Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros

 A new coming-of-age musical

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

PETA-Plus, in partnership with J+ Productions, has opened a groundbreaking new musical, "Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros;" continuing the story of Maxie Oliveros in a spectacular display of unapologetic expression, world-class drag, and proudly Pinoy storytelling like never before.

"The story takes off five years where the film/musical has left off. There's no pre-casting. Every character went through an audition process," shared show director Melvin Lee of PETA-Plus.

Some of the drag personalities who are performing in the new Maxie musical, as performers in the House of Corazon, are: 

- Mrs. Tan, 1st runner-up in Drag Den 2024, playing the roles of Rainbow Bright and Kriska B.

- Gabrielle Villaruel, a free-lance artist from the erstwhile Nectar club and who hails from Alabat Island of Quezon Province, essays the role of Lilly Morena.

- Gerhard Krysstopher, a theater performer and former O-Bar host, plays Pretzels.

- Jem Manicad, a TV actor, plays the drag mother Mama Tars.

- Paul Hidagan, a Top 5 finalist from Drag Race PH Season 3, breathes life to the characters Zymbading and Katana G.

- Corazon Filipinas, from Drag Race Season 1, plays Elsa Balutan.

"This musical is about love, sisterhood, and family. As a provincial artist, I found a loving community in Manila. I found myself through interactions with my sisters in the musical. I learned about the auditions through a Facebook feed. Regine Velasquez's "Araw Gabi" song was my audition piece," enthused Bicol artiste Jam Rivera aka Jamila, who plays the titular character in the musical. She is currently an AB Communications senior at the Ateneo de Naga University.

"There is a whole community of people waiting for me and you. You're not alone in this journey. Create something beautiful out of your struggles. To future Maxie wannabes, show who you are and the right people will come to you. Don't be afraid," she added.

"We are shining a spotlight on drag communities, whose impact continues to shape pop culture. We partnered with Pantay Organization for human rights and equality. This musical aims to build a future with SOGIE identities and steps into a bold connective space," shared J+ Productions marketing head Precious Bautista.

"Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros," is currently playing at the Illumination Studios in Makati City until June 22. As a Pride Month offering, the musical is "paandar, palaban, at pasabog."