Explore the fantastic world of Filipino folklore at REP’s Jepoy and the Magic Circle

Explore the fantastic world of Filipino folklore at REP’s Jepoy and the Magic Circle

Friday, August 23

This new RTYA prod will be REP’s debut show at its new home in Eastwood!

Meet a friendly and enchanting troupe of tikbalang, kapre, and engkanto as they fight for their home and discover the fantastic world of Filipino folklore as Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) presents Jepoy and the Magic Circle starting October 5. This production is the first-ever Repertory Philippines (REP) show to be staged at its new home, REP Theater at Citywalk, Eastwood City in Quezon City.

Directed by the esteemed Joy Virata, the interactive fantasy musical for children of all ages is based on the Palanca Award-winning short story The Magic Circle by cultural icon and literary legend Gilda Cordero Fernando. The English adaptation is written by the award-winning playwright and director Rody Vera, marking his first collaboration with REP. Ejay Yatco is behind the Music and Lyrics and serves as the musical director. 

Jepoy and the Magic Circle tells the story of Jepoy, a young boy who lives with his mother, Aling Barang, and their dog, Galis, at the edge of a vast forest. What begins as an ordinary laundry day quickly turns into an extraordinary adventure when Galis snatches a dress and runs into the woods. As Jepoy follows, he stumbles into a magical realm brimming with legendary Filipino characters and creatures who are fighting for the preservation of their home. 

“Jepoy and the Magic Circle introduces children to Filipino magical creatures and animals through vibrant costumes, songs, dances, and puppetry,” says Virata. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to gain an appreciation of their Filipino culture and heritage and understand the importance of taking good care of the environment, and of course, experience quality children’s theater.”

Sharing the role of Jepoy are Noel Comia Jr., a three-time Aliw Award winner and the youngest-ever Cinemalaya Best Actor; Elian Dominguez; a Philippine LEAF Award nominee who honed his talent in university theater; and Yhuan Gatbunton, a singer-songwriter, music producer, and actor who has appeared in various TV, commercial, and theater projects. Joining them are Gawad Buhay awardee Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Aling Barang, with Abi Sulit and Ring Antonio alternating in the role. Different versions of the mischievous dog Galis are brought to life by versatile actors Francis Gatmaytan and Cara Barredo. 

The Kapre, a central figure in the story, is depicted by the experienced Hans Eckstein, Julienne Mendoza, and Joey Vargas; while Paqui is portrayed by Joshua Cabiladas, Stephen Viñas, Luis Marcelo, and Franco Ramos. The enigmatic Doña Geronima is played by the renowned Pinky Marquez, along with Sulit and Antonio. Playing Pedro are Lance Soliman and Sean Nolasco, while Silveria is brought to life by Monica Tulio and Ayla Garcia. Bradshaw-Volante and Paula Paguio alternate as Maria Sinukuan, Barredo and Barbara Jance are Maria Makiling, and Jay Barrameda and Mica Fajardo are Maria Cacao.

The ensemble includes a diverse and talented group of performers. Completing the cast are Chesko Rodriguez, Broey Divinagracia, Ado Villanueva, JV Fulgencio, Jae Valencia, Deo Dela Cruz, VJ Cortel, Kenny Isidoro, Jay Pangilinan, Chan Rabutazo, Dindo Divinagracia, Gabo Tiongson, Pablo Palacpac, Sebastian Katigbak, Ian Hermogenes, Bea Remollo, Jana Cabiladas, Katie Bradshaw, Alyanna Wijangco, Nyla Festejo, Jacqui Jacinto, Cheska Quimno, Meg Salud, Francesca Mata, Daniella Albano and Ayam Eckstein. 

The creative team is equally impressive, with Barredo assisting in the direction and Viñas handling the choreography with Gatmaytan as associate choreographer. The magical world is brought to life by Mio Infante for set design, Raven Ong for costume design with Hershee Tantiado as associate costume designer, Kayla Teodoro for puppet design, GA Fallarme for projection design and John Batalla for lighting design. 

REP President & CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio expresses how Jepoy and the Magic Circle marks an exciting new chapter for the theater company as the first production to be staged in Eastwood. 

“The REP Theater at Citywalk, Eastwood City marks a significant milestone for REP. We can’t wait to welcome a new generation of theater enthusiasts and further contribute to the thriving theater scene in the Philippines,” says Perez-Rubio. “We’re proud to celebrate a new dawn for REP with a production that puts our Filipino culture and heritage front and center, as we look forward to enriching more lives through the power and magic of theater.” 

Jepoy and the Magic Circle opens on October 2024.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-905-4013 or 0962-691-8540 send us an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org. 

