Iza Calzado makes theater debut

Iza Calzado, who earned rave reviews and acting nominations for the Piolo Pascual-Toni Gonzaga movie “Starting Over,” feels blessed to have been chosen by National Artist for Visual Arts BenCab as the subject of his painting in connection with her theater debut via the musical “Sabel” (Love and Passion) which was inspired by the painting Sabel, an iconic work of the famed artist. The painting session between Iza and BenCab happened at the Solaire Theater on Monday, March 16.

Iza was overwhelmed because BenCab was so inspired that he was able to do two sketches of Iza in two and a half hours. One of them will be used as the poster for “Sabel,” which will premiere at Solaire Theater on April 30. “Sabel” is the first original Filipino theater production to be staged in the said venue.

Aside from being Iza’s first crack at theater, the event will also serve as the kick-off celebration of the famed national artist in his 50 years in the arts. Mr. BenCab has never had a retrospective and this one will be year-long.

“Sabel” will be directed by Freddie Santos who will also write the lyrics and libretto, with Louie Ocampo doing the music. After its world premiere in Solaire, “Sabel” will also have a regular run. “Sabel” is a musical but Iza will play the role of a narrator, one who will string the story together, like the role of Charito Solis in the award-winning Marilou Diaz-Abaya film “Karnal.”

Also coming out in the record stores soon is “Level Up,” a fitness and wellness video that Iza did. This will be launched on Sunday, March 22, in “ASAP 20” where Iza will get to perform with MJ Lastimosa and Ariella Arida. Giving her support are Kim Chiu and Maja Salvador.

The actress waited for the right concept before she agreed to record a song and this happened via a fitness video. Award-winning composer Jungee Marcelo wrote her workout song.

She is currently shooting the international film with the working title “Showdown in Manila” that features her alongside Hollywood stars Alex Nevsky, Casper Van Dien, Tia Carrere, Cary Tagawa and Mathias Hues.

Other Pinoy actors cast in the film are Mon Confiado, Alvin Anson, Jake Macapagal, and Monsour del Rosario.

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