REVIEW: REP's 'Alice in Wonderland' brings whimsy to growing pains
Perhaps in response to children’s growing inability to pay extended attention, Repertory Philippines is looking to the classics for guidance.
The Repertory Theater for Young Audiences’ staging of Alice in Wonderland reimagines Lewis Caroll’s 1865 novel as a high-energy, interactive musical. Adapted for the stage by the renowned writing duo Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and directed by RTYA Creative Director Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the production is a splashy crowd-pleaser whose main strength lies in being a feast for the eyes.
The oft-adapted story is made more resonant for the children and their families in the audience: Alice (Cheska Quimno, alternating with Reese De La Vega Iso and Justine Narciso) is in a rush to grow up, and it is her impatient curiosity that leads her down the rabbit hole. Set designer Lawyn Cruz, assisted by Lou Cagalingan and Kath Fernando, lighting designer John Batalla, and projection designer GA Fallarme work seamlessly to bring Wonderland to life. While the stage is less flashy than one would expect, the play of props and light is a masterclass in practical effects—magical for audience members of any age.
Costuming is what carries the fantasy of Wonderland, helmed by costume designers Hershee Tantiado and Phillip Domingo and hair and makeup designer Johann Dela Fuente. The eccentric characters, written to be absurd in the source material, are dressed impeccably in tasteful, playful silhouettes. From the imaginative armors of the playing cards to Alice’s fashion-forward, exaggerated collar, the outfits lend an additional layer of polish and wonder.
Each cast member gets a moment to shine. Stephen Viñas is hypnotic as the Cheshire Cat, playing around with the character’s unconventional stage depiction. Tweedle Dee (Katie Bradshaw and Ornella Brianna) and Tweedle Dum (Drew Bustamante and Paul Atienza) inspire the most laughs. The Mock Turtle (Vino Mabalot, alternating with Jay Pangilinan) steals the show both as a comic relief and with a heartfelt song about taking one’s time.
The story is sidelined for musical sequences in moments, and it comes to its conclusion without the audience realizing it. Its highlight, which is also what it’s been building towards, is Alice’s encounter with the Queen of Hearts (played by co-director Barredo, alternating with Pinky Marquez and Mayen Bustamante-Cadd). Barredo and the ensemble, now dressed as the Queen’s soldiers, serve two showstopping numbers, including a pivotal game of croquet. It is easily the best, most energetic part of the show, which leaves audiences wondering why it's so short.
Before long, the frantic White Rabbit (Steven Hotchkiss, alternating with Gabo Tiongson), ever charming and always rushing, is bringing Alice back to the real world. Our protagonist awakes on her sofa at home. While her mother finally grants her request to join the adults for tea and croquet that afternoon, Alice, still reeling from Wonderland, realizes real life won’t be as colorful when she grows up. She opts to spend the rest of the day reading her book, finally taking her time.
Repertory Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland runs until Dec. 14 at the REP Eastwood Theater. Tickets are available here.