lending her brilliance to the direction and choreography. The visionary Salvador Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Design, is the genius behind the production design, while National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera, weaves magic with his lyrics and libretto. Finally, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, composed the enchanting original music while the eminent National Artist for Theater and Literature, Rolando Tinio, provided the English translation.
Besides working with geniuses, “Rama Hari's” Sita, a character of profound depth and grace, has long been Valderrama's aspiration for quite some time.
“Playing the role of Sita is a dream of mine,” she confessed, her eyes reflecting the magnitude of this opportunity. “It's not just about the role itself; it's the chance to breathe life into this exquisite masterpiece while collaborating closely with two National Artists — Alice Reyes and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.”
Valderrama's journey to embody Sita began in 2020, but the pandemic cast an untimely shadow over the production just a week before opening night. The cruel interruption only made her yearning for the role burn brighter.
“When they extended the invitation for me to reprise the role of Sita, I was overjoyed,” the thespian exclaimed.
The spotlight awaits Valderrama as she takes center stage at “Rama Hari's” opening night at The Metropolitan Theater on September 15, followed by the grand closing gala at The Samsung Performing Arts Theater on September 24.
She shares this extraordinary stage with Arman Ferrer as Rama and, from the original 2020 cast, Audie Gemora as Dasarata and Poppert Bernadas as Ravana.
The enchanting melodies will be brought to life by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth under the baton of Toma Cayabyab.
Valderrama's artistic journey, spanning nearly three decades, has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to the performance stage. Her recent triumph as the Best Female Host at the Aliw Awards 2022 and her affiliation with the esteemed 1LitCorp roster of hosts managed by Issa Litton underscore her versatility. Under the guidance of her personal manager, David Cosico, she likewise remains an indomitable force in the Stages Management group.
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
