Experience the wonder of Snow White and the Prince starting September 16

Experience the wonder of Snow White and the Prince starting September 16

Thursday, September 14

Repertory Philippines’ Theater for Young Audiences opens its first production after the COVID-19 pandemic with a new version of a classic fairy tale. Snow White and the Prince is a love story between these two iconic characters. Written by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the same authors of RTYA’s very successful 2017 production Rapunzel, Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale, it is a musical comedy for the young and the young at heart and will be enjoyed by the whole family.

On the eve of her birthday celebration, Snow White anticipates her first ball, and dreams of romance. She meets a charming prince at the ball but her dreams are shattered by her stepmother who is jealous of her beauty. For her protection, her loving nursemaid sends her to the forest to find the nurse’s seven (of course) friends. Also, in the picture are a magic mirror who can never lie and, the symbol of evil, an apple.

The guiding principle behind all RTYA productions is that children deserve as good a theater as adults and this production strives to do just that. Joy Virata, Director and RTYA’s Creative Director, has gathered a group of both veteran and young actors to tell the story through simple and humorous dialogue and delightfully tuneful songs. Cara Barredo, Asst. Director and Musical Director, was charged with bringing out the best of every actor in terms of vocal quality and interpretation. Stephen Vinas, has created wonderfully interpretive musical staging and lively choreography. Everything will be enhanced by the highly imaginative and colorful costume design by Raven Ong and the art-deco set design by Kayla Teodoro augmented by a paint brush in the talented hands of brilliant set artist Adul Lasin. As in all RTYA productions, multi-awarded John Batalla (who doubles as Technical Director) will add to the magic with his lights.

Leading the cast are REP and RTYA regulars Carla Gueverra Laforteza and Pinky Marquez as the Queen with newcomer Julia Serad alternating. Veterans Chino Veguillas and Franco Ramos play the all-important Mirror along with newbie Sebastian Katigbak.

In the title roles are Kiara Dario, Rappel (Ashlee Factor), Jillian Ita-as and Anyah as Snow White and MC Dela Cruz, Neo Rivera, and Rapah Manalo as the Prince. Abi Suit, Ring Antonio and Cara Barredo alternate as the Nurse. Fourteen (seven times two) actors of all heights, weights, genders, and ages (and with varying theater backgrounds), play the friends.

RTYA began in 1992 and year by year has drawn thousands of children to its productions. Its last performance before the pandemic was the popular “The Quest for the Adarna” which had over 120 performances.

Children have come from as far off places as Baguio, Pampanga, and Bulacan in the north and Batangas and Cavite in the south, as well as the schools and organizations in Metro Manila. This year RTYA, on the opening performance of Snow White and the Prince will, thanks to generous donors, play host to children from CRIBS Foundation Inc., St. Mary’s Boys and Girls Towns in Cavite, The GEESE scholars of the Union Church of Manila, two beneficiaries of the Union Church of Manila Missions and Benevolent Outreach Program, and Pag-Asa. Also expected are students from Iglesia Filipina Independiente and San Juan Nepomuceno School Malibay. This is in connection with RTYA’s Bring a Child to the Theater efforts.

RTYA looks forward to greeting thousands of viewers, young and old, for the next four months. For parents and teachers who are familiar with our productions, they know the children will thoroughly enjoy the experience—many for the first time. They know that the children will be exposed to art (we feature different artistic themes every production), music (classical, “Broadway,” and modern), classical dance (a ballet performance on points and lively modern choreography in every production), literature (stories from classical folklore), and the ever popular “Audience Participation” where an actor interacts with the audience. And, as in all good literature, there are always lessons to be learned.

So, RTYA encourages parents and teachers to bring their children of all ages to the theater. It is an experience they will not forget.

The production and theater team of SNOW WHITE AND THE PRINCE is led by Ayam Eckstein (Production and Company Manager), Patricia Gregorio (Assistant Production Manager), Jojo Amboy (Stage Manager), Ronnie Cruz (Assistant Stage Manager), Jerry Frias (Set Supervisor), Pablito Salvador Jr. (Lighting Technician and Custodian), Tess Andalaza (Costume Mistress), Pol Roxas & Arnel Carrion (Sound Technician) and Banjo Basilio (Electrician).