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Read More

REP raises the drama with the deceptive world of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal this March

REP raises the drama with the deceptive world of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal this March

Wednesday, February 14

West End to Manila: Betrayal is part of The Bridge Project for local theater talents

Repertory Philippines (REP) raises the curtain for its 87th season with the Manila premiere of Betrayal, a renowned play by British theater icon and Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter, running from March 1 to March 17 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza.

A recipient of The Olivier Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Betrayal employs a reverse-chronological structure to tell the poignant tale of an extramarital affair involving Emma, Robert, and Jerry, who is Robert’s best friend. Inspired by Pinter’s own seven-year affair, the play is a three-hander and takes place in London and Venice over a nine-year period. 

Directed by critically acclaimed actor and theater director Victor Lirio, Betrayal features a cast of London-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White who all boast extensive experience on stage and on screen, and beyond. 

New York and London-based Lirio has directed several productions in New York and London. He was most recently Resident Director on Dr Semmelweis in the West End starring Oscar winner Mark Rylance at Harold Pinter Theatre in London. He was the former artistic director of Diverse City Theater in New York. 

Bradwell has performed at prestigious venues in London such as Shakespeare’s Globe and The Royal Court Theatre, and has played various TV roles including a part in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Cooney has played lead roles in several productions at The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Old Vic, and, most recently, The Almeida Theatre in London. Finally, White, also a former member of English-Irish girl group The Saturdays, returns to her theater roots having performed in the West End productions of The Lion King and The King and I. 

They will be joined by Manila-based actors and Philstage Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Jef Flores. Betrayal will feature set design by Miguel Urbino, lighting design by John Batalla, sound design by Fabian Obispo, and costume design byBecky Bodurtha. 

“I am thrilled to be directing my first production in my home country and at Repertory Philippines,” Lirio says. “We will be exploring Betrayal from the second-generation Filipino immigrant experience in London and set it in the contemporary time. Though born in England, actors James Cooney’s and Vanessa White’s families are from Davao and James Bradwell’s from Naga City. My family is from Batangas. And we will mine our Filipino roots to re-tell this beautiful and complicated story.” 

REP presents Betrayal as part of The Bridge Project, a collaboration among global professional theater practitioners of Filipino descent from New York, London, and Manila. Launched by Lirio in June 2020 in London and currently in partnership with REP in Manila, this global undertaking serves as a skills exchange platform. The Bridge Project will offer free Knowledge Sharing Sessions that will touch on theater topics like Shakespeare text rhetoric, text & scene study, script analysis for visual designers, voice and theater experience, as well as a speaker series forum and some staged readings. The classes will be held at MINT College, Mckinley Hill and Ortigas Campus. Registration begins the first week of February. Interested parties may download application forms at repertoryphilippines.ph and their social media channels. 

“I sense a real commitment and passion from REP for a global collaboration among Filipino artists,” adds Lirio. “I’m grateful to REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio for supporting The Bridge Project’s ethos and for having the London-based Filipino actors and me. We’re all very excited to collaborate with fellow theater artists in Manila in presenting one of Pinter’s most extraordinary plays.” 

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-905-4013 or send us an email at marketing@repphil.org, sales@repphil.org or through this link: https://linktr.ee/repertoryphilippines Tickets are now available via Ticketworld. 

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Read More

Elevating Filipino Theater: REP and MINT College Launch The Bridge Project for Aspiring Artists

Elevating Filipino Theater: REP and MINT College Launch The Bridge Project for Aspiring Artists

Friday, January 19

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Repertory Philippines (REP), a leading theater company, has joined forces with Meridian International College (MINT) – A Business, Arts, and Technology School to pave the way for a new era in Filipino theater. The partnership aims to empower a fresh wave of Filipino theater practitioners, fortify the local theater industry, and provide educational opportunities with a global perspective.

The official signing ceremony, held at the Makati Garden Club on January 8, marked the commencement of The Bridge Project. This innovative skills exchange program is set to unfold under the guidance of REP's 2024 season opener, "Betrayal," featuring a distinguished lineup of theater professionals.

Directed by Victor Lirio, a Manila-born luminary with a wealth of experience in New York and London, Betrayal promises to be a theatrical masterpiece. Lirio will lead The Bridge Project alongside London's West End-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White, as well as New York-based Filipino creatives, set designer Miguel Urbino, and sound designer Fabian Obispo.

The Bridge Project aims to enrich the skills of Filipino theater artists through a series of masterclasses, lectures, and readings, covering various aspects such as voice and scene work, set and sound design, and even Shakespearean rhetoric. Hosted at the MINT College campus, the program is meticulously designed to foster collaborative learning among aspiring artists.

