Repertory Philippines' Theater for Young Audiences is celebrating their 21st year of producing musicals for children. ALICE IN WONDERLAND the musical theater adapted from Lewis Carroll's classic 1865 novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is the best choice to celebrate their anniversary . The classic tale is now re-told in an enchanting adaptation with Book by Jim Eiler. Music also by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy. Lyrics by Jim Eiler.
We all knew the girl name Alice and the adventures that she does in the place called Wonderland. A familiar scenario how Alice fell into the dreamland, met the talking rabbit as she follows by jumping into the rabbit hole. Alice met the famous residents of Wonderland and help them as well. Repertory Philippines and director Ms. Joy Virata and her staff brought all of these wondrous characters on stage from August 17 to December 15, 2013.
Recently a press preview was shown at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 and Alice together with the wonders of Wonderland was witnessed. Started with a dreaming Alice under the tree a very bright colored, Japanase origami style costumed people of Wonderland and hopping,wearing waistcoat rabbit. The Repertory production and costumes appeared to have Japanese inspired origami which I found interesting and innovative especially in the part where Alice varying her size.
Alice's (a 14 year-old Dani Gana) experiences and adventures in enchanting Wonderland are shown like: the dancing and singing at Palace Musical Hall with Cheshire (Nic Campos); Tea Party with Mad Hatter( Joel Trinidad), March Hare (James Stacey) and Dormouse (Josh Ramirez); Alice encountered with the King & Queen (Kendrick Ibasco and Bituin Escalante) and the Dutches ( Liesl Batucan) and more.
The most touching part for me is when Alice met the Caterpillar ( and the overwhelming wisdom along their conversation. Moreover, when caterpillar becomes Butterfly that gracefully dances around with Alice.
The audience will have a special participation also ( be prepared for that) remember the words I'm, Mad, You're, We're, All and Here. Added to that is, you will decide who won on a certain competition.The energy of the actors goes on and continued entertaining us up to the end and curtain call.
All in all, I really had fun and enjoyed the ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Repertory Philippines' Theater for Young Audiences captures my heart and I am sure yours too.
Repertory Philippines' 'Alice in Wonderland' started and will run until December 15, 2013 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Call (02) 571-6926 or (02) 571-4941 or visit www.repertoryphilippines.com for the play dates.
