Fairytales may be tales as old as time, but there is always something deeply comforting about seeing them come alive on stage. Running until 13 December 2026 at the REP Eastwood Theater, Repertory Philippines’ Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) presents Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper, a lively, enchanting production that celebrates kindness, courage, and the simple magic of believing in your dreams.
Directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, this musical adaptation features a book, music, and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman. The duo is well known for reimagining classic stories for younger theatergoers, including past REP favorites like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Prince, by keeping scenes brisk, humorous, and full of heart.
A First-Time View from the Audience
I had the chance to catch the opening show on August 22, and despite having grown up with Cinderella’s story, this was surprisingly my very first time watching a staged production of the classic tale.
Without giving away any spoilers, the whole performance was thoroughly engaging and entertaining from start to finish. The staging was so captivating that time genuinely flew by, keeping both kids and adults completely absorbed throughout. Beyond the familiar story beats, two elements stood out immediately: the vibrant wardrobe designed by Raven Ong and Dreu Fernandez, which popped beautifully under the stage lights, and the delightful mice puppets designed by Kayla Teodoro, that added a whimsical, tactile layer that brought Cinderella’s world beautifully to life (they were so cute that I honestly wanted to bring one home!).
It is truly well worth the trip to Eastwood, especially if you are looking for a heartwarming experience to share with family. A ticket to the show would make a wonderful present for children, grandchildren, or inaanaks for their birthday or as an early Christmas treat.
Familiar Faces and Playful Twists
While the production keeps the core of the beloved fairytale, from the demanding stepfamily to the high-stakes royal ball, it introduces lively twists to keep things fresh. Alongside the Fairy Godmother and the Prince, audiences meet Putterman, a mischievous yet loyal rat sidekick who brings plenty of comedic energy to Cinderella’s journey.
The production features a rotating company of seasoned stage performers and emerging talent:
- Cinderella: Shared by Katie Bradshaw, Ornella Brianna, and Julia Santiago.
- The Prince: Alternated by Khalil Tambio and Radson Flores, with Lance Soliman as cover.
- Putterman: Played by Stephen Viñas and Jay Pangilinan, with Steven Hotchkiss as cover.
- The Stepmother & Stepsisters: Performed by Pinky Marquez and Ring Antonio (Stepmother), Arielle Magno and Barbara Jance (Stepsister 1), and Sebastian Katigbak and Paul Atienza (Stepsister 2).
Catch the Show
Whether you are introducing the little ones to live theater or simply looking for an uplifting afternoon out, REP’s latest production offers plenty of charm across its run.
- Show Dates: Running until December 13, 2026
- Venue: REP Eastwood Theater, 4/F Eastwood Mall, Quezon City
- Tickets: Available via TicketWorld and at the REP Box Office (Eastwood Mall, open Wednesday to Sunday, 1PM to 8PM)
- Ticket Prices: P1500 – Orchestra Center | P1000 – Orchestra Side
- Inquiries: 0966-9054013 / 0962-6918540 or email promotions@repphil.org
For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
*I was invited to the opening show, but views are solely mine.
