One of the longest-running original Filipino musicals, ‘Joseph the Dreamer,’ returns to the stage for a limited run with a new-generation cast including Jordan Andrews, Neo Rivera, and veteran actor Nonie Buencamino. Produced by Trumpet’s, Inc., the show will run from November 6 to 22, 2026, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
Inspired by the biblical tale in the Book of Genesis, the story follows Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh of 12 sons, who is sold into slavery by his brothers out of envy and resentment. Blessed with the ability to interpret dreams, Joseph overcomes hardships anchored by unwavering faith and trust in God.
Audie Gemora, Trumpets’ Artistic Director and the original Joseph, looks back on the legacy of the musical that changed his life, which was first staged in 1989.
‘When I played Joseph the Dreamer for the first time, I realized we could affect people’s lives by our performance. People would come up to us and say, ‘I was going to leave my husband, but after watching this show, I learned about forgiveness.’ So many lives were changed,’ Gemora recalls.
For the 2026 run, Joseph Andrews and Neo Rivera will take turns portraying the title character, Joseph. Both actors previously played Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, and they now step into the lead role with greater experience and a deeper appreciation of Joseph’s journey.
Andrews first took on the role of Joseph in 2025 with theater credits that include Ang Huling El Bimbo, Rent, Shrek the Musical, and A Chorus Line. He also gained early stage experience performing in Broadway and West End productions of Miss Saigon and The King and I. Andrews later became widely known in the Philippines as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother Season 10: Celebrity Edition, where he was introduced as ‘The Musical Dream Chaser of London.’
For Andrews, Joseph’s story is something all people can relate to because of its universal theme of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. It serves as a reminder that there is always ‘hope’ to hold on to even during difficult times.
‘We’ve all gone through our own journey, and Joseph is relatable because we all have dreams we want to achieve. [Whether] you’ve watched it a hundred times, or seeing it for the first time, we can all relate to that,’ Andrews shares.
Rivera is a versatile actor who’s also gifted in singing and dancing, and dabbles in the visual arts, photography, and content creation. He has built a steady career in theater and film, with lead roles in Going Home To Christmas and The Quest For The Adarna before briefly stepping away from the stage. Rivera made his comeback as Fred in A Christmas Carol, and was widely praised in portraying Phil in this year’s production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Veteran actor Nonie Buencamino joins the production as Jacob, the patriarch, bringing decades of experience across television, theater, and film. His notable screen credits include Heneral Luna, Goyo: The Boy General, and Jose Rizal. Buencamino also recently won a Gawad Buhay award for playing three roles in Balete and portrayed Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.
The supporting cast includes Iya Villanueva and Naya Ambi, who alternate as Asenath and the principal narrator, while Lorenz Martinez plays the Pharaoh. Omar Uddin takes on the role of Potiphar, with Dippy Arceo and Jannah Baniasa as Mrs. Potiphar.
Rapah Manalo and Boo Gabunada play Judah and Reuben, respectively, alongside Luis Marcelo, Renz Bernardo, Sam Panlilio, Anton Posadas, Daniel Solis, Carlos Canlas, Gabo Tiongson, Antonio Valdez, and Matthew Barbers. Liam Nery and Enzo Isaac portray Young Joseph and Manasseh.
Julia Serad plays Rachel, Joseph’s mother, and performs the ballad ‘He Opens a Window.’ Justine Narciso, Kathleen Francisco, Gabby Concepcion, Jim Ferrer, and Coleen Paz complete the cast.
Leading this run’s production as the staging director is industry veteran Bernice Aspillaga, who has also worked on a variety of shows under Trumpets and Theatre Group Asia, among others. Jim Ferrer is also on board as assistant director and dance captain, and Jay Pangilinan as musical director.