Repertory Philippines (REP) latest production Alice in Wonderland is a brand new musical version of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic. Many theater enthusiasts excitedly anticipated the opening show. Luckily, all the hype was worth the wait as the show literally burst with amazing sets, captivating characters, impressive laser lights, and so much more.
All Who Wander are Not Lost
The showcase brought to the stage all the flamboyant characters from Carroll’s cherished books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass: the adventurous Alice, the very odd Mad Hatter, the frantic White Rabbit, the energetic duo of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the clever Caterpillar, the melancholic but wise Mock Turtle, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, and of course, the tyrannical Queen of Hearts. Adapted for the stage with music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and directed by Creative Director Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, this new take on the beloved story took the audience down the rabbit hole into a colorful land filled with peculiar characters, a mad tea party, flamingo croquet, and tap-dancing playing cards.
We’re All Mad Here!
Seasoned Repertory actors Justine Narciso (Alice), Pinky Marquez (Queen of Hearts), Hans Eckstein (Mad Hatter), and Steven Hotchkiss (White Rabbit) all delivered memorable performances. Narciso fit her character to a tee as she walked and talked (and sang!) with childlike wonder. Marquez was captivating and deliciously devilish at the same time. Eckstein and Hotchkiss were believable in theor roles. Equally enjoyable were the scenes of Sebastian Katigbak who had the most charming choreography, costume and character (Cheshire Cat), Ornella Brianna and Paul Atienza who doubled the mischief and the entertainment with their duets (Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum), and Jay Pangilinan who delivered the puns and valuable lessons in deliberate slow speexh( Mock Turtle). Ayam Eckstein (Doormouse) and Sean Nolasco (Knave of Hearts) may have played secondary characters, but they were very effective ones.
Curious and curiouser? Follow the white Rabbit and experience the whimsical world of Alice at REP Eastwood Theater!
The creative and production team deserves their fair share of appreciaiton: Musical Director Phoebe Bitoon, Choreographer Stephen Viñas, Set Designer Lawyn Cruz, Costume Designers Hershee Tantiado and Phillip Domingo, Lighting Designer John Batalla, Projection Designer GA Fallarme, and Hair and Makeup Designer Johann Dela Fuente. Their combined efforts resulted into a dazzling show that entertained everybody.
Alice in Wonderland runs from August 23 to December 14 at the REP Eastwood Theater.
How do you get to Wonderland? Get your tickets now through TicketWorld at http://bit.ly/RTYAAlice2025TW and Ticket2Me at https://bit.ly/45tNMHU for Orchestra Center or https://www.ticket2me.net/event/22466 for Orchestra Side.
With a pocketful of glitter,
