Rama at Sita


Rama at Sita – The Musical is a 1999 full-length OPM Filipino musical in the Tagalog language. It is an adaptation of the 1980 Filipino rock opera ballet by three National Artists, Bienvenido Lumbera, Ryan Cayabyab, and Alice Reyes entitled, "Rama, Hari", based on the Indian epic Ramayana topbilled by Kuh Ledesma and Basil Valdez. The production was directed by Leo Rialp and is considered the most expensive theatrical production in the Philippines to date.

Productions

Rama at Sita – The Musical premiered on February 4, 1999, at the University Theater in Quezon City under the stage direction and stage design by Leo Rialp and the musical direction of Danny Tan. The choreographer was Agnes Locsin. The musical starred Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha in the title roles, with Jaya as Surpanakha and Robert Seña as Ravana. The musical is one of the most expensive ever produced in Philippine entertainment history with a budget of Php 40 million, and the actor Franco Laurel was among the producers. Philippine fashion pillar Patis Tesoro served as costume designer.

Synopsis

While Rama is supposed to inherit the throne of his father King Dasaratha of Ayuthaya, his father's favorite wife Queen Kaikeyi pressures Dasaratha to fulfill the latter's promise to grant her two wishes. Kaikeyi wishes for her son, Bharata, to become king and to send Rama into exile along with his loyal brother Lakshmana. In their pursuits, they meet Sita, and the evil siblings Ravana and Surpanakha try to lure the couple into becoming their partners.

Musical numbers

; Act ISadyang Pinagtagpo Huwag Takasan Kaya Ko Halina sa Mithila O Kay Dami ng Babae Sana siya na nga Iisa ang Tibok/Awit ng Pagsinta Ang Sumpa ng Patay Tayo Na, Nariyan Na Ako'y Iyong Iyo
; Act IIBuktot, Ako'y Buktot/Harot, Ako'y Harot Type Kita, Rama Ginoong Ermitanyo Tingnan Mo ang Aking Byuti Kaya N'yo Bang Tumagal Magbalik Ka Na Mahal Tagistis ng Ulan Sadyang Pinagtagpo/Huwag Takasan ''''

Characters

  • Rama – crown prince of Ayuthaya; son of Dasaratha and husband of Sita
  • Sita – princess of Mithila; daughter of King Janaka; wife of Rama
  • Ravana – evil king of Lanka
  • Surpanakha – sister of King Ravana
  • Lakshmana – brother of Rama
  • Dasaratha – king of Ayuthaya
  • Kaikeyi – favorite wife of Dasaratha
  • Bharata – son of Queen Kaikeyi; regent of Ayuthaya

Cast

CharacterCast
RamaAriel Rivera, Raymond Lauchengco
SitaLani Misalucha, Chiqui Pineda
SurpanakhaJaya, Emeline Celis
RavanaRobert Seña, Nonie Buencamino
LakshmanaJohn Arcilla, Ralion Alonzo
DasarathaMon David, Eugene Villaluz
KaikeyiPinky Marquez, Gigie Posadas
BharataFranco Laurel
KooniCarlo Orosa
IndrajitMichael Williams
VishnuBimbo Cerrudo
SugrivaLou Veloso
MarichaArlene Borja
HanumanAndy Alviz
Gintong UsaCecille Martinez, Patricia Borromeo Coronel
LakshmiGirl Valencia
JanakaZebedee Zuñiga
VishnamitraEdward Granadosin

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyCategoryNomineeResult
1999Aliw AwardBest Actress in a Theatrical PerformanceLani MisaluchaNomitated
1999Aliw AwardBest Actor in a Theatrical PerformanceRaymond LauchengcoNomitated