The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is bringing a musical adaptation of the beloved film “One More Chance,” with Sam Concepcion, CJ Navato, Anna Luna, and Nicole Omillo stepping into the iconic roles of Popoy and Basha, originally played by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. The cast faces the challenge of living up to the high expectations set by the film’s original leads, viewing it as an opportunity to exhibit their own interpretive skills on stage.
Seventeen years after the film’s release, this musical rendition, featuring songs from the folk-pop band Ben&Ben, will run from April 12 to June 30. The actors shared their thoughts and excitement about taking on these well-known characters, emphasizing the pressure and responsibility of doing justice to the original performances.
The cast navigates the delicate balance of honoring the essence of Popoy and Basha while infusing their personal touch into these roles. They express both the excitement and the daunting task of embodying characters that have left a significant mark in Filipino cinematic history.
Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato, alternating as Popoy, and Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo, sharing the role of Basha, have delved deep into understanding their characters, relating their personal experiences to the complexities and growth depicted in the story. The musical promises to be a nostalgic journey, resonating with fans of the original film and introducing new audiences to its timeless narrative.
The integration of Ben&Ben’s music into the play adds an extra layer of emotional depth and contemporary flair to this classic love story, making it a must-watch for fans and theater enthusiasts alike.