MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) closes its 45th theater season and welcomes the coming year with "D Wonder Twins of Boac," a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy of errors, "Twelfth Night."

"D Wonder Twins of Boac" mixes 60s fashion and music under the setting of the late 60's Philippine film industry--during a transition after the golden years of local cinema.

In line with PETA's 45th season theme: No Screen Bigger Than Theater, the play gives a rare insight into the world of film and interrogates how films have evolved and shaped our culture.

"D Wonder Twins of Boac" also evokes nostalgia among those who have seen local films in the late 60's. The play uses parallelisms for the big studios of the time, Sampaguita Pictures and LVN Studios. 

The story begins in the hometown of the Wonder Twins, Bastian and Viola, in Boac, Marinduque where the twins are always found singing and dancing for talent contests, carnivals and town fiestas. But the twins dream of making it in showbiz, so they pack up and head for Manila where the big film studios are always in the search to discover the latest star. But the hapless siblings are shipwrecked and Viola loses contact with her brother Bastian and believes him to be dead. 

Viola resorts to begging in the streets of Malate and decides to audition under a male disguise big-time studio of Campanilla Pictures owned by Doc Orsino (essayed Bodjie Pascua and Juliene Mendoza). She later on becomes an intermediary to his love-proposals to Olivia Nepomuceno (Shamaine Buencamino), the last living owner of BLV Studios in the hope of striking a wedding and a merger of the two biggest film studios of the era. At the climax of this romping comedy of errors, Viola gets tangled in a web of love interests brought about by her disguise.  
  
This modern adaptation is written by notable playwright and theater actor Rody Vera and directed by PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda, who won in the recent PHILSTAGE Gawad Buhay! Awards for directing "William," PETA's rap-musical that reintroduces Shakespeare to the youth through rap and hip-hop.

With this play, Legarda once again helps Filipino audiences fall in love with Shakespeare whose plots cross the boundaries of time and space. Audiences can expect another enjoyable production from Legarda, who also directed the hit comedy musical "Care Divas."

"D Wonder Twins of Boac" stars Cris Villonco and Chrome Cosio as Viola and Bastian. They are joined by theater veterans Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Bodjie Pascua and seasoned actor Arnel Ignacio. 

The cast includes Juliene Mendoza, Gino Ramirez, Paolo Rodriguez, Carlon Matobato, Riki Benedicto, Gie Onida, Eric dela Cruz, Roi Calilong, Kiki Baento, Kat Castillo, Tricia Huseña and Divine Aucina. The plays music is composed by Jeff Hernandez, choreography by Carlon Matobato, costumes by John Abul, set design by Lex Marcos and lighting design by Jon Jon Villareal.

"D Wonder Twins of Boac" will have 30 shows from February 1 to March 3 at the PETA Theater Center. Shows are still available for blockbuyers. For inquiries, contact PETA through 725-6244, 0916-5675400, or petatheater@gmail.com