It was a bittersweet night at the theater as the cast and crew of the fantastical world of ‘parkoya-verse’ staged the show for the final time this season. Over the course of only a few months and about 45 performances, the epic musical has transformed into one that has been beloved by the theatergoers, with sold-out shows and star-studded audiences in attendance.
On the evening of June 23, the final curtain call brought back to the stage the entire cast, crew, and creatives that had dreamt up and brought to life what can only be described as an ‘acid-trip’ into the unknown. Director Dexter Santos took the opportunity to thank Newport World Resorts for staging the musical and for being a staunch supporter of Philippine performing arts. “We have witnessed a production that is highly visual and highly technical. Original Filipino works like these will never happen if we don’t have companies who will champion and will support the Filipino artists in every step of their way.”
Newport World Resorts President and CEO Nilo Rodriguez congratulated the entire Buruguduystunstugudunstuy Musical team as well as Newport Performing Arts Theater production outfit—Full House Theater Company (FHTC), Universal Records, the band that inspired such a world-class production–Parokya ni Edgar, and to the sponsors, partners, and show buyers for making this run a financial success. His message was punctuated by heartfelt gratitude, “And of course, a big thanks to you in the audience who joined us on our last show, and everyone who watched from the time we opened last April 26. Sana’y huwag kayong magsawa sa pagsuporta, dahil hindi kami magsasawang bigyan kayo ng magagandang palabas. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo.”
As part of the company’s commitment to promote Philippine performing arts, Newport World Resorts Chairman Kevin Tan shared his plan to open the Philippines’ first Grand Opera House within Westside City, a township located along the Entertainment City in Parañaque City. The opera house, having approximately 3,000 total seating capacity, is designed to “promote all sorts of performing arts, from musicals, theater, concerts, comedy, and even modern dance. We want to be the ‘Broadway of Asia’.”
To formally close out the chapter of ‘Buruguduystunstugudunstuy’ Ang Parokya ni Edgar musical, FHTC Co-Artistic Director and First Lady of Philippine Musicals Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo shared one final big surprise for audiences. On cue, a star of both film and stage, Phi Palmos boldly took center stage to belt out “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw”, a familiar tune to OPM connoisseurs.
The surprise performance revealed Newport World Resorts’ 11th major theatrical production set to debut in 2025. The upcoming musical will feature songs from award-winning composer and record producer Jonathan Manalo including hits “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” “Patuloy ang Pangarap,” “Tara Tena,” “Pinoy Tayo”, “May Kasama Ka,” “Boom Panes,” “What U Want,” “Let It Loose,” “Never Give Up,” “Pagbigyang Muli”, “Kabataang Pinoy”, and more. Audiences can also look forward to brand new, original music composed exclusively for this production, bringing fresh and exciting sounds to the grand stage of Newport Performing Arts Theater. More must be revealed soon.