Elha Nympha, Katrina Velarde take on first professional musical theater roles

The powerhouse singers open up about stepping out of their comfort zone for “Inday: The Musical.”

Like many performers stepping onto a dramatic stage for the first time, Elha Nympha and Katrina Velarde admit they had initial reservations about saying “yes” to their theatrical debut in “Inday: The Musical.”

While both singers are confident in their vocal prowess, transitioning to a professional theater production presents a different challenge, one that requires them to venture beyond familiar territory.

Elha, the grand winner of “The Voice Kids Philippines” Season 2, admits that she felt nervous at the prospect.

“Gagawin ko ba ito? It’s not that I can’t do it—hindi kasi ako nag-train for this,” she shares.

“At first, kinabahan po talaga ako since this will be my very first musical theater gig. Alam n’yo naman na ‘di po ako actor, singer po ako. I just trusted the process. Hindi ko rin ina-anticipate kung anong klaseng training ang pagdadaanan ko. I just trusted them. So far, so good. I’m enjoying and happy to be Inday.”

Katrina, known as “The Vocal Supreme,” had similar reservations before committing to the production.

“I was hesitant, but naisip ko, bakit hindi?” she says. “It will be a big challenge for me, especially since I haven’t really done professional musical theater, but I’m excited but at the same time nervous.”

In the upcoming production, Elha, 22, will portray Laya/Inday, while Katrina, 31, takes on the roles of Elara/Orvaya.

Having participated in theater productions during her younger years, Katrina is no stranger to the stage. Still, working within a professional musical theater production presents an opportunity to further develop her skills.

“I’m hoping that through this experience it will open many doors for me. I want to challenge myself and be a better performer,” she says.

Elha, meanwhile, hopes the experience will lead to more opportunities in theater and help her grow beyond her identity as a singer.

“Hopefully, dito sa mga natutunan ko, marami pang dumating na opportunities. I hope that this will pave the way for me to become a real theater actor,” she says.

The two will be joined by an ensemble that includes Eunice Somintac as Aya and Cherry Morena as Hira/Lira, alongside Basty Batistis, Chris Fong, Jude Gamaliel, Nicollo Gutierrez, Jeremy Manite, Aina Salazar, Primitivo Moscare, and Cary Faith Rodolfo.

Moving between romance, mystery, and family drama, “Inday: The Musical” explores forgotten memories and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

The production draws from the catalog of OPM group The Boyfriends, published through PolyEast Music Entertainment, bringing familiar songs into a story that delves into love, family dynamics, and the weight of the past.

Danna Bernardino wrote the book and lyrics, with original music by Jeremy Manite and arrangements by Jason Tung. The production team includes Anthony Ramirez for costume design, All About Home for production and set design, and Teacher Georcelle of G-Force for choreography.

“Inday: The Musical” will run for three days, on October 16, 17, and 18, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Ticket reservations are available through Studio A Productions’ official communication channels.

READ: