Shrek the Musical returns in time for the holiday season

It’s time to SHREK THE HALLS, as everyone’s favorite green ogre returns in time for the holiday season when SHREK THE MUSICAL stomps back into town for a very limited repeat run from December 26, 2014 - January 4, 2015 at the Meralco Theatre.

Shrek The Musical puts a twist on fairytales as we have come to know them. Instead of a knight riding a noble steed, the hero is Shrek, a swamp-dwelling ogre who befriends a wisecracking Donkey. And the Princess? She’s the slightly temperamental and neurotic Fiona. After Shrek rescues Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, the two fall in love before she reveals there’s more to her than meets the eye. Other fairytale misfits join the madcap adventure in this colorful musical including a brave puppet named Pinocchio, a Gingerbread Man with an attitude and Three Blind Mice who channel their inner Dreamgirls.

This entertaining, family-friendly show features a terrific score including the hit song “I’m A Believer!” The songs come from Jeanine Tesori, who wrote the music, and David Lindsay-Abaire, who wrote the book and lyrics. It recently had an acclaimed sell out run in Manila.

Shrek the Musical also draws from a 1990 children’s book by famed New Yorker cartoonist William Steig. Like the first 2001 Shrek film, the musical stays true to Steig’s fractured fairytale vision where dragons are friendly, swamps are better than castles, and the true hero isn’t handsome or noble but a grouchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside ogre who is more or less content with himself and his life in a swamp.

After Shrek the Musical premiered in 2008, as the most expensive show ever produced on Broadway, it played for more than a year and earned numerous Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. It went on to become a hit musical in London’s West End and continues to tour the UK.

Rycharde Everley, who has played roles in AVENUE Q and SPELLING BEE, returns as Shrek and Shiela Valderama-Martinez once again plays the neurotic Princess Fiona, Nyoy Volante plays Donkey, Lorenz Martinez as Lord Farquaad, Nel Gomez plays Pinocchio, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Dragon.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, SHREK is the perfect musical for the entire family this holiday season!
Get your tickets now to SHREK! Call Ticketworld 891-9999.

Buon Giorno for Repertory Theater for Young Audiences for staging Pinocchio

Nurturing the imaginative minds of young audiences

Theater has an undeniable charm that has transcended eras. It has withstood wars and famines, it has documented the rise and fall of empires and regimes. It is a powerful cultural treasure that has been an important part of humanity’s development. In the past few years, theater has enjoyed a resurgence and more and more people troop to Broadway and West End to watch the best musicals and plays. But with the advent of modern technology, some of us seem to forget the beauty and mystique of the stage.

This year, Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) artistic director, Joy Virata aims to enrich the lives and imagination of children with the restaging of the award-winning musical, Pinocchio, which premiered on August 16 and will continue to show until the end of the year at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati.

“I am very happy that Pinocchio has had such a good response—not only by the sale of tickets and the reviews, but with the way the children react when they watch the show,” said Virata.  “Even the littlest ones are quiet and mesmerized. I hear them singing ‘Buon Giorno’ when they leave the theater.”

Pinocchio features several segments of audience participation where everyone is encouraged to learn the Italian words and songs. Theater, in general, develops a deep appreciation for the arts—music, dance, visual arts and literature—and creates an atmosphere of connectedness between the artists and audience like no other medium. As it exercises the creative ability to suspend disbelief, demanding one to overlook the limitations of the medium, theater also improves language comprehension and listening skills, and promotes the value of culture and people.

Pinocchio is not only a wonderful learning experience for children, it is also a visual marvel. One of Virata’s favorite things about the play is the beautiful set design of the Land of the Toys by Oliver Roxas and the light design of John Batalla. She also adores the costume designs of Liz Batoctoy and Ogie Reonal. Virata always manages to insert a bit of classical dance in her shows. “The dancing of the ballerina and the acrobatic moves of the clown are quite spectacular,” she said. “I also like the movement of Pinocchio when he is still a puppet on strings.”

Beginnings of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences

Aside from Pinocchio, RTYA has staged many plays since its establishment in the early nineties, including Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Seussical, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Snow White, Mulan, Annabel Broom the Unhappy Witch, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Alice in Wonderland. Pinocchio was picked this year because it was a RTYA favorite that hasn’t been done in a decade.

“One day, I saw some children waiting outside the theater for their parents who were watching an ‘adults only’ production,” explained Virata of the beginnings of RTYA. “I thought to myself why not provide children with their own theatre?”

