The cast and creative team for the much anticipated Canadian premiere of the first fully Filipino musical were revealed in an event held at Max’s Restaurant yesterday,  March 19.
Created by  Filipino-Canadian Joseph Sevillo, Mabuhay! A New Musical has been in development for five years and is the  first musical ever developed and commissioned by Rainbow Stage as part of its 70th anniversary season.   Rainbow Stage Artistic Director Carson Nattrass said the musical includes a large ensemble of all ages, employs three choreographers, and features all-original pop music and hip-hop dance.
Leading the powercast is Andrea Macasaet, who grew up performing with Rainbow Stage. Andrea played the roles of Anne Boleyn in SIX (Broadway, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and Mimi in RENT (Stratford). Now based in New York, this is a homecoming for Andrea. “I am excited to be home. I missed my mom’s cooking. I am excited to be with the people who raised me and for everyone who is making their theater debut. Theatre is tangible. If you have a dream to be an actor, you can pursuee it”,  she exclaimed. 

Another home-grown Rainbow stage talent, Ma-Anne Dionisio, is joining the cast. Ma-an is known for originating the role of Kim in Toronto’s Miss Saigon. Other cast members who will bring a lot of energy on stage are AP Bautista, Daren Dyhengco, Joy Lazo, Rochelle Kives, Robin Jordan Quintana, Shauldon Santos, AC Tongol, Pierson Alibudbud, Annika Malolos, Jordan Sevillo, Kaitlyn Yaho, Jerilyn Bulaong, Justin Bulaong, Josh Calabio, Dutchess Cayetano, Victoria Exconde, Johan Malolos, Nathan Malolos, Alba Manuel, and Hazel Wallace.

More than 120 actors from across Canada auditioned for Mabuhay! The final cast was trimmed down to 22 performers, 20 from Manitoba, with ages ranging from 12 to 72, and eight debuting on stage.   Rehearsals start in May and shows run  from  June 27  to July 14.    To purchase tickets and for more information, click   www.rainbowstage.ca.