Cocoy Laurel joins 'Caysasay' cast

Cocoy Laurel joins 'Caysasay' cast

Cocoy will alternate with Ogie Alcasid in the lead role of Haybing, a Chinese stonemason who in the 1600s was the recipient of one of the
Virgin's most celebrated miraculousintercessions: He was brought back to life after being decapitated by his foes!Dramatic scenes

Aside from performing in some very dramatic scenes, both Ogie and Cocoy will sing four moving and powerful songs composed by Cayabyab, in a long, climactic suite of scenes and songs that serve as the musical's finale.

Cocoy has been popular in the Philippines as a film, TV and theater star, and was acclaimed internationally when he was tapped to play themale lead role of The Engineer in Cameron Mackintosh's hit musical, "Miss Saigon," in London and Australia.

Since then, Cocoy has kept himself busy with a wide range of artistic involvements (aside from performing, he's a gifted visual artist). Why did he accept "Birhen ng Caysasay" executive producer Ramon Orlina's invitation to be a part of the new Marian musical?

"For a number of wonderful reasons," Cocoy beams. "First, I was immediately inspired by the musical's powerful story, and by the show's beautiful marriage of music, by Ryan, and lyrics (by Rito P. Asilo and
Noelani Torre).

"Then, there's the fact that the Laurels are from Batangas, and so I feel a very close affinity to the 400-year old tradition of Our Lady of Caysasay, in beautiful Taal, Batangas-a place I love, because it's kept its charm and heritage for all these years.

Religious roots

"I'm also doing the show because it provides me with a much-needed opportunity to return to my religious roots, to the prayerful tradition inculcated in me by my father and mother, my grandmother and my mom's only living sister, who, at 92 years old, visited us when my father died, and urged me to resume my prayerful life. I'm performing in "Birhen ng Caysasay" because I want to give glory to Jesus and His Mother, who as the Virgin of Caysasay is our protectress and helpmeet as well."

Inspiration

"Finally, I'm honored to play Haybing, because his love for Our Lady, despite the fact that, initially, he wasn't even a Christian, is an inspiration to me. I hope that, through this musical, it will also serve as an inspiration to others, especially with its message of people praying together and living in peace, which is so important at this time of so much conflict and rancor."

True to his word, Cocoy is rehearsing long and hard to make the character of Haybing come movingly and dynamically to life on the CCP Little Theater stage. In the process, he is inspiring the newer members of the cast to be as professional as he is, and to love theater as much as he does!