Jackielou Blanco Reprises Her Role As Camila In The Repeat Of Atlantis Production' In The Heights

JACKIELOU BLANCO is proud of husband Ricky Davao’s being chosen to direct Richard Gutierrez’ new drama on primetime. “First time niya ito to be the main director kasi nagdirek na rin siya noon ng ‘Grazilda’ sa primetime but second unit director siya,” she says. “Nakita siguro ng GMA na okay naman ang work niya as a solo director sa afternoon soaps na ‘Sisid’ at ‘Kokak’ kaya nilagay na siya sa primetime ngayon. If ever, baka maging magkalaban ang shows namin kasi nasa primetime din ang show namin nina Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe na ‘Legacy’, where I play Heart’s mom.”

For once, she’s not a villain in ‘Legacy’. “Oo nga, ako ang naapi rito. Sina Cherie Gil and Maritoni Fernandez ang mga kontrabida rito.” Does she prefer playing villain goody-goody or villain roles? “Mas madali ang goody-goody kasi pag kontrabida ka, you have to put on more makeup, kailangan galit ka, nagsusuplada, mas nakakapagod.”

Jackielou got good reviews playing the pivotal role of Camila Rosario in the Atlantis Productions of the award-winning Broadway musical, “In the Heights”, when it was first staged in September, 2011. Due to its very successful run, the show will now have a repeat starting March 2 at Carlos Romulo Theatre in RCBC Plaza Makati and she’s glad to be reprising her role.

“I’ve done plays before but mostly straight dramas. This was my first musical and what’s exciting about the repeat is that the the playwright-composer of the play, Lin Manuel Miranda, will be coming over to watch us personally how we do it here.”

The play is about Latin Americans living in New York’s Washington Heights, a community full of dreams, hope and everyday struggles. Also in the cast are Ima Castro, Nyoy Volante, K-La Rivera, Felix Rivera, Tex Ordonez, Jimmy Marquez, Jay Glorioso, Jerald Napoles and Calvin Millado who plays Jackielou’s husband. Directed by Bobby Garcia, call 892-7078 or visit atlantisproductions.com for tickets or inquiries.