Virata surfed the internet for plays and found one written by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, the same writers of this theatrical adaptation of Pinocchio, for their company The Prince Street Players Ltd.  “I was particularly struck that their productions were of the same quality as professional, adult productions, and by their belief that this was what children deserved,” she said. The play was Sleeping Beauty, which had simple, catchy tunes, and was funny and short—the principles which have guided Virata’s choice of plays ever since.

“To make a long story short, the enthusiasm from the actors, artistic staff, and friends, that greeted RTYA was so great, I got carried away and ended up with a great set and marvelous costumes which ran way over my budget,” shared Virata. “But, the opening performance was a sell-out.  We had more walk-in sales than any production we have ever had. With only around 16 performances, I was able to recoup all the costs and more. And that’s how it started.  And it has been going on ever since.”

Watch Pinocchio comes alive with music and magic on August 16 until December 14

Who will ever forget Pinocchio?  Everyone adores the story of the wooden puppet, what better way then is to bring the story of Pinocchio in theater, together with your kids, relieve the story of wooden puppet whose nose grew when he told a lie. Prepare to be enchant with PINOCCHIO and the rest of the cast.

In celebration of its 22 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences proudly announces the staging of PINOCCHIO.

This August, Repertory Philippines will take the old and young alike on a journey of this wooden puppet who wanted nothing more than to be a real boy. The play, set in old Italy, comes alive with music, colorful costumes, a little bit of magic, and a vibrant array of characters that travel alongside our beloved Pinocchio as he seeks to make his dream a reality.

Just as our Pinocchio was accompanied by such unique characters, years of experience back up the wide-eyed dreams of the young actors playing the title role. Supporting these young ones is a battalion of veteran and up-and-coming talents, whose theater experiences cover a vast selection of productions.

GEPETTO 
With every wooden puppet, there is a maker. And for every boy, there is a father. That is what Gepetto is to Pinocchio. The kind and generous old man is brought to life by Nic Campos and Oliver Usison. Nic (who also alternates as Antonio) has been a part of many Repertory Philippines’ productions including Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and Seussical. He has also acted his share of Shakespeare in the plays Much Ado About (Claudio/Don Pedro) and Twelfth Night (Malvolio).

On the other hand, Oliver Usison made his Repertory Philippines debut in Jesus Christ Superstar!, and has since appeared in Seussical, Fiddler on the Roof, Once on This Island, Miong, Love’s Labor’s Lost, among many others. He is also an instructor of the Rep Summer Workshop.

ANGELINA 
Angelina is a housekeeper and cook for the old Gepetto. Ever so caring and pleasant, this kind woman will be played by Ring Antonio, Naths Everett, and Goldie Soon. Ring Antonio began her theater career with Repertory Philippines’ The Wiz. Following this, she has appeared in many other productions, the most recent of which was Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

When it comes to theater veterans, Naths Everett is definitely one fine-tuned artist. She has been in the theater scene for over twenty years, wearing the hats of performer, choreographer, and teacher. Some of her productions include August Osage County, Do You Hear the People Sing?, Jekyll and Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar!


Finally round up the Angelinas is Goldie Soon, whose theater experience goes way back to her college years in the University of the Philippines where she pursued her degree in Theatre Arts. She has since starred in productions such has Oedipus Rex and Ang Inspektor General for Dulaang UP. Her more recents involvements have been The Joy Luck Club, Alice in Wonderland, and Red Turnip’s Cock.

THE BLUE FAIRY 
What is a fairy tale without a little magic? She fulfills the wish for Pinocchio to become a real boy, and she guides him as he continues with his journey. If the old man Gepetto is his father figure, the Blue Fairy is almost like a mother to our boy Pinocchio. Playing the Blue Fairy are three talented and experienced actresses: Cara Barredo, Liesl Batucan, and Christine Flores.

Cara (who also plays Gino) began her theater career at a very young age, starring as Tiny Tim in Repertory Philippines' Scrooge. Cara was also lauded for her performance as Beth in Little Women, and this earned her the Gawad Buhay Award for Best Female Featured Actress. Liesl Batucan is a performer with many facets to her. She a two-time Aliw Award winner for Best Actress and a PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awardee for Best Female Featured Performance in a Musical. Liesl has been in many local productions (The Little Shop of Horrors, The Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet) and has also performed Off-Broadway at the La Mama Theatre in New York City.

Finally, the last Blue Fairy is Christine Flores. She found herself in Children’s Theater and participated in productions such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast. She currently runs the Bel canto Studio, where she imparts her love for theater and music to aspiring students.

