Angelo Martinez, a Filipino singer-songwriter, takes the lead role in the “Dear Evan Hansen” musical in Singapore which premiered at the Victoria Theatre on October 11.
Angelo landed the lead role after he auditioned for the musical in July 2023 with the song “For Forever.”
Fellow Filipino singer Gian Magdangal joined him in the musical as Larry Murphy to prepare for one and a half years for the production.
A rookie musician, Angelo’s first exposure to a musical is through “Dear Evan Hansen”. He related to its story of self-discovery and mental health, further prompting him to answer the call and inspire all generations.
“That was back in 2019 (when I first watched it). I learned about the songs, and I listened to it. Funny because it was kinda my introduction into understanding the musical theater and the power it holds, impacting lives, it was also the year that I was diagnosed with health anxiety myself. So it has a really strong connection to my personal life, because it really really helped me even grow the courage to grow the courage that I am scared of,” he tells a local news outlet.
Now in Singapore, Angelo says he wants to do musical shows in his home country. “Oh, yes! I would love to do shows sa Pinas. I would love to do shows back home.”
“Dear Evan Hansen” follows the story of high school senior Evan with a social anxiety disorder who discovers himself after a painful encounter with his classmate.
Directed by Tracie Pang with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the musical will run until November 10, 2024.
