The playwright David Mamet once said, “When you leave the theater wanting to discuss the play, that’s a good play. When you leave the theater wanting to discuss your life and the world, that’s art.”

If we follow Mamet’s logic, there are plenty of good plays in Manila. This year alone has seen a resurgence in theater, with an influx of straight plays and musicals from homegrown companies and visiting international tours.

There are also plays that leave such an imprint that we leave the venue discussing things like ethics, morality, the importance of doing good vs. doing what’s easy, and the dangers of blind faith. One of the musicals that makes us want to discuss life and the world is Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Mula Sa Buwan.

Mula sa Buwan is an original Filipino musical based on Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo’s Filipino translation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac.

Photo / CJ Ochoa

The material began in 2009 when Pat Valera turned the story of Cyrano and transformed it into a rock-sarswela with music and lyrics by Valera and William Elvin Manzano. It was first staged in 2010 with the title Cyrano: Isang Sarswela and has since been restaged in 2016 (with the new title Mula sa Buwan), 2018, 2022, and now, 2024.

The musical marks a milestone, as this production marks the debut of a new director, Mikko Angeles. Angeles, who has had a busy 2024 with hits such as Bar Boys: A New Musical and Grace (both re-running this year), has taken on the helm of this year’s production. His fresh take has paid off, as critics have called this run the best and definitive version of Mula sa Buwan.

Though viewers and critics have praised this production, Angeles is clear about not taking credit for the show. He told WheninManila.com, “As the new director, I don’t want this to be my show. This is our show. I mean, we open with ‘Ang tanghalang ito’y atin ngayong gabi…’ Lalayo pa ba tayo?”

Those who have seen previous shows will still see the same story that the show’s fans, or LaBuwans, have cherished through the years: the heartbreaking love story between the poet Cyrano, his beloved Roxane, and the kindhearted Christian.

Yet this production feels different because it’s darker and grittier. Apart from love, this run also focuses on defiance. Parallel to the love story is a group of wide-eyed dreamers and misfits who explore themes of love, friendship, and ideals. Everything is put to the test when war strikes, and they must fight for their place in an ever-changing city.

Creating the new Mula sa Buwan

Photo / Jaypee Maristaza

Angeles said, “My initial ask is: “Ano ang pangarap mo para sa Mula Sa Buwan? Tara, tuparin natin.”

The director added, “Along with the whole company, we were never afraid to commit mistakes and take time to assess notes. I do not know everything; not everything I know will always be the right answer. There have been negotiations, but never for ego and comparison.”

The artistic team has been instrumental in bringing Angeles’ vision to life. JM Cabling, who has choreographed the show since 2016, said, “Naka-anchor pa rin sa pag-push ng storytelling. Palagi kong hinahanap ang role ng movement, na bukod sa spectacle nito, bakit necessary ito? Bukod sa love, hinanapan namin sa choreography kung paano mas maipapakita ang defiance.”

Photos / Erickson dela Cruz and CJ Ochoa

Bonsai Cielo also returns as the musical’s costume designer. She said, “Mikko wanted to develop the theme of defiance, which I think is the most relatable part of the production. Everyone struggles [and this] inspired the new costume pieces for this run.”

Both agree with the role that collaboration played in this run of Mula sa Buwan.

“Mas makabuluhan at mas exciting. Sobrang na-enjoy ko ang process kasi ang open lang namin sa ideas at sa mga bagong posibilidad. Ang saya makipagbaliwan kapag lahat sila pumapatol dito,” Cabling said.

The result is a new lens and a new perspective. There is also a new set with video projections, different lighting, reworked blocking and choreography, and improved wigs and costumes. Lines are transposed, and there are new vignettes and music. As Angeles puts it, these are “in service of a clearer narrative and a bolder responsibility.”

Eagle-eyed fans, however, who have seen the show multiple times, will catch a few Easter eggs referencing past productions and present issues. Fans who have read Cyrano de Bergerac will also recognize elements from Rostand’s play.

Photo / Irvin Arenas

When asked what he hopes audiences will take from this production, Angeles said, “What Mula sa Buwan has always promised is to offer its magic — to believe, to change lives, and to bring the Filipino audience together. This version was built on the history and heritage of its predecessors, and hopefully, we have elevated it to a version that will be remembered for years to come.”

We believe that it will be remembered, for many reasons. Angeles pointed out that Mula Sa Buwan will not return to the stage in the near future after they conclude this year’s run, which means that this production will be the last version in people’s minds until Barefoot Theatre Collaborative stages it again. At that point, audiences will see a new cast as Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, MC dela Cruz, Phi Palmos, and Jillian Ita-as, who play the leads, also announced that this would be the last time they would portray their roles. 

More importantly, audiences will remember the show for its story of love and defiance, which has touched many people’s lives since 2010.

According to Angeles, “The songs are heartbreaking, and the adaptation is compelling, but it’s the LaBuwans that made Mula sa Buwan what it is today—a musical juggernaut that has proven itself to be one of the most beloved and successful original Filipino productions of recent years.“

Angeles is joined by Myke Salomon as musical director, Ohm David as set designer, and Meliton Roxas Jr. as lighting designer. The musical features a book, adaptation, and lyrics by Pat Valera and music and lyrics by William Elvin Manzano.

Mula sa Buwan has a limited run from August 16 to September 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Barefoot Theatre Collaborative announced a final extension, with two new shows on September 14, 2024.

Tickets for all show dates are now available via Ticketworld or bit.ly/msb2024tickets. For more information, visit mulasabuwan.com.

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