Breaking News: Isay Alvarez, Epy Quizon, Tirso Cruz III to Star in KATY!, 1/10-27

Manila, Philippines, July 16, 2012 – "Miss Saigon" alumnus-turned-musical theater producer, director Robert Seña just confirmed with The Manila Bulletin that Isay Alvarez, "Miss Saigon" original London production's Gigi Van Tranh; Epy Quizon, award-winning film actor and son of the late comedian Dolphy; and Tirso Cruz III, seasoned film actor will play the "Queen of Philippine Jazz" Katy de la Cruz, Golay (Dolphy's first stage name), and Katy's father, respectively, in the upcoming revival of "Katy!," a landmark Filipino musical, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines's (CCP) Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino on January 10 to 27, 2013.   

"Nag-iisip kami who will play that [role of Golay], kasi siyempre mas iconic siya lalo na ngayon eh 'di ba? [We need] somebody who can give justice sa role. [Dolphy died at age 83 on July 10.]

"So we auditioned people, pero wala kaming nakita. I played the role before but it's hard work, siyempre. You have to watch a lot of Dolphy films and [see] not only his gestures and mga quirks, but also the look and the voice. I think Epy's the best person na talagang kadikit," Seña told The Manila Bulletin.

Read the interview HERE.

Entertainment critic and stage director Nestor Torre, the original director of "Katy!," which features music by Ryan Cayabyab and book and lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes, will once again direct the show, now under the wings of Seña's Spotlight Artists Center ("Magsimula Ka"). 

"Katy!," which is based on the life and times of de la Cruz (1907-2004), was initially produced by Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis; the musical premiered at the now-defunct Rizal Theater in 1989, which later transferred to the CCP. Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdez, Bernardo Bernardo, and Marco Sison starred in the original production.

Filipino singers Gian Magdangal, Dulce, and Vincent Evangelista (formerly with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers) are also part of the revival cast.

Photo Credit:  Isay Alvarez

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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