Alice's interactive 'Wonderland'

MANILA, Philippines - Productions by Repertory Philippines’ Theater for Young Audiences have always been known to include its audience whenever possible.

And in staging Lewis Caroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” once more, members of the crowd can expect to be part of a fantasy world filled with anthromorphic characters.

Five times, at least, that the children will get to sing and dance with the cast, effectively giving them exactly what it feels to be in theatre.

When asked why Repertory Philippines chose to do “Alice” once again, director and founder Joy Virata calmly answers with a “why not?”

Indeed, as the tale plays with logic, the story has lasting popularity with adults as well as children. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre, and its narrative course and structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in both popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is like an opera,” Virata says. “This version has more music in it than dialogue. The story is told through the music, so it’s unique. Alice in Wonderland is an incredible feast for your eyes, eyes and heart that will captivate audiences of all sizes. An adventure the whole family can enjoy.”

Co-presented by the City of Makati,  “Alice in Wonderland” is set to open on August 17, 2013 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. The show runs until December 15, 2013.

The cast is composed of: Dani Gana and Chaye Mogg (Alice), Nacho Tambunting, Jim Ferrer and Reb Atadero (Rabbit), Liesl Batucan (Duchess), Bituin Escalante and Natalie Everett  (Queen of Hearts), Becca Coates and Janine Tolentino  (Storyteller / Flora), Rachel Coates and Marie Delgado (Storyteller / Dora), Oliver Usison and Kendrick Ibasco (Walrus / King of Hearts), Nic Campos and Joel Trinidad (French Mouse / Carpenter / Mad Hatter), Onyl Torres and James Stacey (Caterpillar / March Hare), Antonio Lane and Jay Pangilinan (Mock Turtle), Reymund Domingo and Khevin Almario (Duck / Kettle), Edward Briones (Lory / Baby), Dingdong Rosales (Lory / Baby / Tweedledum), Josh Ramirez and Chino Veguillas (Dodo / Tweedledee / Doormouse), Shalee Vicencio and Gold Soon (Moon / Court Member), Ina Salonga (Tears / Court Member), Kyla Rivera (Tears / Oyster / Door), Clark Francis dela Riva and Bobby Superales (Door / Oyster) and Bym Buhain (Door / Tweedledum).

For more info, call tel. nos. 571-6926 and 571-4941; or email: shows@repertoryphilippines.com or log on to: www.repertoryphilippines.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph