“Rama, Hari,” the ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, returns onstage after over 30 years and it boasts of a very impressive all-star cast.
For starters, it stars two of today’s hottest names in music: ABS-CBN’s Christian Bautista and Karylle in the lead roles of Rama and Sita. They are also backed by a bunch of other equally talented cast of the Philippines’ theater actors and singers such as Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), Kalila Aguilos (alternating as Sita), Cristian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot, Amparo Sietereales and Brezhnev Larlar.
It doesn’t end there. More big names involved in the production are Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao, who will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita; Ballet Philippines’ founder Alice Reyes, who choreographed it; Ryan Cayabyab, who set the ballet musical to music; National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbrera, who wrote the libretto; National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, who did the set and costume design; and National Artist Rolando Tinio, who translated the Filipino lyrics to English subtitles for the performance.
“Rama, Hari” will have 10 performances from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live. For tickets and inquiries call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.
