Meet the new faces of the Philippine Stage

Throughout its 15 years, Atlantis Productions has made it a point to showcase some of the newest,  finest young performers who will emerge to be the future stars of the Philippine stage.

Atlantis Productions continues that tradition in Ghost The Musical, which is headlined by Christian Bautista, Cris Villonco and Miss Saigon’s Ima Castro.

Joining the cast are four of the freshest, most talented young performers: Bym Buhain, Arron Cadawas, Milai Imperial and Marissa Saroca.

Twenty-five-year-old Bym used to work for a corporate training company but is now a full-time theater practitioner dabbling in performing, writing, directing and stage management. His theater credits include Resorts World’s Cinderella (2013); 4th Wall’s Rivalry (2012); Repertory Philippines’ Peter Pan and Seussical (2011); and 9works’ Wedding Singer (2010). He was also the head stage manager of the Culture Shock’s Sugarfree Musical, Sa Wakas (2013), and was part of the crew for POC’s Magic Flute (2007). He also co-wrote and co-directed Ateneo Blue Rep’s first original material, Toilet The Musical (2014). He also likes to read, write and skateboard. He has always wanted to be part of an Atlantis show and considers himself lucky to be part of the cast of Ghost.

At 24, Arron has performed in both Manila and Singapore. He has been doing musical theater since 2007 with Kids Act Philippines, Inc. when he also had the chance to be a finalist on GMA 7’s Coca-Cola Ride To Fame, where his singing and dancing skills got him to the Top 12.  His passion and enthusiasm for performing then led him to become a pioneer member of the Universal Studios Singapore performing cast from 2009 to 2013. Upon returning home, he made it to the Top 6 of Eat, Bulaga’s That’s My Tambay. He is proud to be making his Atlantis stage debut in Ghost.

After making her Atlantis stage debut as the Filipina Ancestor in last year’s The Addams Family, 29-year-old Milai is thrilled to be back on stage in the ensemble of Ghost. Having started dancing at an early age, she trained in folk dancing with the UP Filipiniana Dance Troupe, then trained in jazz and contemporary dance under Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance. She decided to further her studies at The O School, one of the most prestigious dance schools in Singapore. Having worked internationally for almost 10 years, she has gone from being part of the Opening Team of Hong Kong Disneyland where she first worked with director Bobby Garcia and was a featured dancer in Disney On Parade and The Festival of The Lion King.  This led her to join the Opening Team for Universal Studios in Singapore in 2009 as one of the performing cast members. 

Thirty-year-old Marissa moved to Manila a year ago for the blind auditions of ABS-CBN’s The Voice of the Philippines, on which she was chosen by Lea Salonga. Marissa’s career began in Australia as a child, performing regularly on televised variety shows. She soon blossomed into an award-winning and highly-sought after vocal artist including work as a voice talent for Australia’s major commercial radio network and collaborations with both signed and independent artists in Australia and worldwide. She is no stranger to theater, with roles including Maureen in Rent and Gabriella in High School Musical. Also a highly-accomplished singer/songwriter, Marissa released her first album of original music in 2008 and has since toured internationally in New York, Toronto, London, and Paris. Her second original album was released in 2012. Ghost is Marissa’s musical theater debut in the Philippines and she is thrilled to be a part of the cast.

Director Bobby Garcia, who is directing Ghost, says, “It has always been a priority of ours to always give new talent a platform in which to showcase their talent.  I am thrilled that we get to do that again in Ghost with these fine young performers who will be the future leading men and leading ladies of the stage.”

Ghost The Musical features an original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart (one half of the ’80s pop duo the Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, among many other notable credits and collaborations). It is adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (Ghost, Jacob’s Ladder, The Time Traveler’s Wife). Ghost follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. Ghost The Musical has been called “one of the most adventurous and modern musicals ever seen.” (WOR Radio). Believe in love, believe in fate, believe in forever with Ghost The Musical.

For tickets to GHOST The Musical, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.atlantisproductionsinc.com . GHOST the Musical is recommended for ages 13+. Please be advised that there is mild violence, mature themes and dialogue.