First look: The fab, daring cast of ‘Delia D’

Newport World Resorts chief marketing officer David Jorden (center, foreground), with (from left, front row) Full House Theater Company coartistic director Michael Williams, director Dexter Santos, Full House coartistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and dramaturg Rody Vera. Joining them are the cast (back row).

Hot off the casting call and ready to command the spotlight, Newport World Resorts has rolled out the red carpet for the cast of “Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo.”

Leading the cast is Phi Palmos in the titular role, with Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena taking on secondary roles. Supporting cast members are John Lapus, Joann Yap Co, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Joshua Cabiladas, Rapah Manalo, Omar Uddin, and Chaye Mogg. Featured roles will be performed by Mimi Marquez, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche, and Natasha Cabrera.

The female ensemble includes Mikaela Regis, Liway Perez, Cara Barredo, Cheska Quimno, Mica Fajardo, Jannah Baniasia, Julia Serad, Meg Ruiz, Cydel Gabutero, Julia Santiago, and Abi Sulit. The male ensemble features Francis Gatmaytan, Ralph Oliva, Rofe Villarino, Denzel Zara, Ian Hermogenes, Sebastian Katigbak, Franco Ramos, Chesko Rodriguez, Aira Igarta, Almond Bolante, and Stephen Viñas.

Completing the cast are the swings and covers, with Khalil Tambio and Jules Dela Paz serving as both covers and ensemble members. Janina Mendoza takes on the role of the female swing, while John Paul Basco serves as the male swing. Rounding out the lineup are Ring Antonio and Shaun Ocrisma as the female and male covers, respectively.

The creative and production geniuses behind “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical” and “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical” return to raise the curtain on another groundbreaking production. Acclaimed director Dexter Santos is at the helm, leading the charge alongside associate directors Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams, scriptwriter John Carlo Dulu, dramaturge Rody Vera, and musical director, arranger, and vocal arranger Vince Lima.

Setting the stage for a visual and auditory spectacle are sound designer Justin Stasiw, sound effects designer Arvy Dimaculangan, lights designer John Batalla, choreographer Stephen Viñas, scenic designer Lawyn Cruz, costume designer Mitoy Sta. Ana, video designer GA Fallarme with associate video designer Joyce Garcia, and makeup and hair designer Marlon Rivera.

Technical director Toff Legaspi, company manager Maribel Garcia, and stage manager Christian Parado wrap up the powerhouse team.

“Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo” opens April 25 and runs until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It will showcase iconic hits and debut brand new songs by celebrated songwriter and music producer Jonathan Manalo.

The 11th major theatrical offering from Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company is described as a show that “blends camp, comedy, and drama, while highlighting the values of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Anyone who has pursued a dream will see themselves in Delia, a magnetic drag performer with a heart full of dreams and the determination to make it big, despite the unique challenges she faces.”

General public ticket sale starts on Feb. 17 at TicketWorld, HelixPay, and Newport World Resorts Box Office. For inquiries, call tel. 7908-8888 or 0917-8728237.