As a special season offering for young adults, Kids Acts Philippines and MINT College proudly present “Romeo and Juliet, The Musical,” edited with additional lyrics by Luigi Nacario, with music by Eugene Belbis, and directed by Meldrig Costuna and Luigi Nacario. This highly anticipated production reimagines William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy while preserving the integrity of the Bard’s original text.
Remaining true to Shakespeare’s folio, the staging features period-inspired costumes and an authentic set design that transports audiences to the world of Verona. The music, composed through a fusion of Western and Eastern influences with a contemporary touch, gives the story a refreshing new sound. The dialogues are sung in lyrical form, maintaining the rhythm and phrasing of Shakespeare’s language, allowing young audiences to experience the beauty of the original text in a way that is both accessible and emotionally stirring.
The musical tells the timeless story of Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers caught between the ancient feud of their families, the Montagues and the Capulets. In the town of Verona, their forbidden love blossoms after a chance meeting at a Capulet feast. Despite knowing the dangers their love brings, they secretly marry in hopes of ending their families’ bitter rivalry. However, fate takes a tragic turn when Romeo kills Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, in a fit of rage and is banished from Verona. In desperation to avoid an arranged marriage to Count Paris, Juliet takes a sleeping potion devised by Friar Lawrence to feign her death. Tragically, the message of her plan fails to reach Romeo in time. Believing her truly gone, he takes his own life beside her, and upon awakening to find him dead, Juliet ends her life with his dagger. Their deaths finally bring peace to their feuding families, sealing their love as eternal in the hearts of all who witness their story.
This adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” offers students and young audiences a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s artistry, making the language and themes more understandable without sacrificing the poetic beauty of the original. It is a heartfelt and educational theater experience that bridges classical literature and modern musical storytelling.
The production features an exceptional cast led by Noel Comia Jr. as Romeo, with Chelsea Sangco and AC Gamo alternating as Juliet. Joining them are Ces Dela Cruz-Guevara and Faith Cabebe as the Nurse, Hope Lacson and Yohani Jumalon as Lady Capulet, Jem Salud and April Valde as Rosaline, Cynthia Santos and Tina Dela Cruz as Lady Montague, Carlo Fabillar as Mercutio, Jhonsen Bognot as Tybalt, Terence Guillermo as Lord Capulet, Ivan Parcero and Rogelio Escorial as Lord Montague, Bien Juni as Benvolio, Ariz Pangilinan as Prince Escalus and understudy for Lord Capulet, and many more talented performers completing the ensemble, including understudies and chorus members.
“Romeo and Juliet, The Musical” will run on October 22 (Wednesday) and October 23 (Thursday), 2025, with performances at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. Tickets are priced at Php 1,200 and are available through Ticket2Me at www.ticket2me.net
