Ballet Manila will be gracing the stage again with “Rise!”, a double bill show featuring “Ballet & Ballads” and a retelling of the opera “La Traviata” in ballet, set this coming October 7 and 9.

With the triumphant return of Ballet Manila to its home Aliw Theater after it was burned in 2019, "Rise!" signifies rising like a phoenix from the ashes.

"We call it Rise because that is what we do. We rise after every catastrophe. We rise to face each challenge. We rise to fulfill our calling. We rise to make our dreams come true," Macuja-Elizalde said during the show's press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the newly rebuilt Aliw Theater.

But aside from bouncing back again, Macuja-Elizalde said the live performances were also a gift for the audience as she celebrates her special day.

“Every October, I really want to have a very beautiful production and make memories with my co-artists and co-workers. The best way to celebrate a birthday is to have a live performance. It is a gift of memories that you are going to bring not just for yourself as an artist but share with the audience as well. I think that's the best way to celebrate ang pagbabalik ng live theater," she said.

Renowned Maestro Gerard Salonga, the musical director, handpicked and skillfully crafted the bespoke 60-piece orchestra into a cohesive whole for both portions of the show.

The powerhouse's creative team was led by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as overall artistic director, theater artist Michael Williams as the stage director, Luna Grino-Inocia as the scriptwriter, and Johnsy Reyes as lights designer.

“Ballet & Ballads”

The event will be commencing with the pop program “Ballet & Ballads” choreographed by Gerardo Francisco Jr., Tony Fabella, and Martin Lawrence. It will feature Bituin Escalante, one of the finest vocalists in the country.

For Bituin, working with prominent artists, who she described as "legends," was an honor.

“To be among such a talented group is always a great meaningful experience,“ she added.

Bituin, who has been active in the theater scene since 1996, said she felt the euphoria to be home on stage again after three years.

"For me, that’s what I am, a storyteller. Even backstage, you find me sitting with the casts, chatting. It's really relating to people. That’s how the pandemic hits so hard. It took us a step away from each other. Now, we have a stage again, we have this. Here we are. I need that human connection, whether on or off stage," she said.

For the OPM icon, being a storyteller as a theater actress and pop singer on television has been embodied in her identity.

She urged people must to the show to rekindle their emotions.

"Maybe it is the catharsis we need after three years. Maybe we need a community cry. La Traviata would be perfect to feel someone next to you, just letting it all out. There’s so many reasons to cry. It is the swelling orchestra, it is the movement, we need to do this together. We need this," she said.

"La Traviata"

The second event of "Rise!" will feature performances of "La Traviata" an opera by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Award-winning opera singer Jade Riccio will play "Violeta", the female protagonist.

Jade shared that the role has been her dream ever since she was in college and "La Traviata" is her favorite opera.

“This is my greatest dream role and I’m just very honored to be sharing this stage with all of them,“ she added.

The opportunity for the role was first introduced by her late mentor and long-time friend Andrew Fernando who played Germont during the Cultural of the Philippines (CCP) production of "La Traviata" in 2011.

“This was actually a very emotional opera for me because I was supposed to do it with him. Now that I am not, I just want to dedicate everything for him because it is not easy at all,“ she said.

Fernando, who was a distinguished baritone opera singer in the country, died last August.

“We have to honor Kuya Andrew for his beautiful music and everything that he did for the company, being a great artist,“ Jade said.

“Rise!” will be staged on October 7 at 8 pm and on October 9 at 5 pm at the Aliw Theater in Pasay.

Tickets are available exclusively at Ticketworld. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8891 9999.