Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales threw their support to daughter Atasha Muhlach as she took center stage in the opening night of ‘Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ on Friday, Sept. 18.
The musical opened in Pasay City, with Aga and Gonzales among those who watched Atasha take on the titular role. During an ambush interview with the press, the proud parents expressed pride for their daughter.
‘Nakita ko kasi lahat ng hard work niya, ‘yung pinagdaanan niya… So it just warms my heart. I’m happy to see it now,’ Gonzales told reporters.
‘Masaya lang ako. Masayang masaya ako. Magaling talaga,’ added Aga.
Atasha became emotional during the curtain call, later embracing her parents after the performance. Her twin brother, Andres Muhlach, was not in attendance.
Andres previously took on a lead role in ‘Bagets The Musical,’ playing Adie-the character originally portrayed by their father, Aga, in the 1984 film.
Atasha, meanwhile, returns to theater with ‘Bongga Ka, ‘Day!,’ which reimagines the world of the 1979 film ‘Annie Batungbakal’ through the songs of Manila Sound group Hotdog.
The musical follows Annie, a sales clerk at House of Pasion who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Her pursuit of that dream brings her into the glamorous disco scene of 1970s Manila.
The production features Hotdog songs including ‘Manila,’ ‘Pers Lab,’ ‘Beh, Buti Nga,’ ‘Panaginip,’ ‘O, Lumapit Ka,’ ‘Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,’ and ‘Annie Batungbakal.’
Atasha, who faced criticism for her casting, was selected for the role following auditions that drew more than 300 participants, according to the production team.
The musical is directed by Chris Millado, with a book by Liza Magtoto and musical direction by Vince Lim.
The cast includes Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, Jackie Lou Blanco, Anthony Rosaldo, Gerhard Krysstopher, Air Paz-Pablico, Yani Lopez, Andrea Babierra, Akie Cedilla, John Lapus and Dindo Divinagracia, among others.