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By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated News
Published March 12, 2025 3:00pm
Rita Daniela has officially returned to the theater stage, making a powerful comeback in "Liwanag sa Dilim."
The Kapuso actress last took the stage in 2018 with Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! and for her much-anticipated return, she poured her heart and soul into every moment.
"Ang tagal! Kaya dito talaga, tinodo ko. Feel na feel ko talaga yung pagka-comeback ko, ibinigay ko talaga ang lahat," Rita said in a post-performance interview.
Despite the excitement, Rita admitted she was initially anxious about performing in front of an audience filled with industry figures and important guests.
"Hindi ko tinanong kung sino yung mga importanteng taong manonood kasi nakaka-add siya ng pressure. Pero nung nag-house lights na at nakita ko kung sino yung mga nanood, doon ako kinabahan. Buti na lang tapos na! Nakahinga na ako ng maluwag," she said with a laugh.
One of the highlights of the preview night last Friday was the presence of Rico Blanco, whose music serves as the foundation of the musical. Rita was thrilled to see how much he enjoyed the performance.
"Nakikita naman namin na iba talaga yung shine ng mata niya. From the moment he stepped into the theater, ramdam namin yung excitement niya. Nakaka-inspire as a performer na naging masaya siya sa nakita niya. Kasi diba, kaya namin ito ginagawa dahil nanggaling ito lahat sa utak niya," Rita said.
When asked about her favorite part of the musical (without giving away spoilers), Rita praised the music and arrangements, which she believes set "Liwanag sa Dilim" apart from other productions.
"The music talaga! And the arrangement—ibang level. Fans of Rivermaya and Sir Rico Blanco will really appreciate it, pero kahit hindi ka fan, ma-a-amaze ka sa pagkakaareglo. It’s unique but in a very good way, kaya kailangan nilang panoorin ito," she said.
Looking ahead, Rita remains open to exploring more opportunities in theater, though she's keeping things flexible for now.
"Depende! Kung may offer na swak sa schedule at kaya ng powers natin, why not?" she teased. "Pero, for now, I just want to enjoy this experience and see where it takes me."
With her electrifying performance in "Liwanag sa Dilim," Rita Daniela has reaffirmed her prowess as a performer, proving that she has the charisma and talent to captivate audiences on both the screen and the stage.
The musical, also the first production under 9 Works Theatrical for 2025 — will run from Friday to Sunday until April 13, 2025, at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
Tickets are available via Ticket2Me, with prices ranging from P2,200 for balcony seats to P3,900 for orchestra center premium.
Rita shares the stage with fellow Kapuso actors Khalil Ramos and Anthony Rosaldo, who alternates for the lead role "Elesi."
Other cast includes CJ Navato, Nicole Omillo, Alexa Ilacad, Vien King, Brianna Bunagan, Noemi Gonzales, Arnel Carrion, Boo Gabunada, Jon Abella, Raul Montesa, Rica Laguardia, Lani Ligot, Jasper Jimenez, Mark Tayag, Derrick Gozos, Chez Cuenca, Paji Arceo, Iya Villanueva, Lucylle Tan, and Denzel Chang. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