ANTONIO 
Antonio is the good-natured narrator of our tale. Guiding us through Pinocchio’s story as Antonio are Arnel Carrion and James Stacey. Arnel Carrion has a long list of productions under his belt. He has been part of the casts of Shakespeare in Hollywood, Much Ado About Nothing, The Secret Garden, The Boor and the Proposal -- just to name a few. James Stacey, on the other hand, attended university in the United Kingdom but has since made a career for himself in Manila. His theater credits include Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Grease.

THE COACHMAN 
The villain of our tale lured children into the sinister Land of Toys. His panache is in the toss of his cape. Bringing to life this sinister creature are none other than Bituin Escalante (who also alternates as Angelina), Raul Montesa, and Onyl Torres.


Bituin Escalante is no stranger to the world of theater, with her career spanning almost twenty years. Her most recent foray on the big stage was Resorts World Manila’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert. She is a member of the Philippine Theater Actors Guild. Raul Montesa has been in the original casts of Miss Saigon in Germany, Manila, and Singapore. His lastest production was as Jafar in Atlantis’ Aladdin. Finally, rounding off our villains is Onyl Torres. He began his theater career early – with the Dulaang Sibol in high school. He is a two-time Gawad Buhay Best Music Director Nominee for Jeckyll and Hyde and The Producers.

CANDLEWICK
Candlewick is one of the most unruly in Pinocchio’s bunch – he is a smart-aleck dweller of the streets. Bringing Candlewick’s fast attitude to life are Daniel Delgado, Antonio Lane, Jay Pangilinan, and Chris George Shulze.

At the young age of seventeen, Daniel Delgado participated in a handful of productions. He is also a member of Alliance, a dance crew that represents the country in international hip hop competitions. On the other hand, Antonio Lane has been in the theater scene since he was six years old. His most recent appearance on stage was for the Virgin Labfest 10, where he was part of a stage reading for Lagalag.

Jay Pangilinan teaches theater workshops for Trumpets Playhouse and Repertory Philippines. His theater credits include plays such as Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Seussical, and most recently, The Bluebird of Happiness. Finally, rounding off our Candlewicks is Chris George Shulze (who also plays the roel of Signore Volpone). He has been under the tutelage of the like of Michael Williams, Menchu Yulo, and Jaime del Mundo. At present, he is part of the international production of The Boston: The Kitchen Musical.

GINO 
Gino is Candlewick’s faithful sidekick. Playing Hino are Steven Conde and Thea Gloria. Steven has appeared in productions such as Snapshots and Portraits, Rivalry, Alice in Wonderland, and The Producers. Thea Gloria, on the other hand, started her acting career under the watchful eye of Anna Valdes-Lim. She has been a part of productions such as August Osage County.

SIGNORE VOLPONE 
The fox in this play – wise, and somehow wise enough to pass himself off as a singing teacher. This curious character is enfleshed on the stage by Jef Flores. He made his theater debut in Camp Rock the Musical and has also appeared in Cinderella and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

SIGNORE GATTO 
The cat of the play – who plays sidekick to Signore Volpone. Playing the cat are Kendrick Ibasco, Steven Hotchkiss, and Chino Veguillas. Kendrick began his theater career in his church ministry, and since then it has extended towards productions such as Rivalry and The Wizard of Oz. Steven Hotchkiss has graced the stage as Friedrich in The Sound of Music. He is now a trainer and conductor for the CAAP Chorale. Finally, Chino Veguillas began is foray in theater in his school’s production of South Pacific. This has since led him to other productions such as Once on This Island, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Little Mermaid.

Rounding off this brilliant cast of performers are ballet dancers Jeff Comeros, Joni Galeste, Erica Jacinto, Jacqui Jacinto, Mark Joseph Pineda, and acrobats Tristan Cheng, Clark Francis dela Riva, and Chill Ocampo.

With such a bounty of talent and passion, it is a sure thing that our boy Pinocchio is one his way for a journey that is magical and truly unforgettable.



Ms. Joy Virata, artistic director of Repertory Philippines Theater  for  Young Audiences will direct PINOCCHIO. This marks the third time that  Repertory Philippines is staging the musical, the first two being in 1996 and 2004.

This new and fresh production of PINOCCHIO is going to be a real treat for the entire family with masks, music and merriment. It will be alive and bursting with energy. The children in the audience will be spellbound with its visually stunning and colorful set design and costumes, the lively choreography, and the witty songs and dialogue of Colodi’s comic characters.


PINOCCHIO is set to open on August 16, 2014 at the Onstage Theater, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. The show runs until December 14, 2014.


For details of show, please call tel. nos. 843-3570 and 451-1474 or email shows@repertoryphilippines.com or log on to www.repertoryphilippines.com.

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

Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

PINOCCHIO is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 USA. Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684

See you at the theater !!!!