Manila, Philippines — The Filipino musical WALANG ARAY, a modern and side-splitting reinterpretation of Severino Reyes' zarzuela WALANG SUGAT, is set to return for a limited three-weekend engagement at the PETA Theater Center, running from October 6 to October 22, 2023.

WALANG ARAY is a contemporary take on the classical Reyes zarzuela that blends elements of the old and the new. Like WALANG SUGAT, this interpretation dives into themes of love, nationalism, and patriotism, incorporating modern tunes, pop culture references, irreverent humor, clever wordplay, and quick-witted one-liners.

Selected as the opening act for PETA's revival following a hiatus in 2018 and 2019, WALANG ARAY closed its initial 41-show run with sold-out performances and raves. Its brilliance and charm engaged both longstanding and new audiences alike.

The musical recently garnered 21 accolades from Gawad Buhay!, the premier recognition awards for the local theater scene. Awards include recognition for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Original Score, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Sound Design, and Outstanding Set Design.

Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila, along with Shaira Opsimar and Jon Abella, headline the cast with their memorable portrayals of the star-crossed lovers Tenyong and Julia, earning them accolades for Female and Male Lead Performance in a Musical at the Gawad Buhay! Awards.

In addition to its sharp humor and contemporary insights, WALANG ARAY shines through the chemistry of the PETA Ensemble, a cornerstone of many PETA productions. The returning ensemble cast includes Jarred Jaicten and Bene Manaois as Miguel, Kiki Baento as Monica, Carlon Matobato as Lucas, Norbs Portales and Csai Habla as Don Tadeo, Neomi Gonzales as Doña Juana, and John Moran as Padre Alfaro. They are joined by the equally exceptional ensemble featuring Donn Boco, Gerard Dy, Yeyin Dela Cruz, Ada Tayao, and Ayla Garcia, all excelling in their multiple roles.

WALANG ARAY is written by Rody Vera, with music by Vince Lim, with stage direction by Ian Segarra, with choreography by Gio Gahol.

Produced by PETA and Indie.Go Media, WALANG ARAY is co-presented by Dunkin’. Tickets can be purchased via TicketWorld.com.ph at tinyurl.com/WalangArayTickets.

For inquiries on bulk ticket purchases, please contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112 or PETA at [email protected]. To stay updated on WALANG ARAY, follow PETA’s social media pages: @petatheater.