One of the most beloved stories in the Bible is that of Joseph, a young man who is set on a path to greatness. But it is one that tests his obedience and faith in God. A favored son, Joseph is ripped from his family and sold into slavery by his own brothers, who were blinded by jealousy. Little did they know that this seemingly cruel twist of fate would take the young man on an extraordinary journey of redemption.
Where with one dream, God steps in and changes his world. This July, Trumpets brings back its iconic musical, Joseph The Dreamer, for a very limited run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza.
Thirty-six years since it was first staged, this is one show that continues to inspire hope, bring joy, and change lives. When Trumpets first brought it back in 2020, it was given a dynamic new feel, reimagined by director Paolo Valenciano, based on the original book by Freddie Santos, with fresh musical arrangements by Myke Salomon, and choreography by MJ Arda. Joseph’s colorful coat was also passed on the next generation – multi-hyphenate artist Sam Concepcion, and singer / actor Neo Rivera, both of whom echoed the show’s high energy reboot.
Audie Gemora and Gary Valenciano, who both played Joseph in 1999 and 2000, now wore the robes of family patriarch Jacob. “Joseph The dreamer” was one of the last shows to close just before the lockdown, but was also the first to open when it was lifted in 2022.
Fast forward to 2025, and Trumpets is now bringing this triumphant story to a new generation of theatergoers. “I think it’s time they get to experience JTD, and the powerful story it has to tell,” shares Audie Gemora, Trumpets Artistic Director. “That’s why we are bringing the show back at this time. It reminds us that God has a plan for all our lives”
A CAST OF MANY TALENTS
Concepcion returns to the titular role anew, alongside Valenciano, who is back as Jacob. Carlo Orosa also reprises his role as Pharaoh, as well as Kayla Rivera as Asenath.
Joseph’s brothers will be played by RJ dela Fuente, Matthew Barbers, Carlos Canlas, Paul Valdez, Jim Ferrer, Renz Bernardo, Luis Marcelo, and Sam Panlilio. Returning in the role of Benjamin is Mateo Amper Jimenez. Aldo Vencilao and Dippy Arceo will play Mr. and Mrs. Potiphar. Clave Sun and Liam Nery share the role of Manasseh, and the young Joseph. Rounding out the cast is the ensemble, featuring Iya Villanueva, Kathleen Francisco, Coleen Paz, Dani Solis and Justine Narciso.
NEW FACES, NEW STORIES
The 2025 staging also boasts of new additions to the cast.
Singer and actress Julia Serad, who was last seen in The Sandbox Collective’s “Little Shop Of Horrors” as Audrey II, takes on the role of Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin’s beloved mother. She shares the role with Miss Saigon alum and lead actress in the MMFF film Isang Himala, Aicelle Santos. Both ladies bring their powerhouse vocals and enormous hearts to this pivotal role.
Veteran theater actor, Lorenz Martinez, who has had a long and storied career on the stage, joins in to alternate with Orosa as Pharaoh. He also puts on an assistant director’s hat for this run.
Up and coming actress and GMA Sparkle talent Naya Ambi puts on the crown of Asenath, alternating with Rivera. Fil-Am dancer, singer, and recording artist Ken San Jose will also be stepping into the shoes of Benjamin, alternating with Jimenez. Gospel singer-songwriter Sheena Lee Palad alternates as Mrs. Potiphar, and will also be part of the female ensemble.
Last, but not the least, is multi-talented actor Jordan Andrews, who joins the ranks of those who get to wear Joseph’s coat in featured performances. “This is my 30th year in theater, and I had dreamed of playing a lead role.
Now I get to play Joseph. It is such a special way to mark a career milestone,” he shared. “And I’m stepping into huge shoes! It’s not just Sam and Neo. It’s the people I look up to that have played Joseph before us— Tito Gary, Tito Audie, Tito Franco! I’m so excited!” Andrews got his start working playing Tam in the West End production of “Miss Saigon”, and then moved on to do acting work in Hollywood. He eventually found his way to Manila, joining ABS CBN’s ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Kumu-nity Edition’ before signing on to Star Magic. He was last seen in the recent productions of “Rent” and “Once On This Island.” Andrews will also play Judah, one of Joseph’s 12 brothers, for the rest of the show dates.
Witness the extraordinary story of Trumpets’ Joseph The Dreamer once again in a very limited run – from July 11-13, 18-20, 2025, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. Get your tickets now via Ticket2Me.net, and via official show buyers. Follow Trumpets on Instagram and Facebook for show updates, and a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the show.
