Joyfully Yours

Tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole with Alice into a world with talking animals and objects and whimsical wordplay for a fantastical new adventure from Repertory Philippines’ Theatre for Young Audiences 2013 offering with the staging of  Alice in Wonderland. 

I was so surprised that it's the first time Dani Gana has played a main role in Alice in Wonderland as Alice yet she’s quite good in acting for a first timer as a professional actress. She has effectively captured the audiences’ attention and the kids’ laughter from her acting, singing and dancing.

Dani Gana as Alice

At the right: Liesl Batucan as Story Teller and Duchess

James Stacey as Caterpillar

Copper Urmenita as Butterfly

It's back to my favorite time of Repertory Philippines' season! Repertory Philippines’ Theatre for Young Audiences (AKA Children's Theatre) which was started by Ms. Joy Virata, had its first production in 1992 featuring "Sleeping Beauty."

Even though I'm all grown up, these shows bring out my young heart and fun childhood memories which is fun to reminisce.

In celebration of its 21st year of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines’ Theatre for Young Audiences proudly announces its 2013 offering with the staging of "Alice in Wonderland."
"Alice in Wonderland" is set to open on August 17, 2013 and will run until December 15, 2013 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City.

The cast is composed of the following: Dani Gana and Chaye Mogg (Alice), Nacho Tambunting, Jim Ferrer and Reb Atadero (Rabbit), Liesl Batucan (Duchess), Bituin Escalante and Natalie Everett (Queen of Hearts), Becca Coates and Janine Tolentino (Storyteller / Flora), Rachel Coates and Marie Delgado (Storyteller / Dora), Oliver Usison and Kendrick Ibasco (Walrus / King of Hearts), Nic Campos and Joel Trinidad (French Mouse / Carpenter / Mad Hatter), Onyl Torres and James Stacey (Caterpillar / March Hare), Antonio Lane and Jay Pangilinan (Mock Turtle), Reymund Domingo and Khevin Almario (Duck / Kettle), Edward Briones (Lory / Baby), Dingdong Rosales (Lory / Baby / Tweedledum), Josh Ramirez and Chino Veguillas (Dodo / Tweedledee / Doormouse), Shalee Vicencio and Gold Soon (Moon / Court Member), Ina Salonga (Tears / Court Member), Kyla Rivera (Tears / Oyster / Door), Clark Francis dela Riva and Bobby Superales (Door / Oyster) and Bym Buhain (Door / Tweedledum).

Joel Trinidad as Mad Hatter

For over 150 years, "Alice in Wonderland" has captivated children with its timeless and whimsical story written by Lewis Caroll. The classic tale is now re-told in an enchanting adaptation with book and lyrics by Jim Eiler. Music is also by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy.

With toe-tapping lively music and highly-spirited dance numbers, "Alice in Wonderland" follows Alice through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole in a whirlwind of twists and turns through an enchanting Wonderland. In this whimsical fantastic journey, Alice meets all of Wonderland's famous and popular residents brought to life with full flair and color including: the King & Queen of Hearts, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Gryphon, Mock Turtle, Dormouse, Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Dutchess, Cheshire Cat and of course, the White Rabbit, and a whole world of characters for the audience to enjoy.

Bituin Escalante as Queen of Hearts

Alice’s strange adventures unexpectedly changes her size, attends a tea party with the March Hare and the Mad Hatter, and even testifies at the trial of a knave who has stolen some tarts from the Queen of Hearts!

Co-presented by the City of Makati, "Alice in Wonderland" is a perfect treat for the whole family.

The artistic and creative team of "Alice in Wonderland" is led by Joy Virata (Director), Liesl Batucan (Assistant Director), Baby Barredo (Musical Director), Jamie Wilson (Technical Director), Gino Gonzales (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), John Batalla (Lights Designer), Lisa, Tintin and Cecille Martinez (Choreographers), Onyl Torres (Vocal Coach) and Jay Pangilinan (Musical Arranger).

Reb Atadero as the Rabbit

I am excited with what Raven Ong will be creating for the costumes. He really makes wonderful costumes that tickles one's imagination. I can still remember the past costumes which he did!

The production staff is composed of Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Ayam Barredo (Company Manager), Jojo Amboy (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity is led by David Bianco (Marketing, Sales), Toots Tolentino and Oliver Usision (PR & Publicity), Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing & Sales) and Jojo Mamangun (Photography) and John Alaras (Art Direction).

To accommodate all inquiries, Repertory Philippines is now accepting reservations for schools, civic groups and corporate sponsorships. For details of show, please call 571-6926 and 571-494 or email shows@repertoryphilippines.com. You can also log on to www.repertoryphilippines.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

To get more updated news of Repertory Philippines, they are available on the following social media pages:

Repertory Philippines's "The Wizard of Oz"

Everyone is so familiar with the 1939 "The Wizard of Oz" film that they forgot this show was actually a novel turned into a stage play then into a film! Some of the adults among the audience were wondering why the songs of the stage play is different from the film. Well, the answer to this is because the rights which Repertory Philippines got is for the stage play and not for the film so the actors cannot sing any songs from the film. Anyway, the show is made for children who might not be familiar with the 1939 film.

The magical element of the show was created brilliantly by Repertory Philippines that it magically brings any adult back to its childhood when the only thing evil in this world is the evil witch and there's always a good fairy to the rescue!


The stage looks like a time machine before the show started.

When the show started, we see Toto tied to a chair. I applaud Repertory Philippines for getting such a well behaved dog! No matter what's happening on the show, the dog didn't bark or ran away from the actors. By the end of the show, Dorothy was holding the dog while dancing and it's just still.

See the well-behaved Toto at the left side?

The Scarecrow looks very believable with its fluid movements to show that it is made out of grass. The costume of the Tin Man is perfectly how I have imagined it to be! The Cowardy Lion is so cute and doesn't look scary at all which defines why the lion is a coward.



The costume of the Wicked Witch of the West reminds me of the Evil Queen from Snow White which made the witch absolutely evil looking. The green make up paired with the bright red lipstick, made a scary face glow!



My favorite song which played in my mind over and over again even days after watching the show is, "So Far So Good." I think when you watch the show, you'll understand why and might sing together with them in the middle of the show! *I did! Haha!* I can even see the characters when I close my eyes with the song playing together. Here's the lyrics for your enjoyment -



After the show, there was a surprise tribute for Ms. Joy Virata who have been producing Rep Children's Theater for 20 years! Some of the actors who have become a part of Rep Children's Theater performed excerpts of the show they were in!

After the show, some casts of "The Wizard of Oz" started singing for the tribute.

The statistics of Joy Virata's productions

Looking Back: The young Joy Virata with her husband and baby.

One of the excerpts was from "The Emperor's New Clothes" which was the very first Rep Show that I've watched and got me hooked to theater. When I was a little girl, I've always wanted to attend Rep's Summer Workshops to undergo acting workshop but since it was pricey for my family, I wasn't able to attend any and just joined my school's Drama Guild. Until now, one of my bucket list is to act professionally in even just one show because of Rep's influence. =) I'm sure when you look at my pictures below, you'll find something familiar when you've catched one of Rep Children's Theater.

The three fairies - Guess from which show they're from!

The guy from "The Emperor's New Clothes" is there beside the blue fairy.

Going back to the show, "The Wizard of Oz," it is showing until December 16, 2012. So there's lots of time to bring your kids or date to watch the show while it's still running.

The flying monkey