Atasha Muhlach will portray the title character in 'Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.' Photo from NWR Musicals on FacebookShowbiz royalty Atasha Muhlach is returning to her theater roots after landing the lead role in "Bongga Ka, 'Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical."
Muhlach's casting was officially announced on Wednesday during a press conference, just hours after the Philippine Star — a co-producer of the musical — first broke the news in an exclusive interview with the actress.
At the press conference, livestreamed by Muhlach's management company Viva Artists Agency, the 24-year-old artist described the casting as a "full circle moment."
"First reaction ko po (upon learning of her casting) was tears of joy kasi parang full circle moment para sa 'kin kasi nagsimula ako sa theater," said Muhlach, who previously starred in a local staging of "The Sound of Music."
"That was when I realized na gusto ko talaga mag-enter sa industry na 'to (showbiz) and it made me realize my passion for performing," she added.
Muhlach — daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales — shared that she auditioned for the role and has been undergoing "months" of preparation, including acting, voice, and dance lessons.
Muhlach joins a cast that also includes Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jackie Lou Blanco and John Lapus.
READ: More cast members for 'Bongga Ka, 'Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical' revealed
A musical that highlights the music of Hotdog, a leading figure in the Manila Sound movement, "Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical" tells the story of the title character, who works as a dispatsadora or sales clerk while dreaming of becoming a designer.
The show will be staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater starting in September, with ticket sales set to begin in July.