Julia Serad Brings 'Rachel' to Life in Joseph The Dreamer
Theater actress and singer Julia Serad embraces vulnerability and strength in her new role.
July 17, 2025
By: Veronique Singson Nazareno
Julia Serad is no stranger to playing strong women on stage. Her resume includes a mix of larger-than-life characters—from the Evil Queen in Repertory Philippines’ Snow White and the Prince, to the man-eating plant Audrey II in The Sandbox Collective's Little Shop of Horrors.
But this year, in the beloved revival of the longest running production in the Philippines, Trumpet Playshop's Joseph the Dreamer, Julia is embracing a new kind of strength: the strength of a mother.
Alternating the role of Rachel with Aicelle Santos, Serad brings emotional depth and vocal firepower to a character who leaves a lasting impression - the mother of Joseph.
Julia admits she had second thoughts when the role first came her way—not because she did not want it, but because of the weight it carried.
“When I heard about Rachel’s character description, I had a little doubt and said to myself, kaya ko ba 'to?
“When I first listened to Opens a Window, Rachel’s song in the show, I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it without breaking down,” she confesses. “It’s vocally demanding, but it also carries so much emotion. You really have to sing it from your soul.”
Julia Serad as Rachel, the mother of Joseph
An Emotional Journey
Adding to the challenge was the fact that this production marked Julia’s return to the stage after a four-month break. “I was diagnosed with pre-nodes last year,” she shares. “I needed to take a step back and focus on healing. That’s why this role feels so meaningful—it’s a comeback. But I’m doing it differently this time. I’m pacing myself, making sure my body and voice are well-rested.”
Julia Serad with Clave Sun as Young Joseph
A Performance Rooted in Personal History
For her portrayal of Rachel, Julia didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “A big part of this character is inspired by my mom and the way she raised me,” she says. “I was a mischievous kid—I grew up with four brothers. And every time I share the stage with the younger actors playing Joseph, I see the same dynamic. The way they look at me as Rachel reminds me of how I used to look at my mom.”
This connection infuses Julia’s performance with authenticity, especially in the tender moments shared between Rachel and young Joseph.
Joseph The Dreamer is Family
Even offstage, Julia feels the familial bond that Joseph the Dreamer has built within its cast and crew. “If I could describe this production in one word, it would be family,” she says, “because we have each other’s backs as we power through the last few days of the technical dress rehearsals!"
Julia Serad with Jordan Andrews as Joseph
What’s Next for Julia Serad?
While Joseph the Dreamer is currently sold out, many are hoping for a well-deserved rerun.
And as for Julia, she’s taking this moment one performance at a time and is hopeful her role would inspire the audience. "I really hope that by watching Joseph The Dreamer, audiences see how important it is to have a 'Rachel' in their lives—that someone who gives us the tough love we need. They may or may not be with us anymore, but the lessons and love they shared stay forever, and we’ll remember them as we go on with our lives."
📌 Catch Julia Serad as Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer only until July 20, 2025, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
Stay tuned for Joseph The Dreamer updates.
Photos from Trumpets Playshop.
Show photos by Myra Ho.