RYAN CAYABYAB and Nestor Torre’s hit religious musical “Magnificat,” has had over 160 performances all over the country, but parishes, schools and organizations continue to ask for the popular and acclaimed production to be staged again.

That’s why a new production tour of the sung-through musical in Filipino (on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the context of her son, Jesus Christ’s salvific mission) has been mounted.

It starts with a performance in Pola, Mindoro, on Good Friday, April 22. The performance is a joint project of the local government unit of the Municipality of Pola and the Alumni Association, Samahan ng mga Nag-aral sa Pola Central School. It starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Manuel de Castro Gym.

It’s a key part of Pola’s unique, weeklong religious observance of Holy Week, which includes Pola’s own celebration of the Moriones Festival, a Good Friday procession, penitents, flagellants and other traditional expressions of piety and remorse, culminating in the moving Salubong on Easter morn.

Pola’s observance of Holy Week is so devout and yet colorful that it annually attracts pilgrims from out of town. The performance of “Magnificat” adds to the observance’s significance this year. Call 0919 259-0869.

If your parish, school or organization wishes to sponsor other performances of “Magnificat,” please call 0919 206-5424 or 0923 889-3631.

The cast of the touring production of “Magnificat” includes some of the country’s best musical theater talents: Pinky Marquez, Rito Asilo, Tex Ordoñez de Leon, Sheila Asuncion, Andy Bais, Paul Marica, Celine Fabie, Nadja Matining, Heidi Arima, Jan Alexander Torre, Ronald Concepcion, Angeline Guevarra, Alita Divino, Rey Manalo, Rodelio Mallari and Baby Resurrecion.

Through the years, “Magnificat” has been performed all over the country from Baguio to Davao, and has been praised for deepening viewers’ faith and appreciation for Jesus’ sacrificial salvation of mankind.

Its cast of outstanding singer-actors has been rehearsing the religious musical’s latest staging for months, as its gift of love to the Savior and His mother, Mary, whom many devotees regard as their spiritual mother, as well.

To enable the musical’s inspiring insights to reach and touch more people all over the country, it is now available in big (full production) and intimate versions, which can be performed in a wide range of venues, from theaters, churches and gyms to parish halls and even large living rooms.