Repertory Philippines management is led by Gidget Tolentino (Managing Director, and CFO), Liesl Batucan-Del Rosario (Artistic Director), Marie Talay (Office Manager, and Cashier), Rodel Felipe (Bookkeeper), Jenny Catalan (Staff Assistant), Reynaldo Versoza, and Angelo Comendador (Messenger), and Georgelyn Francisco (Webmaster). The marketing, and publicity of SNOW WHITE AND THE PRINCE is composed of Mariane Detera (Marketing Director), Leanza Guadalquiver (Marketing Strategist), Alyssa Layog (Marketing Associate), Paw Castillo (Graphic Design and Cast Photography) , Flaudyn Lapasaran (Graphic Design & Rehearsal Photography) and Vinta Technologies (Social Media Agency).

The show will run from September 16 to December 17, 2023. Tickets are available at Ticket 2 Me and Ticket World. For interested show buyers & ticket inquiries send us an email at sales@repphil.org or marketing@repphil.org or contact us at 0966 905 4013.

Connect to Repertory Philippines online through the following social media networks: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/repertoryphilippines

Twitter: www.twitter.com/repphils

Instagram: www.instagram.com/repphils

YouTube: www.youtube.com/repphils

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REP gives CAROUSEL a radical post-modern contemporary spin

REP gives CAROUSEL a radical post-modern contemporary spin

Wednesday, October 5

Director Toff de Venecia shares bold, brave—and a 21st century—vision for the best musical of the 20th century

Repertory Philippines (REP) is taking on the challenge of presenting CAROUSEL, the best musical of the 20th century, to present-day theater crowd as it opens on November 26, 2022 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez within the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex. With a radical vision by first-time REP director Toff De Venecia, this reimagination of the beloved Broadway musical underscores the transcendent power of hope and love.

Created by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers (Music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (Book and Lyrics) that together redefined musical theater and ushered Broadway's golden age, CAROUSEL collected accolades from critics and praises from audiences after its original opening in 1945. This production won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, and was ultimately hailed by Time Magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century. Its subsequent revivals also won Tony, Olivier, and Drama Desk Awards, a testament to this R&H classic’s timeless and universal appeal. 

CAROUSEL follows the story of Billy Bigelow, a swaggering and carefree carnival barker, who falls in love with and marries Julie Jordan, a sweet yet naïve millworker. After learning Julie is pregnant, a desperate Billy is forced to participate in a robbery that ends in a tragedy. He is then given a second chance to make things right. A moving tale of redemption, CAROUSEL features some of musical theater classics like If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over, and You’ll Never Walk Alone. 

REP’s comeback production will be led by sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal and singer, actor, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari who are both joining a REP production for the first time. Joining the two leads are REP stalwarts Loy Martinezand Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante.

“It is with great pride that Repertory Philippines is making its return to live theater with a production that is both renowned and beloved. We are all thrilled with how Toff has executed his bold, brave vision of CAROUSEL for the current generation of theatergoers,” says Mindy Perez Rubio, REP president and CEO. “Together with a superb cast, including our wonderful female lead Karylle, whom we are also working with for the first time, I think CAROUSEL will prove to be a fitting and triumphant return to the stage for Repertory Philippines.”

The show was set to be the crown jewel of the REP 2020 theatrical season with the same director at the helm, but like all theater productions worldwide, CAROUSEL was postponed. For De Venecia, the pause was a welcome opportunity for introspection that has further helped with the eminent theater company’s transition to more progressive, dynamic, and culturally relevant narratives, with the guidance of Artistic Director Liesl Batucan-Del Rosario.

“I am in a liminal state - navigating the romanticism of the best musical of the 20th century and the landmines in the text, reading it from a contemporary 21st century perspective. We had a radical proposition during the 2020 staging, and possibly even a more radical proposition now which we're excited to explore further in rehearsals,” the director says. 

“What did our colleagues go through and experience in their own individual lives in the last two and a half years, and also communally with their families, friends, and the entire community that's just coming together again after being separated for so long. A lot of that will find its way into the show we're preparing for in November.” 

As the production now moves at full speed, the director emphasized that they are navigating new frontiers of theater and exploring the ways they can seamlessly push this Broadway masterpiece into post-pandemic realities and contexts. 