Established in 2010, MINT College has been a torchbearer for the arts, offering specialized degrees in Music Business Management, Multimedia Arts, Film and Video, Performing Arts, and Fashion Management and Design.

REP President and CEO, Mindy Perez-Rubio, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to join forces with MINT College on The Bridge Project. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the performing arts industry."

Hendrik Kiamzon, Executive Vice-President of MINT College, shared his perspective on the collaboration, stating, "At MINT College, we believe in empowering deserving artists to pursue their passion while developing the essential skills for a successful career in performing arts. The Bridge Project will offer them a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from theatrical experts."

For those seeking updates or additional information, inquiries can be directed to marketing@repphil.org or through social media channels on Facebook and Instagram - @repertoryphilippines. The launch of The Bridge Project signifies a transformative moment for Filipino theater, promising a bright future for the next generation of performing arts enthusiasts.

Read More

REP returns in full force with a new season of dynamic productions for 2024

REP returns in full force with a new season of dynamic productions for 2024

Friday, December 8

From romances to folklores: Its 87th season explores the thrills and spills of love and yearning 

Repertory Philippines returns to form for its 87th season with a full lineup, a first since 2019, marking a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of the country’s foremost theater companies and a resurgence of live stage performances all around the world.

REP launches into 2024 with exciting new productions that explore a kaleidoscope of narratives and characters that tackle the profound universality of love and yearning. This new season takes audiences to the familiar highs and lows of all kinds of relationships and inspires them to deepen their appreciation for Filipino culture. As one of the longest-running English-speaking theater companies in Southeast Asia, REP opens its 2024 season by bringing two exciting global productions to Philippine theater. 

The first is the Manila premiere of Betrayal, one of the best-known plays of British theater icon and Nobel Prize winner in Literature Harold Pinter. It will feature London-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White with Jef Flores and Regina De Vera as covers. Running from March 1 to 17, this production employs a reverse-chronological structure to tell the story and examine the consequences of an extramarital affair on three complex individuals and how clandestine meetings turn to dramatic confrontations. A recipient of the Laurence Olivier Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, the drama has featured prominent British actors like Michael Gambon, Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Tom Hiddleston. 

This Manila staging of Betrayal holds many other firsts for REP. It is going to be the first Pinter play of the theater company. It marks the Philippine directorial debut of Victor Lirio, a Manila-born, New York and London based actor and theatre director, who trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and earned his Master of Arts in Drama Directing from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He was most recently Resident Director on Dr Semmelweis at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End starring Oscar winner Mark Rylance. REP will also collaborate with Lirio on The Bridge Project, a “skills exchange” program for professional practitioners trained in different theater cultures to create a congress for collaborative learning. The three Filipino-British actors, along with two New York-based Filipino-American designers and Lirio, are being flown in to Manila by REP in February not only to perform in Betrayal, but also to hold free masterclasses, lectures and readings, for Filipino theater practitioners and audiences.

From June 7 to 30, REP then goes off-Broadway with the lighthearted Joe Di Pietro (book and lyrics) and Jimmy Roberts (music) musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change taking audiences through a whirlwind series of vignettes on love and relationships. Perfect for fans of modern musicals and sitcoms, the revue is rife with a whirlwind cast of characters ranging from big-city singles and awkward wallflowers to suburban settlers and sassy seniors - all played by a cast of four! The longest-running off-Broadway musical revue with tours to 250 cities worldwide, this musical also tackles everything people thought about dating and marriage, lovers, and in-laws—but were just too afraid to confront and admit.

Directed by the ‘first lady’ of Philippine musical theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, REP’s I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change ensures a seamless blend of hearty humor and music. Other renowned creatives joining the production are Ejay Yatcofor musical direction and Joey Mendoza for set design. 

For its last two 2024 offerings, REP celebrates its roots by underlining its love for Filipino storytelling. Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) showcases Filipino folklore in the all-new children’s musical Jepoy and the Magic Circle an adaption of The Magic Circle, a children’s short story by Philippine cultural icon and literature legend Gilda Cordero Fernando. The light-hearted musical centers on Jepoy and his dog, Galis, as they enter the whimsical balete world and befriend kapres, aswangs andtiyanaks and everything in between, to attend a tikbalang wedding. 

Premiering in the last quarter of the year, Jepoy and the Magic Circle is bound to resonate with young audiences, leaving them with a meaningful and enduring message about the power of empathy and caring for the planet. This musical adventure is brought to life by RTYA Creative Director Joy Virata as its director, award-winning playwright Rody Vera, and Ejay Yatco as its musical director.

