Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi. Handout/Theater Group Asia
MANILA -- Iconic Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi will take on the role of "Older Allie" in the upcoming production of "The Notebook, The Musical," Theater Group Asia announced on Sunday.
"The characters in Notebook are interesting. How it shows their growth and learnings. To be able to portray that is a challenge. And as I study the music of older Allie I learn that the music is modern and exacting; at the same time I will need to get to the heart of her. A great challenge. And I love challenges. Accepting challenges has been my motivation through all my years," Legaspi said.
Her portrayal of Older Allie is shaped by personal experience, with Legaspi revealing that her mother had suffered from Alzheimer's.
"It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role," she added.
Theatre Group Asia described Legaspi's inclusion in the production as a "dream casting."
"It is our honor to have a Philippine icon play the role of Older Allie. This is a dream casting for us. Ms. Celeste Legaspi is a titan in the musical theater industry and Philippine music in general," said TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos in a statement.
"She brings gravitas and wisdom to the role; and we can’t wait for the Philippine audience to see another side of this legendary artist. We are so excited to see the evolution of Allie’s character from her younger version with the vulnerable innocence of Sheena Belarmino, her blossoming through the strength and prowess of Morissette, and onto her full unravelling into the masterful insight of Ms. Celeste Legaspi."
Legaspi has appeared in early productions of "Showboat" and "Oliver!", as well as "Manila, Manila," "Doon Po Sa Amin," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Katy!," "Paglipas ng Dilim," "North Diversion Road," and "Ang Larawan."
In 1988, alongside longtime collaborator Girlie Rodis, Legaspi co-founded Musical Theater Philippines, a company that became instrumental in producing original Filipino musicals.
She is also known for her hit songs, including "Saranggola ni Pepe," "Tuliro," "Mamang Sorbetero," and "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal?"
Theater Group Asia earlier announced the casting of Morissette as Middle Allie.