Benilde Hosts Musical on Lorenzo Ruiz

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is hosting the maiden run of Lorenzo, a musical on the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, produced by actor Christopher de Leon through Green Wings Entertainment Network. Benildean students collaborated with theater industry professionals in bringing to the stage a contemporary opera that examines what it really takes to be a Filipino.

ART IS A BANG: : Lorenzo

We all know Lorenzo Ruiz De Manila as the saint who lived during the Spanish regime and the first Filipino saint. But how is his life relevant to the Filipinos of today? LORENZO the musical is a timely tale about the life of the saint and a OFW in verge of death sentence overseas.

The two  Lorenzos, OJ Mariano as Laurence, an OFW on death row in an Arab country, and Lorenz Martinez as St. Lorenzo Ruiz, performing in Filipino from the usual English plays where is known for makes it one of the reasons one should watch this one of a kind play.

Though it seem to have the common perception that it would be just like any other play out there, Lorenzo has broken free from the conventional storytelling of the martyrdom of the saints and his companions who was revered for their unwavering faith in God. 

ART IS A BANG: Of OFWs, Saints, and Rock

LORENZO is a musical about the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz

What do you get when you put together an OFW on death row, a fugitive who became a saint, and rock music?

LORENZO is a theatrical production on the life and struggles of two Lorenzos: Laurence (OJ Mariano), an OFW on death row in an Arab country, and St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Lorenz Martinez), the first Filipino canonized as a saint for his martyrdom in Japan.

LORENZO’s executive producer, Christopher de Leon, has assembled a stellar artistic team for the production. The musical’s libretto was written by award-winning writers Juan Ekis and Paul Dumol, with the collaboration of Joem Antonio. The musical’s beautiful melodies were composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. Internationally-trained Gino Gonzales heads production design. And, last but not least, the play is directed by industry veteran Nonon Padilla.

The production is unique in its storytelling; its premise has Laurence dictating the libretto of a musical he has written about Lorenzo Ruiz to a Filipino reporter.