Familiar faces, fresh roles: Gian Magdangal lives the story in 'Come From Away'
Fresh off powerful turns in "Dear Evan Hansen" in Singapore and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" under Reportory Philippines, the veteran performer takes the stage once again in "Come From Away."
This time, he's not playing a grand romantic lead or a scene-stealing villain. He's playing real people. And that, he says, is what makes it special.
'It's not just acting. You're holding someone's story in your hands,' Gian shared during a quick interview with GMA News Online.
'That's what theater is all about—taking something true and sharing it in a way that moves people.'
Set in the days following 9/11, "Come From Away" tells the true story of how a small Canadian town opened its doors—and hearts—to over 7,000 passengers diverted to Newfoundland during the tragedy. It's a story of kindness, community, and quiet courage. It's also one of the most complex shows Gian has done.
'This is an ensemble piece. We play multiple roles—jumping accents, characters, emotions—within minutes,' he explained.
'We had a dialect coach, we did research on the real people we're playing. The preparation was intense, but it made everything feel more real.'
The production features a powerhouse Filipino cast, including Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Caisa Borromeo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, and Sparkle artist Garrett Bolden.
Together, the 15-person ensemble brings to life more than 80 characters—pilots, locals, stranded travelers, and more—through quick shifts and seamless staging.
'It's all about trust. You're not the star—everyone is. You have to listen, respond, and move as one,' Gian said.
Theater that feels like home
If the show is about finding connection in the middle of chaos, the cast behind the scenes is living proof of that message. For Gian, "Come From Away" is more than a gig—it's a reunion.
He's worked with most of the cast since he started theater 25 years ago, and the new cast members like Garrett? "This is our first time working together on stage but we already knew each other from Sparkle [so] everyone just. clicked," Gian said.
"It's like coming home," he adds.
Despite the camaraderie, the stakes were high. This marks GMG Productions' first-ever Filipino-led staging, and expectations were set sky-high.
'We knew we couldn't just chill,' Gian admitted.
'There's a level of excellence expected in this kind of show—and it's something we embraced.'
At its heart, Come From Away is a love letter to human decency. And for Gian, the musical resonates deeply with the Filipino spirit.
'It's about compassion. About helping without expecting anything in return,' he says. 'That's so Filipino. It reminds us who we are. Wherever we are in the world, we take that with us.'
Gian hopes audiences walk away not just entertained, but transformed.
'You might come into the theater feeling like a stranger, but you'll leave remembering that you belong. That you're seen. And that even in chaos, people can be good.'
What's next for Gian?
Though his calendar is packed, Gian isn't rushing to book the next musical just yet.
After "Come From Away," he'll take the concert stage in August.
Still, his love for storytelling—especially through theater—burns brighter than ever.
'This is what I love. Shows like this, where you're reminded why we do what we do.'
"Come From Away" runs until June 29, 2025, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. This production also marks a milestone in Philippine theater as this is the first Filipino-led show from GMG Productions, brought to life by a stellar cast that includes Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Gian Magdangal, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Garrett Bolden, among others.
The ensemble of 15 actors portrays approximately 84 characters, showcasing their remarkable versatility through lightning-fast transitions, distinct accents, and layered emotional beats—an extraordinary feat that speaks to the cast's depth and precision. — LA, GMA Integrated News
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