Traversing their way back to the moon for another rerun, the 2024 iteration of Mula Sa Buwan is navigated along balancing familiarity with novelty, as further emphasis on one of its main themes, defiance, is established.

Words Sophia Pangandian
Photos courtesy of Mula Sa Buwan
August 9, 2024

In just a few weeks, the highly-anticipated original Filipino musical Mula Sa Buwan returns to the stage, simultaneously carrying elements representative of both the old and new. With preparations currently running behind the scenes, we had the chance to sit down and talk with this year’s director Mikko Angeles, and cast members Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, MC Dela Cruz, Jillian Ita-as, and Jerom Canlas. 

Written by Pat Valera, Mula Sa Buwan takes inspiration from Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, following the story of Cyrano, an artist who gets caught up in a love triangle with Roxane, the woman he secretly loves, and his rival, Christian. Along with them are fellow artists navigating their position in a constantly evolving city during a period of war. 

Etched at the heart of the musical’s narrative are themes of love and defiance. For old cast members like Solomon, Pangilinan, Dela Cruz, and It-as, one would think there is danger of going over the same ground. 

The 2024 run begs to differ. Currently in the process of preparing for their performance, Jill, who played the role of Gabriel since the 2022 run, states that discoveries are being unpacked as they go along with particular changes this year. “Right now, we’re really tapping into the defiance part of Mula Sa Buwan,” she shares.

With Mula Sa Buwan ingrained in the landscape of Philippine theater since 2016, it’s safe to say there is already a certain level of expectation set with each production. “Nakakapressure siya on my end because for this run, it’s not, I think, the Mula Sa Buwan that they’re expecting,” director Mikko Angeles says.

“Love is already a given,” he states. The existing love triangle is testament to this. Their next task is to express how defiance can be a significant factor in love. “Love and defiance go hand in hand, most especially in this show. Kung mas malakas yung love, lalong lalakas yung defiance. Same thing kapag binaliktad,” Angeles says.

“That defiance will help us propel and fuel our journey to the moon. It’s just a matter of understanding the stories and narratives of today, and how to inject it in the sensibilities of the 1940s, within the context of Mula sa Buwan,” he adds.

The addition of new cast members also reinvigorates the production. Angeles wanted to start with a clean slate and have everyone be on equal footing. “Unlearn natin lahat. It’s as if pare-pareho tayong bagong salta sa buwan,” he told the 2022 cast.

He noticed a change in the dynamics, with the new members offering a fresh take and everyone keeping pace with each other. In rehearsals, everyone remains open-minded and receptive about expressing ideas and learning from mistakes.

Jerome Canlas is grateful to be part of the Mula sa Buwan cast for the first time, praising his castmates for their constant support. “It makes the job easier for me, at least na bagong salta, na akay-akay talaga lahat.” 

MC Dela Cruz, who will be playing Christian for the first time, has been involved in Mula Sa Buwan since 2016 as the character Maximo. Looking back, he realizes how the passage of time has affected his performance. “Parang naiiba siya as time goes by, mas nagiging grounded siya. Kasi mas marami ka nang experience sa buhay,” he shares.

Gab Pangilinan, who has been portraying Roxanne since 2022, touches on the dynamic, which depends on the people they are doing the show with. Having a new director and vision for Mula Sa Buwan is an important anchor. “Hindi sa iba yung material, pero yung kuwento namin nag-aadjust din based on what the circumstances are today. Not even just internally, but also what’s happening outside,” she shares.

Myke Solomon, who will play Cyrano, believes the musical imparts a meaningful story that stays with you and feeds the soul. 

Going on a continuous journey of rediscovery and exploration, the Mula Sa Buwan team is able to dig deeper and shoot for the moon. They invite the audience to follow them on this journey and to come with an open mind. 

Catch Mula Sa Buwan from August 18 to September 8, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Tickets can be purchased via TICKETWORLD and bit.ly/msb2024tickets.