“While this R&H musical is closest to an opera which necessitates its own grandiosity as told through elaborate mise-en-scène or even how the music is orchestrated or how the songs are sung, we push against this idea and explore new ways forward in this post-modern contemporary CAROUSEL that the team is working on,” De Venecia elaborates. “It's an alchemy of limitations that gives rise to contemporary possibilities.”

Witness REP’s highly anticipated return to live theater with no less than a bold, brave vision for one of Broadway’s glorious masterpieces. Catch CAROUSEL starting November 26 until December 18 at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.

Tickets will be available through the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets. Ticket prices are ₱3,000 for Rows 1 and 2, ₱2,500 for Row 3, ₱2,000 for Row 4, ₱1,500 for Row 5, and ₱1,000 for Row 6.

For updates, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow Repertory Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Educators and school representatives who are interested in the show can email sales@repphil.org.

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REP steps boldly on to a new stage with a contemporary vision for beloved Broadway hit CAROUSEL

REP steps boldly on to a new stage with a contemporary vision for beloved Broadway hit CAROUSEL

Wednesday, September 28

Repertory Philippines (REP) steps boldly on to a brand new stage as it re-opens its theater doors with a modern reimagination of CAROUSEL. The beloved Broadway hit musical will run from November 26-December 18, 2022 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, making it one of the first shows to run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ newly inaugurated black box theater.

With Music by Richard Rodgers and Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel became an instant hit lauded by critics and audiences alike. The original production won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical. Hailed by Time Magazine as the greatest musical of the 20th century, its various revivals have also won several Tony Awards. A story about a whirlwind romance between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan, it features some of musical theater’s most timeless music and iconic songs including If I Loved You and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

REP’s CAROUSELis directed by Toff De Venecia who is determined to bring a bold, brave vision for the new generation of theatergoers. This glorious musical masterpiece is brought to life by a star-studded cast led by singer, actress, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari as Julie Jordan and sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal as Billy Bigelow.

“Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants and take on the challenge of reimagining this classic musical for contemporary Filipino audiences,” De Venecia says. “Featuring new artistic voices and talent as well as post-modern perspectives, the team boldly dreams up what ‘the best musical of the 20th century’ might look like today. It’s a radical departure from previous iterations, even from what we set out to do in 2020. We draw inspiration from Filipino creativity and the words of the original choreographer and dancer Agnes de Mille – that is, ‘taking leap after leap in the dark.’ This will be the ultimate 21st century test for a 20th century text.”

CAROUSEL was originally slated for a May 2020 debut also with De Venecia at the helm. It was set to be the crown jewel of the REP 2020 theatrical season, which would have built upon the rich 53 year old history of REP and signaled the eminent theater company’s transition to more progressive, dynamic, and culturally relevant theatrical productions under the leadership of Artistic Director Liesl Batucan-Del Rosario. 

“I am ecstatic for Repertory Philippines as we return to the live stage and bring the fulfillment of a promise to our REP audiences and communities. It is doubly exhilarating to be able to present CAROUSEL at the newly unboxed Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez CCP Black Box Theater, through a generous venue grant from the Cultural Center of the Philippines no less. I am beyond excited for Toff’s innovative post-modern contemporary take on Carousel that I know will connect and link this absolutely timeless and deeply relevant material to a new audience,” expresses Liesl.

Don’t miss REP’s highly anticipated return to live theater. Catch CAROUSEL starting November 26 at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. 

Tickets will be available through the CCP Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets. Ticket prices are ₱3,000 for VIP seats, ₱2,500 for rows 1 & 3, ₱2,000 for row 4, ₱1,500 for row 5, and ₱1,000 for row 6. For queries, please message Repertory Philippines on its Facebook page or through Instagram, or email info@repphil.org.

For updates, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow Repertory Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Companies and brands who are interested in the show can email sales@repphil.org. 

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REP celebrates the season with The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off!

REP celebrates the season with The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off!

Tuesday, November 9

Repertory Philippines (REP) is making the holiday season merrier and brighter with The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off!, the first REP Theatre for Young Audiences (RTYA) production in two years. Streaming exclusively on Broadway On Demand on November 12-December 12, this family-friendly musical combines the spirit of Christmas, the delight of cookies, and the thrill of musical theater in bringing joy and life lessons that make the biggest celebration—and the most wonderful time—of the year truly meaningful.

