Eight years after its first run, Mula sa Buwan is making a triumphant return to the stage, but this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a revolution. With a fresh perspective and a renewed vision, this beloved musical is ready to break new ground, blending the familiar with a daring twist.

Originally conceived as a rock musical adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, Mula sa Buwan first captivated audiences in 2016 with its unique setting—wartime Manila in the 1940s. The story, infused with Filipino sensibilities, weaves themes of love, defiance, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn world, it tells the tale of Cyrano, a passionate yet self-doubting poet, who navigates the complexities of love and identity. As the play returns this August 2024, it brings with it new elements and a deeper exploration of its timeless themes. The restaging is set to take place this year, with the goal of resonating more than ever with today’s audiences.

For Myke Salomon, who plays Cyrano and serves as the musical director, the return to Mula sa Buwan is both familiar and challenging. Despite having played Cyrano in previous runs, Myke approaches this version with fresh eyes.

“Ibang version ‘to so kinikilala ko muli yung bagong mga tao tulad ni Cyrano at lahat ng mga kalahok tulad ng mga kadete at mga taong makulay. Bilang aktor, ang sarap nyang daanan, ang sarap nyang ikuwento. Dinadaanan lahat-lahat from 0 to 100, kumbaga yung emosyon natin ‘di ba may iba’t ibang kulay, dinadaanan nya lahat yun. At masarap gawin ‘yun sa entabladong handang maging ‘hubad’ para sa audience.”

The character of Cyrano, with his defiance and determination, remains deeply relevant, especially for younger audiences.

This emphasis on defiance is a deliberate choice by the production team, led by first-time director Mikko Angeles. Having previously served as associate director, Mikko now takes the helm with a clear vision: to highlight that this is more than just a love story and emphasize the core theme of defiance in Mula sa Buwan.

“I think every show should have a responsibility kung bakit siya ise-stage in the now. ‘Yan din yung tanong sa’kin nung inoffer sa’kin ‘to. Bakit Mula sa Buwan ngayon? Because ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is just beyond the story of the misfits and dreamers eh. Ang daming kalakip na ideya, andaming kalakip na tema na kung susumahin mo – wait, tayo yun ngayon.”

“Hindi man tayo magresonate sa  tatlong lead characters, but you have this ensemble that have their individual narratives na kung titignan mo sa ibang lente, tayo ‘yan eh. Kwento natin ‘yon. Ibuka mo man ang lente sa global perspective, may war eh. And that really changes us as humans. At the end of the day, sumali ka man sa giyera o hindi, hindi mo alam kung mananalo o matatalo ka, pero ang sigurado, collateral ka. And I think that’s the tragic story of ‘Mula sa Buwan’. Given the current global conflicts, this piece of theater is necessary.”

Phi Palmos, who returns as Rosanna, also sees this production as a vital platform for representation. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Phi feels a deep connection to Rosanna, a character who challenges norms and defies expectations.

“How that moment changed a person’s life and perspective so sabi ko wow. I think ang nasabi ko na lang is ‘I think kung naiinspire kita, mas ako yung dapat magpasalamat’ because sometimes as actors, we just think of this as our work, ‘di natin naiisip na there’s such big impact of what we do. Malinaw din sa akin na, the true representation is you have to see a manifestation of that dream. Yun naiisip mong impossible, dapat makita mo muna,” Phi reflects.

She mentions this as she recalls how her portrayal of Rosanna has inspired others, particularly queer students who have approached her, expressing how her work has given them the courage to pursue their dreams in theater.

This sense of responsibility extends to the entire cast and crew, including MC Dela Cruz, who plays Christian. Having been with Mula sa Buwan since its first commercial run in 2016, MC sees this musical as more than just a production—it’s home. “This is the production I never have to think twice about returning to,” he says. “Mula sa Buwan has shaped my life as an actor.”

“Narealize ko na kailangan gawin ko yung piyesang ito nang maingat kasi kahit sabihin na natin na fictional itong Mula sa Buwan, pero nangyari talaga sya historically sa totoong buhay, hindi kailangan i-arte lang, kailangan may respeto sa experience ng mga tao na nabuhay talaga that time,” MC shares.

As the cast and crew prepare to bring this musical back to life, they are united in their vision to create a piece of theater that resonates with today’s audience. Mikko, Myke, Phi, and MC all emphasize the importance of making Mula sa Buwan more than just a love story. It’s a narrative that challenges, inspires, and reminds us of the power of art and theater in times of turmoil.

The much-anticipated restaging of Mula sa Buwan is set to captivate audiences once again. Don’t miss the chance to witness this groundbreaking musical as it returns to the stage. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time viewer, Mula sa Buwan promises to be a theatrical experience like no other—a story of love, defiance, and the enduring human spirit. Mark your calendars and join the journey to the moon.

Catch Mula sa Buwan at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater beginning August 16 until September 8, 2024.

About the Author

Apple Gamboa is the Life Editor of SubSelfie.com.

She is also the Senior Executive for Corporate Communications for Canon Marketing Philippines.

She was previously the Content Lead for Maya, Media Relations Manager for Ogilvy Philippines, and an interview and field producer for GMA News programs Quick Response Team and News to Go. She was also a producer of lifestyle TV shows and documentaries. Travelling and music are her passion, and taking risks is her reality medicine. Journalism 2010, UST. Read more of her articles here.