You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone unfamiliar with the 2007 romantic drama movie One More Chance, made iconic by actors John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. But in case you’ve missed the cult-classic film, it revolves around college sweethearts Popoy and Basha, who eventually grow to understand that love also means letting go. 

According to Legarda, the musical adaptation is years in the making, with PETA in talks with Star Cinema since before the pandemic. It was only now that everything came together, made even special by adding Ben&Ben’s music to the play. At least 29 songs from the band’s roster are set to elevate the adaptation, carefully selected and rearranged by musical director Myke Salomon. With hits like Pagtingin, Kathang Isip, Araw Araw, Ben&Ben has been a forerunner in today’s OPM scene, and their fans are in for a treat when they finally get to see OMC: The Musical.

For Ben&Ben, seeing the preview was a touching albeit surreal moment. “We’re all kinds of teary-eyed right now. We’ve been playing these songs almost every day for the past years. Seeing [it all] in this kind of setting, performed by amazing [actors], weaved in with a new story we’ll get to bring along with us, we’re so touched,” violinist and vocalist Keifer Cabugao admitted.

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Seasoned musical theatre actors Sam Concepcion and Anna Luna headline the production as Popoy and Basha, alongside television actor CJ Navato and P-Pop music artist Nicole Omillo as alternates, making this production the latter pair’s theatre debut.

At the preview, Concepcion shared, “There’s pressure that comes with the role, but hopefully it produces diamonds. [I’m excited] to discover the parts of Popoy that I can relate to.” This sentiment was echoed by Navato: “Parang suntok sa buwan [it seems otherwordly], but I’m taking things day by day”. From where we were sitting, Conception’s on-stage performance as Popoy was almost a spitting image of a younger John Lloyd Cruz. Navato, on the other hand, brought with him a powerful stage presence that similarly emanates Cruz’s emotional depth.

Meanwhile, Luna and Omillo comment that the task at hand is quite daunting, given that Bea Alonzo’s on-screen performance has become iconic. Nonetheless, both ladies are eager to add their distinctive flair to the character, elevating Basha’s emotional journey through musical performances. “I want to, hopefully, [discover] a Basha that also has a bit of Nicole in her,” Omillo said. Luna, on the other hand, who counts the musical as her 6th production with PETA, shared, “I hope I get to portray this role well, and [that] I don’t disappoint [anyone].”

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We have yet to see how each actor delivers on opening night. The preview showcased the star power of all four leads, but the short excerpt left me wanting—more powerhouse scenes, nuanced performances, and a fully realised adaptation. The musical sticks close to its source material, but as a long-time fan of PETA productions, I’m looking forward to a play that not only elevates the drama of One More Chance but moreover, transforms it.

Many talented creatives are behind the project as well, such as Michelle Ngu-Nario as playwright; J-mee Katanyag as dramaturg and assistant Director; Myke Salomon as musical director and sound designer; Michael Barry Que for choreography; Ohm David as set designer; and much more.

On paper, OMC: The Musical is a stellar shoo-in. Here’s hoping the production lives up to everyone’s expectations, leaving us with a refreshed, re-mastered render of a cult classic love story.

For more information, follow PETA's social media accounts at @petatheater (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok). Due to high public demand, additional shows have been added to the docket. Tickets are available starting March 7 via TicketWorld.

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