MANILA — Four familiar names in OPM are returning to their musical roots as they take on key roles in "Jeproks: The Musical," a new stage production starring David Ezra and inspired by the songs of Pinoy rock legend Mike Hanopol.
Nino Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Jett Pangan were handpicked to portray important roles in the upcoming musical, set to open in November.
Alejandro is no stranger to performing since he’s the nephew of OPM icon, the late Hajji Alejandro, and a cousin of singer-actress Rachel. He recently appeared in another hit musical, "Into the Woods," as a cover for the Baker.
According to him, he was contacted by the production and offered to play one of the main characters.
“In all my years of doing musicals, this is my first time originating a role, so I accepted the offer,“ said Alejandro, who plays Paulo, one of the three friends in the story.
“He is a free-spirited guy, and can be a little ‘pilyo and pasaway’ at times. It’s a character that I’m excited to sink my teeth into.
“I was very happy and flattered by the offer. So happy that Direk Frannie (Zamora) and the team could see me in the role. The process is going well. Of course, when you’re creating a brand new show, every decision is critical. Every song, every line has to move the story forward.”
Meanwhile, the two members of the group Smokey Mountain -- singer-actress Cruz and singer-actor turned director Hidalgo -- are reunited not as bandmates, but as co-stars in this original Filipino musical.
“True to her name, she brings light to darkness. She brings laughter, joy, and answers that help deliver parts of the story,” said Cruz, who plays Liwayway.
“The role was offered to me, and the moment I found out it was about the songs of OPM icon Mike Hanopol, I checked my schedule and said yes.
“Hindi na 'ko nagpa-tumpik-tumpik pa.”
Like Alejandro and Cruz, Hidalgo didn’t audition for the role, although his camp, upon learning about the production, showed interest in being part of the cast, since his last musical, "Ibarra," was also with the same group.
“I was, of course, thrilled to be offered the role, because of the iconic music of Mike Hanopol plus the genius creativity of Nick Pichay, who wrote the libretto, and the chance to once again work with Direk Frannie.”
He described his character Willy as a representative of every OFW who tries to make ends meet for his family back home. “Through my role, the audience will see how we struggle and the lengths we can go just to survive,” he said.
Actor and musician Pangan is still best known for fronting one of the most successful rock bands in the Philippines, the Dawn. But he also has appeared in several musicals. His last productions were "D.O.M. (Dirty Old Musical)" and "Sweeney Todd" with Lea Salonga (both in 2019).
He was offered the role of Tatay Paking. Being part of the cast, he said, is a privilege for him, especially since he hasn’t done a musical theater production since the pandemic.
“Paking is an old-fashioned, conservative, and does not agree with his son's pursuit to be a rock musician. He thinks the youth's 'modern ways’ can lead them to ruin," he said.
What do they expect the regular theatergoers and newbie audiences to get from the musical?
“It will entertain patrons as well as first-time musical theater watchers with its universal theme of personal and societal struggles in a period setting," Pangan said. “Very relatable to any Filipino, plus the music is from Pinoy rock legend Mike Hanopol!”
Hidalgo added: “The show has a beautiful story that weaves the popular jukebox hits of Hanopol with unexpected twists. Just like the music, everything is very Pinoy, so any Filipino audience can relate to it. As for the foreign audience, they will be able to get a glimpse of Filipino life in the late ‘70s to the early ‘80s.”
“I hope regular theatergoers will sing along with us and feel the emotions that the musical offers, such as peace, joy, hope, and rock and roll in their hearts as we perform Mike Hanopol's hits," Cruz said. "I also encourage giving OPM a chance, because Filipinos have some of the best songs worth listening to.
“And for the virgin theater audience… I hope this marks the beginning of your musical theater journey.”
“I’m hoping that the theater community, as well as those new to theater, will relate and enjoy our show," Alejandro said.
“The music is so electric and catchy, so they have something to latch onto because of its familiarity. It’s also exciting how it’s been arranged to really tell the story, as in, the music itself is like a character in the show.”
Audiences can meet the Sikatuna Band when "Jeproks: The Musical" runs from November 20 to 23 and 27 to 30, presented by Tanghalang Una Obra and Hammock Productions, Inc.
The show features a book and libretto by Nicolas Pichay, with musical direction by Maestro Jed Balsamo and direction by Frannie Zamora. Tickets are available on Ticket2Me and TicketWorld.