MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Stage actors Romnick Sarmenta, Elijah Canlas, and Epy Quizon will step into their original roles one last time as the critically acclaimed theatrical production “About Us But Not About Us” returns to the stage this October.
The limited engagement is scheduled to run from October 2 to 25 at the Power Mac Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati, marking the final performances for the trio in the roles of Eric, Lancelot, and Marcus.
Sarmenta and Canlas first starred as Eric and Lancelot in Jun Robles Lana’s award-winning feature film, which swept the inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. Their screen performances earned significant acclaim, with Sarmenta winning Best Actor awards at both the Summer MMFF and the Gawad Urian, and Canlas receiving a Special Jury Prize.
When adapting the story for the stage, Lana expanded the plot by adding the character of Marcus, who was only referenced off-screen in the movie. Quizon originated Marcus for the theater adaptation.
Lana, who serves as writer and producer, confirmed that this upcoming run marks the last time the original cast will perform together in these specific roles.
“There is an important reason why this will be the last time Romnick, Elijah and Epy will play their original roles in “About Us But Not About Us,” and audiences will understand why in time,” Lana stated.
“But more than anything, I am grateful that they were the actors who breathed life into Eric, Lancelot and Marcus, and I am excited as new performers will interpret these characters this October.”
The upcoming production will also feature alternate cast members:
- Marcus: Andoy Ranay will alternate with Quizon, reprising his role following positive audience feedback during the show’s initial February run.
- Lancelot: Kobie Brown, recently seen in the film “Sisa” alongside Hilda Koronel, joins the cast to play Lancelot in select shows.
- Eric: Stage director Tuxqs Rutaquio will pull double duty as an alternate performer for Eric.
Reflecting on his dual role as director and cast member, Rutaquio shared insights into the transition:
“As their director, I’ve watched Romnick, Elijah and Epy discover new dimensions in these characters every time they step onstage. And as someone who must now fill Eric’s shoes, I know firsthand how demanding this material is.”
Presented by IdeaFirst Live—the live theater division of The IdeaFirst Company—the production has drawn praise for building upon the cinematic version to offer a deeper, more layered theatrical experience.