MANILA – Actor Polo Ravales takes on the role of the Greek divine hero Hercules in a musical slated to run this week.

Ravales stars in “Hercules: The Valiant Warrior of Thebes,” an original musical by JMJ Events and Productions in cooperation with Fullblast Productions.

It will run on September 15 and 16 at the Star Theater, CCP Complex.

“Going deeper into my study of the play, I am starting to realize that it has powerful lessons than a lot of the teens today can learn from, especially when it comes to going through important journeys that lead to one’s destiny,” Ravales said.

“I am so proud that I am part of this play that can make a difference,” he added.

Other cast members of “Hercules: The Valiant Warrior of Thebes” include Natasha Cabrera, Ronah Rostata, CJ Flores Marin, Paw Castillo, Fatima Cadiz, Hutch Perales, Jhay-R Baccol, Francelle Fetalvero, Jovito Bonita, Jasper Jimenez, Jasmin Salvo, Ren Medina and Tina Dela Cruz.

At the helm of the direction of the production is Riki Benedicto, who is also the artistic director-trainer of Dulaang Filipino of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

“My vision for the play is for it to be able to tackle the not-so-familiar dimensions of Hercules. I wanted to zero in on his quest for his self-actualization by looking closer at the reasons of his actions and also the key players in his life,” Benedicto said.

Edwin Lacsa, one of the members of Ryan Cayabyab Singers, is the show’s musical director and wrote the original music. Eljay Deldoc, who has written materials for Virgin Labfest and Teatro Tomasino, is the playwright.