Angela Ken opens ‘Once On This Island’ first show

MANILA — Star Magic artist Angela Ken took over the stage for her first performance as Ti Moune for the Broadway musical “Once On This Island” on Friday night.

The 22-year-old Angela is no stranger to musicals as she previously starred in the romantic comedy-drama musical series “Lyrics and Beat” in 2022 and The Sandbox Collective's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” earlier this year.

Despite this, she admitted that she felt a bit pressured, especially since she would be headlining the official show for “Once On This Island.”

“Kagabi pa lang talagang nag o-overthink na ‘ko [kung] anong mangyayari ganyan. Isa siyang malaking hinga para sa akin na we did it, we’re starting na. So very very happy,” she said.

“Para sakin, sabi nga ni Direk Robbie, practice makes perfect. Yung show kanina for me hindi sya mahirap kasi lahat kami iisa. Nagtutulungan kami to make the show perfect, to show all of you the beautiful story of Once On This Island,” she added.

READ: Angela Ken loves to take risks, like Ti Moune of 'Once On This Island'

She said the first show went on smoothly because also of the hardworking cast who gave justice to each of the characters.

“Syempre nung mga unang rehearsal 'yun talaga ang hirap then ngayon parang na rerealize na namin, dati nahihirapan lang kami ngayon na magkakasama kami madali na lang lahat,” she said.

She also thanked the people behind the production for a successful first show.

“'Di ko kaya yun kung 'di rin ako tinulungan ng choreographer…hardwork and patience din sa sarili, and confidence yun talaga and of course God, siya talaga 'yun," she said.

“Everyone, iniimibitahan ko po kayo manood ng “Once On This Island” by 9 Works Theatrical. We’re now officially open. Kung hindi nyo pa po napapanood, this is your time to watch. See you at the Island," she added.

Angela's family members were also present to show moral support.

“Ang galing ng apo ko wala akong masabi. Talagang binigay nya lahat-lahat para maging maayos. Amazing show,” Angela’s grandmother, Pel Tavares said.

“I’m very proud of my daughter, ang galing talaga nya,” Angela's mother, Roumela Rojas said.

In the production, Ken alternates with Thea Astley for the role of Ti Moune, the love interest of Sam Concepcion, and Jef Flores’s role of Daniel Beauxhomme.