Off-Broadway World Premiere of Felix Starro Musical Finds Its Cast

The Ma-Yi production will mark the first time a musical created by Filipino-Americans will be presented Off-Broadway.

Alan Ariano (Miss Saigon, The King and I) and Nacho Tambunting (NBC's Rise) will lead the cast of the upcoming world premiere of Felix Starro, a musical about a young, undocumented immigrant in San Francisco and his famous faith healer grandfather. As previously reported, the Ma-Yi production ill mark the first time ever a musical created by Filipino-Americans will be presented Off-Broadway.

Felix Starro, based on a short story by Filipino-American writer Lysley Tenorio, features a book and lyrics by novelist and playwright Jessica Hagedorn (Dogeaters) and music by Fabian Obispo.

Ma-Yi’s Producing Artistic Director Ralph B. Peña directs a cast completed by Caitlin Cisco (The Hundred We Are) as Crystal, Francisca Muñoz as Mrs. Delgado, Ryan James Ortega as Bobby/Ramon, Diane Phelan (School of Rock) as Charma, and Obie and Lortel Award-winner Ching Valdes-Aran as Flora.

In Felix Starro, Felix (Ariano) is a famous faith healer in the Philippines, whose clients once included celebrities and big politicians. After falling on hard times, he decides to go to San Francisco for one last healing mission with ailing Filipinos in the Bay Area. Junior (Tambunting), his 19-year-old, orphan grandson, goes along as his assistant, and unbeknownst to Felix, has plans of his own.

Performances of Felix Starro will take place August 23–September 15 at Theatre Row. Brandon Bieber (FX’s Fosse/Verdon) choreographs.

Rounding out the creative team are Obie Award-winner Marsha Ginsberg (scenic design), Becky Bodurtha (costume design), Oliver Wason (lighting design), Julian Evans (sound design), Paulo K Tiról (orchestrations), Ian Miller (musical director), Cristina Sison (production stage manager), and Jorge Z. Ortoll (executive producer).

For tickets and more information, visit Ma-YiTheatre.org.