Nino shines in Waitress MNL
Last November, Atlantis Theatrical staged the first international production of the hit Broadway show Waitress. The musical, a close adaptation of the 2007 film of the same name, is a current Broadway favorite with book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles. The show tells the story of Jenna (Joanna Ampil), a diner waitress with an incredible talent for baking pies as she, along with her friends and co-workers Becky (Bituin Escalante) and Dawn (Maronne Cruz), navigate life, love, and Jenna’s unwanted pregnancy.
Nino was ecstatic to join the Waitress MNL cast as Ogie – the eccentric and kindhearted suitor of quirky Dawn. He was immediately drawn to Ogie’s fun and memorable musical numbers and dove head first into this scene-stealing hilarious character.
“Playing Ogie was so much fun and I am so humbled and happy to be part of this stellar cast and the international premiere of such a beloved show,” Nino shares. “It is always a pleasure to be under the direction of the amazing Bobby Garcia and to be part of an Atlantis show and the entire Waitress experience has been unforgettable.”
For his heartfelt efforts to portray Ogie with humor, depth, and vibrance, Nino received rave reviews and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor from the Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students – Hiyas and Sining. Here are some of the reviews on the show:
Marco Sumayao, Town and Country
Lea Salonga, The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philip Cu-Unjieng, Metro.Style
Vince Vicentuan, BroadwayWorld.com
Indeed, Waitress MNL was a fun, delicious, and often delirious romp through the diner and Nino is thrilled to have been part of the ride. He looks forward to more exciting theatrical outings with Atlantis and will always have a soft spot in his heart for pie!
Order up!