REP caps off 2024 in November till December its first-ever original jukebox musical: Going Home to Christmas featuring the music of Mr. Christmas himself, Jose Mari Chan! 

For the season’s closing show, REP taps distinguished director, actor, and set designer Leo Rialp as director and esteemed theater actor Jeremy Domingo as assistant director. The musical is written by REP stalwarts Robbie Guevara, Luna Griño-Inocian, and Joel Trinidad, with additional scenes by Cathy Azanza-Dy. 

Chan’s music and lyrics lend themselves to the charming and heartwarming stories; provide the perfect soundtrack for this seasonal offering; and, make Going Home to Christmas a theater experience the whole family will surely enjoy.

What makes the 2024 season extra special for REP is it also marks its nostalgic return to the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza, when they inaugurated the theater in 2001 with Celebration III, A Musical Revue before running for two wonderful decades at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt. 

“This new REP season is going to be one for the books. We’re back and stronger than ever since the pandemic, having experimented with virtual theater and mounted Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel as well as currently staging Snow White and the Prince for RTYA,” says REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio. “Despite dealing with close to four years of darkness, the show must go on. REP is ready for a new chapter with a fresh lineup of carefully curated productions, plus the initiation of The Bridge Project, that will enrich the cultural lives of Filipino theatergoers and artists.” 

Catch the entire REP 2024 season by purchasing season passes now. Season subscribers can get access to REP productions at up to 30% off. The full season year pass includes 3 season shows + RTYA, with the Gold Year Pass at Php 6,650 (Orchestra Center), the Silver Year Pass at Php 5,250 (Orchestra Side) and a Balcony Year Pass at Php 3,710. Student and Corporate Season Passes are also available at discounted prices.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-905-4013 or send an email at marketing@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

Experience an Epic Ride With C.S. Lewis' The Horse And His Boy At The Meralco Theater

Experience an Epic Ride With C.S. Lewis' The Horse And His Boy At The Meralco Theater

Friday, November 6

Trumpets has brought to the Philippines C.S. Lewis' The Horse and His Boy at the Meralco Theater this November.  A favorite Trumpets production of mine is Joseph the Dreamer which I have watched two times. I was invited to attend the press preview of The Horse and His Boy last night and I actually thought this is a musical. This isn't but expect a few music numbers showcasing the singing talent of the cast. 

C.S. Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham

See the epic fifth of the seven published book of the Chronicles of Narnia come alive

The 199 pages The Horse and His Boy was published in September 1954. The entire production has made sure you'll get to experience the characters of the book come alive on stage. Mr. Douglas Gresham has so much admiration for this production. 

Scriptwriter Luna Grino-Inocian

Scriptwriter Luna Grino-Inocian was tasked to write the adaptation of the book and has to submit the script to CS Lewis company for approval. During the interview, Douglas Gresham said that there were only three mistakes that were pointed out in the script. They just want to make sure the play is as close as the original.

Epic Scenography 

I was wondering, How will you incorporate the horse on stage?! My question has been answered last night and I refuse to give you an answer because I want you to feel the thrill when you see it. Scenographer Mio Infante and Director Jaime del Mundo did an awesome job. 

The lighting design will be by John Batalla, with movement by Dexter Santos, music scoring by Lito Villareal, and musical direction/arrangement by Jon Meer Vera Perez. Also in charged with the production are Jon Meer Vera Perez (Musical Director), Lito Villareal (Musical Scoring) and John Batalla (Lights and Effects).

Epic Cast

Shasta - Reb Atadero

Aravis - Cara Barredo

Bree the Talking Horse - Joel Trinidad

Hwin the Talking Horse - Jill Pena

Storyteller - Mayen Bustamante-Cadd

Ahoshta Tarkaan - Raymund Concepcion

Lasaraleen - Arya Herrera

Arseesh from Calormen - Robbie Zialcita

Sallowpad the Talking Raven - Maronne Cruz

King Edmund - George Shulze

Queen Susan - Justine Pena

Archenland King Lune - Steve Cadd

Rabadash - Mako Alonso

Kidrash Tarkaan - Randy Villarama

Corin Prince of Archenland - Gab Medina

Mr. Tumnus - Nic Campos

Trumpets President Audie Gemora

Catch C.S. Lewis' The Horse and His Boy at the Meralco Theater on November 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2015.

Click HERE to buy tickets

Ticket Prices:
Inclusive of Service Charge

Price Zone 1 (Orchestra Center)
P 2,090

Price Zone 2 (Orch. Side Ctr. Aisle & Loge)
P 1,776.50

Price Zone 3 (Orchestra Side)
P 1,567.50

Price Zone 4 (Balcony)
P 836

Read More