How 9 Works Theatrical convinced Rico Blanco to use his songs for 'Liwanag sa Dilim" musical

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By now, the anticipation for “Liwanag Sa Dilim,” the new original Filipino musical by 9 Works Theatrical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco, has escalated into fever-pitch level.

In a recent Facebook post in fact, Blanco was seen visiting the rehearsals, looking like he was giving tips here and there. 

“Liwanag Sa Dilim” or “LSD” is written and directed by Robbie Guevara, one of 9 Works’ Theatrical co-founders and prime movers. Besides directing other Broadway musicals for 9 Works, he is also known as writer-director for the groundbreaking earlier original Filipino jukebox production, “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!” which used the discography of the APO Hiking Society.

Despite the musical carrying the initials "LSD," Guevara says there’s nothing psychedelic about the story. Instead, it follows the adventures of a male orphan named Elesi, whose adoptive parents died. Elisi forges on to learn more about his past and along the way, compelled to fight for those who have less in life.

Rivermaya fans would know Elesi is the title of a song composed by Blanco, released in the band’s 1997 album, "Atomic Bomb." It talks about reaching out to someone who is going through a difficult phase in life and being there to help. Like an “elesi” (propeller), the one in trouble is being led to a safe and happy place. 

What caught on in the song is the line: “liwanag sa dilim,” loosely translated “light in the dark.”

It seems it’s one of Blanco’s favorite metaphors. Eight years after 'Elisi' became a hit, the song 'Liwanag Sa Dilim' was released as a bonus track for the 2004 special edition of their studio album "Between The Stars and Waves.'

Guevara told GMA News Onine the musical was conceptualized as early as 2018 for 9 Works Theatrical’s 2020 season. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. 

Now, everything fell into place. After staging several Broadway musicals, 9 Works felt the right time has come. 

Early January, they announced the complete cast members of “LSD”. They are Denzel Chang, Lucylle Tan, Brianna Bunagan, Derrick Gozos, Mark Tayag, Iya Villanueva, Paji Arce, Chez Cuenca, Lani Ligot, Rica Laguardia, Jasper John Jimenez, Raul Montesa, Jon Abella, Boo Gabunada, Neomi Gonzales, Rita Daniela, Arnel Carrion, Alexa Ilacad, Nicole Omillo, Vien King, CJ Navato, Khalil Ramos, and Kapuso heartthrob singer-actor Anthony Rosaldo.

Musical director is Daniel Bartolome, who Guevara has worked with in various 9 Works productions like last year’s “Once On This Island.” Prior to that, they’ve worked together in “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” “tick, tick… BOOM!,” “American Idiot,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Newsies,” “Eto na! Musikal nAPO!” and Philippine Opera Company’s “Passion.”

Opening on March 7 at the Carlos P. Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, “LSD” is poised to be one of the most bestselling productions this year.

We sent Guevara some questions and here are excerpts of the interview. It's been edited for clarity.

I’ve read in recent online reports that “LSD” was conceptualized a long time ago even before the COVID-19 pandemic? Kindly walk us through how it all started? Who approached who and how Rico Blanco agreed.

Before we opened ‘Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!’ in 2018, I met Rico at my cousin’s birthday lunch. I think my cousin mentioned to him the APO musical because he asked about it, and Jim (Paredes) had also mentioned it to him during one of Filscap’s Workshops. I shared with him the story because we were in the middle of workshopping it, and also invited him to the opening. 

By then I already knew I wanted to use his songs. ‘Let’s use your songs for a musical!’ I said. Without a beat, he answered, ‘Let’s do it!’ I texted sina Santi (Santamaria) right away!” 

(Santamaria is co-owner and managing director of 9 Works.)

I was too excited. By July, tech week of ‘Musikal nAPO,’ I already had a storyline and outline for the ‘Rico Blanco Musical.’ He watched the Saturday of opening weekend, and based on his reaction, I think he didn’t regret giving us permission to use his songs. Couple that with Jim being there, who also told him, ‘Your songs are in good hands!’”

Did Rico have a part in writing the story or did he give you the freedom to write it, weave into the narrative his songs?

He left it up to us to write the story and use his songs as appropriately as we can. I made it clear I wouldn’t change lyrics, save for maybe changing the gender if a song is assigned to a girl.

I did ask him to give a list of the songs he really wanted in the show, which he did.

How many songs of Rico made it into the final script, or is it an ongoing process? 

We are using 23 of his songs from his Rivermaya days.

It can’t be helped but “Liwanag Sa Dilim” has been associated with the 2022 national elections, are we going to expect something political or secret muna”.

There are definitely political undertones, that’s all I can reveal. Haha

This would be your second original jukebox musical (book and direction) after “Eto na! Musikal nAPO!” What are some lessons you’ve learned from crafting the former that you applied in creating “LSD"?

Oh, a lot! With APO, we allotted and extra month — which was kulang! So with "LSD," we allotted two extra months! The workshop of the material, first with seasoned actor-friends, and then eventually with the cast, revealed new insights into the story and telling of it. So, naturally, changes were made - and are still being made - now that we have the music.”

I’ve read in an article that when you did the APO musical, there were 23 revisions. So for “LSD” how many revisions?

APO had 32 when we closed the first run! As of January 27, “LSD” is at version 24.

The choice of the musical’s title is yours or were there other songs considered like “214,” “Awit Ng Kabataan,” among others?

No, the choice was Viva’s (Viva Records), which was supposed to partner with us, but later decided to let us do it first, then perhaps co-produce it if it reruns. I had an obscure title using “Elesi,” but Santi agreed that “Liwanag Sa Dilim” was far more popular and would immediately inform the audience that the musical was connected to Rico. This was before it became thematic to the Leni-Kiko (tandem)!

In general, how would you describe Rico as a composer-musician, and I guess, a friend now.

Rico is a genius. In examining his lyrics and looking for other ways to interpret them, I realized he really took detailed care with his choice of words. It made reinterpretation easier.