‘Delia D.' cast members Phi Palmos, John Lapus and Mimi Marquez. Handout

MANILA -- Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company’s 11th major theatrical offering recently revealed the star-studded cast that will compose the musical "Delia D.," which will feature Jonathan Manalo's songs.

The musical will open on April 25 and run until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Leading the glitzy and glamorous cast is Phi Palmos in the titular role. The singer and theater-film-and-TV actor describes his character: "Delia is loved and supported by her family but is spurned by colleagues whenever she wants to sing. She is a go-getter, unapologetic, and will do everything for her family and those she loves. “

Palmos sees this as a big break for him. "In my more than a decade as an actor, this is the first time na I am doing a lead. Titular role. With 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah' kasi Ada is almost a featured role, Zsazsa is the lead. I am so grateful. I also feel that in terms of representation, ang laking bagay niya. We dont have many shows where the titular character is gay, or queer especially in a big musical."

Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena take on secondary roles. Supporting cast members are John Lapus, Joann Yap Co, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Joshua Cabiladas, Rapah Manalo, Omar Uddin, and Chaye Mogg. Featured roles will be performed by Mimi Marquez, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche, and Natasha Cabrera.

The female ensemble includes Mikaela Regis, Liway Perez, Cara Barredo, Cheska Quimno, Mica Fajardo, Jannah Baniasia, Julia Serad, Meg Ruiz, Cydel Gabutero, Julia Santiago, and Abi Sulit. The male ensemble features Francis Gatmaytan, Ralph Oliva, Rofe Villarino, Denzel Zara, Ian Hermogenes, Sebastian Katigbak, Franco Ramos, Chesko Rodriguez, Aira Igarta, Almond Bolante, and Stephen Viñas.

Completing the cast are the swings and covers, with Khalil Tambio and Jules Dela Paz serving as both covers and ensemble members. Janina Mendoza takes on the role of the female swing, while John Paul Basco serves as the male swing. Rounding out the lineup are Ring Antonio and Shaun Ocrisma, as the female and male covers, respectively.

According to director Dexter Martinez Santos, “Delia D. mixes camp, comedy, and drama, and Phi is one of those actors you can always count on to deliver. We’ve seen him grow from ensemble roles to featured parts, and now it’s his time to take on a leading role in a musical. Delia D. is a drag performer with big dreams, and Phi’s dedication will make him perfect for this challenge.

"It won’t be easy, but we know he’ll approach the role with humility and determination, bringing Delia to life in a way only he can. We’re excited to see him in this new chapter."

One of the associate directors, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo supports their decision to have Palmos as the star, "Phi was a choice from the start. We needed an actor with a lot of heart to create the character of Delia. We also needed an actor who is endearing, lovable, and intelligent. He fits into that completely.

"The story is not really about Delia being a drag queen. It’s about dreams and aspirations. It’s about the showbiz world, it’s about personal journey, it’s about family. Delia [just] happens to be a drag queen."

Two prominent names -- John 'Sweet' Lapus and Mimi Marquez -- also share their thoughts of being part of the production.

"Excited na medyo kabado. Ang babata ng kasama ko," Lapus said. He remembers that he worked with Martinez in a Dulaang UP production of the late Floy Quintos's "Shock Value" in 2010.

Marquez, on the other hand, is back to doing theater after the rock musical "Rak of Aegis" in 2019. "Theater will always have a special place in my heart. And having not done it in 6 years, I am more than thrilled to be back on stage. A little nervous, but definitely, more excited," she said.

Theater actor-director Michael Williams is the assistant director along with Lauchengco, Scriptwriter Dolly Dulu, Dramaturg Rody Vera, and musical director-and vocal arrangement Vince Lim.

Filipino songwriter and record producer Jonathan Manalo, who is currently the creative director of ABS-CBN Music, created numerous compositions for ABS-CBN programs expresses his gratefulness for his songs used in the production. 

"I’m honored to have been given this opportunity of having my body of work re-imagined into a stage musical incarnation giving new life and context to my songs through a very unique story line woven through the music I’ve written for more than two decades," he said.

Completing the creative team are sound designer Justin Stasiw, sound effects designer Arvy Dimaculangan, lights designer John Batalla, choreographer Stephen Viñas, scenic designer Lawyn Cruz, and costume designer Mitoy Sta. Ana, video designer GA Fallarme with associate video designer Joyce Garcia, and makeup and hair designer Marlon Rivera. Technical director Toff Legaspi, company manager Maribel Garcia, and stage manager Christian Parado wrap up the powerhouse team.

General public ticket sale starts on February 17 at TicketWorld, HelixPay, and Newport World Resorts Box Office: P3,500 (SVIP), P3,000 (VIP), P2,500 (Gold), P1,800 (Silver), and P1,000 (Bronze).