It’s no secret that the theatre industry is one of those struck the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Now that companies starting to broadcast their shows online, theatre fans are finding new ways to keep the spark alive, albeit from a distance.
On that note, here’s some good news to perk you up during the quarantine: Ang Huling El Bimbo will be available for online streaming this May 2020! If you weren’t able to catch this original Filipino musical last year, this is your chance to watch it for free.
Written by Dingdong Novenario and directed by Dexter Santos, Ang Huling El Bimbo tells the harrowing story of four friends — Joy, Emman, Hector, Anthony — who must navigate the highs and lows of adulthood. Moving from their past lives to the present, this jukebox musical features songs by the Eraserheads, the iconic ’90s rock band that many Filipinos grew up with.
The production had its second run at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila in 2019. Additionally, it earned 12 nominations at the 11th Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards, taking home the awards for “Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical” and “Outstanding Musical Direction.”
You can stream the musical on ABS-CBN’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, starting from 12.01 am on 8 May, until 11.59pm on 9 May 2020. Save these dates in your calendars, as the show will be available for 48 hours only!
While anyone can watch the show for free, viewers are encouraged to donate to ABS-CBN’s Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig initiative to help poor Filipino families who have been left vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, check out the announcement here.
Also read: 20 COVID-19 Initiatives You Can Support Through Local Volunteer Orgs
As the pandemic rages on, this might be a good time to catch up on all the shows we’ve missed. Just as comforting, perhaps, is the knowledge that local plays and musicals will continue to reach new audiences nationwide. Happy watching, everyone!
Featured image credit: Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical 2019 | Facebook.
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