Easing in to doing live performances again in the 9 Works Theatrical original Pinoy musical Liwanag Sa Dilim has been a good challenge for actress Rita Daniela, who recently came back after a two-year hiatus from showbiz. The 29-year-old singer and actress plays a very special role that will surprise the audience in the show with a story that will seem both very familiar and brand-new at the same time.

The musical, which is named after Rico Blanco’s 2005 hit song, will also feature some of the OPM icon’s most well-loved songs. Rita shared her experience seeing Rico again when he dropped by to surprise them during one of the first rehearsals for the show earlier this year.

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 “He visited during our music rehearsal week. Actually, lahat kami ay na-starstruck sa kanya. But I’m actually really excited for him to go here and see us kasi feeling ko meron siyang ma-chi-chip in na idea na of course would help the production,” Rita shared. 

Rita recalled meeting Rico years ago during the staging of Eto na! Musikal nAPO! in 2018.

“I met him when I was doing the APO musical. I was part of that. That was my last musical. Rico watched one of our shows. From then on I remember he told me that he liked my work and he said that, ‘I hope we can work together.’ He said that,” she recalled. “Siyempre nung time na ‘yun medyo naririnig ko na talks about his musical, so I go, ‘Can I audition to be a part of your project?’ I was aware that this show was talagang delayed.”

 When talks for the musical being staged in 2025 came around again, Rita said she made sure to audition for a role. 

“So when I heard that they were opening up again, I auditioned. I still auditioned. Kasi siyempre, iba na rin ‘yung edad ko nun, iba na ‘yung edad ko now. I’m just really grateful kasi may kinalagyan pa rin ako dito sa production and I was really, really happy to be a part of this project,” she told PUSH ABS-CBN.

 With a varied audience from TV to theater in the country, Rita says Pinoys who aren’t familiar with watching live shows should give it a chance. 

“Definitely every theater show na mapapanuod ng tao is always worth it because one, it’s really the artistry eh. The big difference is when you’re watching a musical or a play, wala naman siyang take two. Parang iba ‘yung puso eh, mararamdaman mo talaga. Na talagang parang kinakausap ka ng pinapanuod mo. ‘Yan ‘yung talagang pagkakaiba,” she explained. 

“And this is really also my comeback sa teatro and that’s why it’s going to be worth it,” she added. “After my almost two-year break sa showbiz after giving birth, I got Widow’s War with Bea Alonzo and then after that, I accepted this show. That’s one of the reasons why worth it na panuorin nila ako dito sa Liwanag Sa Dilim kasi comeback ko ito sa teatro. Ang tagal na din eh.”

Watch Rita Daniela in the newest original Filipino musical Liwanag Sa Dilim at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The cast also includes Alexa Ilacad, Khalil Ramos, CJ Navato, Nicole Omillo, Vien King, and Anthony Rosaldo. Directed by Robbie Guevarra and produced by 9 Works Theatrical.  Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical.