Nikki Gil, who regularly appears on the noontime variety show “ASAP 2012,” is one of the longest running VJs for MYX music channel. She is also a trusted brand ambassador and spokesperson for various advocacies, as well as a TV actress and a singer with several albums under her belt. She also played the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical, and Charity Hope Valentine in 9 Works Theatrical’s critically acclaimed dance musical, Sweet Charity.
“I’m actually very excited to start rehearsing for the show but at the same time, very nervous,” intimates Nikki about having to play the role of Sonya. While this is her fourth theatrical production (“Legally Blonde,” “Seussical the Musical”), she says that performing onstage is always nerve-racking and it never gets any easier. Not to mention, the role of Sonia was once played by her idol, Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga.
“I love Lea and anything that has to do with her,” Gil quips fondly, adding, “She really brought the role of Sonya to life in the previous staging. I’ll just have to bring something different to the table… my own version.”
Thankfully, Gil finds herself in good company and is reunited with 9 Works Theatrical’s Artistic Director Robbie Guevara (“RENT,” “The Wedding Singer”) as her Director for the show, as well as veteran actor Lorenz Martinez who plays Vernon, her romantic lead in the show.
Lorenz Martinez is one of the top theater actors in the country. His inherent gift of quick comic timing and tenor singing voice has enthralled audiences both locally and abroad and makes him the perfect candidate to play the role of Vernon. Currently appearing in Resorts World Manila’s “The King and I” as Lun Tha, he has also appeared in shows like Forbidden Broadway, 9 Works Theatrical’s The Wedding Singer, Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Asian Tour), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and the Netherlands production of “Miss Saigon” as the Engineer, among others.
“It’s weird but also very exciting that I’ll be sharing romantic scenes with Lorenz, who was my assistant director for Sweet Charity,” she says. “But I know that he’s also one of the most versatile characters in Philippine theater today. I will surely learn a lot from him.”
As to being directed again by Guevara, she lauds him for being such a cool director and allowing her to discover and grow alongside the character of Sonya. “I love that Robbie allows me to explore,” she says. “I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
Guevara is one of the most well-respected directors and actors in Philippine theater today. He has performed in numerous productions both here and abroad, most notably in the Manila production of “Miss Saigon” where he understudied the role of Engineer. It was a role that he would eventually play in the Asian and UK tours of the show. He is also the visionary behind 9 Works Theatrical’s critically acclaimed productions of “Songs For a New World,” “RENT,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “Sweet Charity” where he first encountered Gil.
For “They’re Playing Our Song”, Gil and Martinez will be joined by some of the finest actors in the country today. Among which are James Stacey, Reb Atadero and Noel Rayos who will play a bevy of roles in the show as the male ensemble, as well as Peachy Atilano, Anna Santamaria, and Jill Pena in the female ensemble.
“They’re Playing Our Song” will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati from February 8 to March 3, and is co-presented by The Rockwell Club and The Peninsula Manila, with special participation of SM Accessories, Lynelle’s, Mary Grace, BPI Credit Cards, and media partners, MYX, Business World and HerWord.Com.
For tickets, call 9 Works Theatrical at 586-7105, 0917-5545560 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. You may also visit www.9workstheatrical.com or follow 9 Works Theatrical on Facebook (9workstheatrical) or Twitter (@9WT).
