Theatre fans, rejoice!
Renowned stage performer Phi Palmos is set to introduce the world to Delia in the upcoming musical of the same name, which features the songs of famous composer-music producer Jonathan Manalo.
Produced by Full House Theater Company, Delia: A Musical Featuring The Songs of Jonathan Manalo is set to open to the public this coming April 25, 2025 and will run until June 8, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre. The forthcoming stage production is set to showcase several of Manalo’s iconic hit songs, while simultaneously debuting brand-new songs from the celebrated songwriter. It is described as a show that blends the elements of “camp, comedy, and drama” whilst highlighting the values of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
An official press release details the show’s premise as an introspective look at the life of the fictional character Delia, who is “a magnetic drag performer with a heart full of dreams and the determination to make it big — despite the unique challenges she faces.” Renowned actor-singer Phi Palmos plays the titular role, while Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena are set to take on secondary roles for the production. Other supporting actors include famous comedians like John Lapus, Joann Yap Co, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Joshua Cabiladas, Rapah Manalo, Omar Uddin, and Chaye Mogg, while other featured roles will be performed by Mimi Marquez, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche, and Natasha Cabrera.
Delia: A Musical Featuring The Songs of Jonathan Manalo comes from the creative minds behind the hit musicals Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical and the recently concluded Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical. Helmed by acclaimed Director Dexter Santos, the upcoming production is also spearheaded by Associate Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Assistant Director Michael Williams, Scriptwriter Dolly Dulu, Dramaturg Rody Vera, and Musical Director/Arranger/Vocal Arrangement Vince Lima.
Tickets are scheduled to be made available for sale beginning this February 17, 2025 at various ticket outlets such as TicketWorld, HelixPay, and Newport World Resorts Box Office, with prices set at Php 3,500 for SVIP, Php 3,000 for VIP, Php 2,500 for Gold, Php 1,800 for Silver, and Php 1,000 for Bronze sections.
In 2023, Manalo first teased the musical in an exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines. At the time, the beloved ABS-CBN music producer shared its initial working title, Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw, which mirrors his popular song of the same name. He also described it as a momentous celebration of his career that is set to tie in with his 25th anniversary in the music industry.