When GMG Productions announced it would bring Jesus Christ Superstar to Manila, one question immediately came to mind: would a Filipino actor be part of the cast?
Photos: GMG Productions and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade (courtesy of GMG Productions)
It has become something of a tradition for GMG Productions to feature a local performer alongside international stars. Past examples include Markki Stroem and Karylle Tatlonghari in The Sound of Music, as well as Lea Salonga, Rachelle Ann Go, Red Concepcion, and Emily Bautista in the Les Misérables World Tour Spectacular.
So when GMG announced that Gab Pangilinan would take on the role of Mary Magdalene, our first thought was simple: of course.
Pangilinan is widely regarded as one of the most exciting stage actors working today. Known for her soaring vocals—often described as sounding like they’re on HD—and her versatility as a performer, she has built an impressive résumé across Philippine theater. In Pingkian: Isang Musikal, she even played two roles, one of them a man.
As it turns out, Pangilinan’s casting in Jesus Christ Superstar feels like a full-circle moment.
In an interview with WhenInManila.com, the actress shared that the musical has been part of her life since childhood:
“Jesus Christ Superstar is actually my dad’s favorite musical,” she said. “My dad would randomly sing JCS songs. Growing up, I knew ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him.’ It’s also one of my mom’s favorite musical theater songs.”
Her familiarity with the musical isn’t surprising. Pangilinan comes from a family deeply rooted in music and performance. Her mother, Vicky Sevilla-Pangilinan, is part of Music & Magic, while her father, Joseph Pangilinan, was a member of the music ministry Kundirana.
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Her extended family also includes well-known figures in Philippine entertainment, such as Sharon Cuneta, Angeli and Gary Valenciano, and Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa.
Interestingly, Pangilinan had actually auditioned for the role years before landing it.
“I auditioned for Mary Magdalene first in 2021, but this was post-pandemic,” she recalled. “Fast forward to last year, and I got the call. I just had to stare into space for five minutes because I was like, ‘Wait, can I process this right now?’ Because I couldn’t believe it.”
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For audiences who have seen her perform, however, the casting feels almost inevitable.
Pangilinan is a multi-awarded stage and screen actor known for her performances in The Last Five Years, Side Show, Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical, and Mula Sa Buwan. She has also earned three Philstage Gawad Buhay nominations for Pingkian: Isang Musikal, The Last Five Years, and Mula Sa Buwan, and won Best Leading Female Performance (Digital) at the 27th Asian Television Awards for Still: A Musical Narrative Series.
Listen to Pingkian’s “Ikaw ang Liwanag” alongside Mary Magdalene’s iconic “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and it’s easy to imagine Pangilinan inhabiting the role.
A Filipina on Stage
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What makes this staging of Jesus Christ Superstar particularly special is that Pangilinan will serve as Manila’s only local star for the production.
The cast also includes Luke Street as Jesus, Javon King as Judas, Ethan Hardy Benson as Pilate, Grant Hodges as Caiaphas, Kodiak Thompson as Annas, and Kalei Cotecson, another Filipina performer.
ALSO READ: “Jesus Christ Superstar” Is Coming to Manila
We asked Pangilinan whether her Filipino background would influence how she approaches Mary Magdalene.
“Whatever I bring to the table will be 100% based on my personal experiences as a Filipino in the Philippines,” she explained. “The fact that I grew up here and everything I know is from here will play a role—not necessarily as direct inspiration, but in the way I understand the character and the world of the musical.”
Part of her preparation involves immersing herself fully in the material: watching past productions, reading about the show, and learning the music before rehearsals even begin.
Even at this early stage, Pangilinan has already begun reflecting on what makes Mary Magdalene such a compelling character.
“She was a follower of Jesus who had this pure love for him,” she said. “The show has such a varied and exhilarating score, and, in a male-filled musical, Mary Magdalene softens it, which is so exciting for me to explore.”
The Story
Photo / Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade (courtesy of GMG Productions)
Jesus Christ Superstar explores the biblical events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—told through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who ultimately betrays him. The musical portrays its characters in a deeply relatable and human way.
In the song “The Temple,” Jesus becomes overwhelmed by crowds seeking healing and cries out, “Heal yourselves!” In “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say),” he questions his fate: “I’d wanna know, my God, why I should die?”
Originally released as a concept album in 1970 before debuting on Broadway the following year, the show has since become a global classic.
For Pangilinan, the musical’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional universality.
“The emotions and experiences these characters go through are universal,” she said. “Love, borderline idolatry, fame, betrayal—these are all human experiences. The way they’ve been portrayed through the years keeps evolving, which is why the story remains timeless.”
She also believes the musical offers audiences a rare narrative perspective.
“Regardless of your spirituality, storytelling-wise, it’s unlike any other experience. It’s rare that you hear the story from the point of view of the betrayer. There’s so much nuance to everything—to who we are as humans—and being open to different perspectives is so important.”
Ultimately, Pangilinan hopes audiences approach the show with curiosity and openness.
“It’s about starting conversations—easy or difficult,” she said. “It’s about opening your mind and allowing yourself to experience another world and different perspectives.”
As for stepping into such an iconic role, Pangilinan is focusing on staying present.
“I don’t want to pressure myself too much,” she shared. “I want to be able to take it in and enjoy it. When you overthink something, it can consume you, and you forget to enjoy the moment. Of course, I’ll prepare as much as I can—but I also want to really savor the experience. It’s a milestone I’m proud of.”
As a child, she never imagined she would one day be part of the very musical she grew up listening to.
“Personally, I didn’t think I’d ever get to experience it live,” she said. “‘Yun pala, kasama pala ako. As a kid, I would have loved to watch this musical—and now I’ll actually be immersed in it. I’m incredibly excited and looking forward to it, because there really hasn’t been another musical quite like it.”
ALSO READ: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Miss “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Manila
Photo / GMG Productions
Jesus Christ Superstar will run from May 2 to 24, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are officially on sale, exclusively via TicketWorld. GMG Productions and David Ian produce the 2026 tour for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions.
Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com or following @gmg.productions on social media.
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