MANILA - Rising Star Magic artist Shanaia Gomez stole the spotlight during her theater debut in the interactive musical comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," held Thursday evening in Makati City.
 
“It means so much, it is so amazing, I feel so grateful,” Gomez, who plays Marcy Park, said in an interview after the first preview night of the play.
 
The actress shared she was only able to step on the live stage, which apart from singing, dancing, and acting, required some improv, due to the help of her cast mates, which includes thespian Krystal Brimner, Justine Narciso, Diego Aranda, among others.
 
“The fact that it is with this cast right here, I am so truly grateful. I could not have done it without them, they are so amazing in guiding me, in helping me, I feel so motivated to do my best. I felt even if I made a mistake, OK lang because they are there,” she said.
 
Gomez said she appreciated the support of her alternate AC Bonifacio, who will be making her stage debut on Friday, during the second preview night,
 
“It is also her first time doing theater so we have a mutual understanding so we have each others back. It is so amazing,” she explained.
 
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will officially premiere on February 24, Saturday.