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off! revolves around the story of eight young cookie chefs who have been selected from all over the country to battle it out for first prize at the Cookie Coliseum. Over the course of the competition, their feelings of intense rivalry give way to the virtues of family, charity, and forgiveness, as these chefs learn what really makes for a winning Christmas recipe. 

It stars Becca Coates as Patty Mañosa, a beautiful sensitive soul who longs for her Grandma’s cookies; Tim Pavino as Javi Carreon, a video game buff who feels out of place in the kitchen but whose heart is definitely in the right place; Jep Go as Gabe Gomez, a bully who’s more than happy to bend the rules; Jillian Ita-as as Anna Santos, the perfect overachiever; Luigi Quesadaplays Julian Zamora, a culinary artiste with a talent for fine cuisine; Justine Narciso is Amy Garcia, a Disney devotee who’s slightly scattered in the kitchen but super adorable just the same; Steven Hotchkiss is Josh Bernardo, a science enthusiast who knows his formulas; and Rachel Coates is Samantha Lopez, a fun and fabulous social media fanatic who loves the spotlight.

Joining the cast are REP and theater veterans like Carla Guevara-Laforteza playing multiple roles for the show—first as the stylish Isabel Guevara, a food fashionista with a high sense of aesthetic and one of the judges of the bake off; as Anna’s Mom, your quintessential helicopter parent who watches every detail; and Patty’s quirky-loving Grandma! 

Arnel Carrion is also part of the show playing a double role as Michael Holmes, the meanest guy in the food industry and in the Cookie Coliseum, and as Gabe’s Dad, a big wig TV exec who pushes his son to win at all costs. Jaime Wilson, meanwhile, plays pop singer and celebrity guest judge Del Ray who has never baked but can certainly lay down some tasty grooves! Hans Ecksteincompletes the cast as Larry, the faithful host and announcer of the competition. 

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off! is created by Broadway musical director Rick Hip-Flores who wrote the musical to provide some sort of relief and delight amid a challenging time. 

“I wrote the show just about a year ago when I felt like we needed a little bit of joy in our lives. I figured that the combination of Christmas and cookies and baking competitions and musical theater would be the perfect recipe for a truly joyful theatrical experience,” says Flores. 

Produced with the streaming audiences in mind, The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off! is directed by RTYA Creative Director Joy Virata. The production also includes an all-star creative team composed of set designer Ed Lacson, lighting designer John Batalla, costume designer Bonsai Cielo, and choreographer Deana Aquino. Multi-awarded director Treb Monteras helms the video production managed by Silver Media. 

“The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off! is the first-ever Filipino production to be available on Broadway On Demand. It’s the first musical in the country that is purposely filmed for an international online streaming service,” Virata points out. “REP is beyond honored to bring the magic of theater and Christmas to your homes and make this season a bit brighter and merrier for everyone.” 

Catch RTYA’s The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off! with the entire family exclusively on Broadway On Demand. Ticket prices are P700 (24-hour access) and P1,000 (48-hour access). Broadway On Demand can be accessed via computer or mobile device through a web browser (Google Chrome is recommended for optimal streaming) or via tablet or smartphone through the Broadway On Demand app on App Store and Google Play. It’s also available on AppleTV and Roku. 

Book your tickets through Broadway On Demand, TicketWorld, or Ticket2Me, or via the REP Box Office by calling 0966 905 4013.

For updates, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow Repertory Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Educators and school representatives who are interested in the show can email sales@repphil.org.

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The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall

Friday, October 7

I received an e-mail from Shangri-la about the special screening of The Phantom of the Opera at Shang Cineplex. The screening will run from October 12 - 18, 2011. I got so excited because the first day of screening is my husband's birthday and we are actually planning to go to Shangri-la.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is a lavish production shown last October 2 to mark the 25th anniversary of the musical. The event was broadcasted live via satellite across the globe. Ramin Karimloo plays the Phantom and Sierra Boggess plays Christine.

Tickets are already on sale but I have no idea how much the ticket is. It's almost midnight  when I saw the email and I need to wait til morning so I can inquire. No details provided yet on the Shang Cineplex website. For inquiries, you may call 633-2227

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