Ballet Philippines brings back Edna Vida Froilan’s ‘Peter Pan’
MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines brings pixie dust and magic to the holiday season with Edna Vida Froilan’s Peter Pan this December.
Since its premiere in 1983, Edna Vida Froilan’s Peter Pan has brought joy to the hearts of children and adults alike. Inspired by the 1954 Broadway Production, the choreography is highly influenced by the musical theater genre. Highlights include the tap-dancing crocodile, the energetic Lost Boys featuring scholars of Ballet Philippines Dance School, the purely classical Mermaids, and of course, the glorious flying sequences with Peter, the Darling children, and Tinkerbell.
Leading the cast are three Peter Pans: Jean Marc Cordero, Cyril Aran Fallar, and Victor Maguad. Rita Angela Winder, Jemima Reyes, and Monica Amanda Gana play Wendy opposite them. Notable dancers who have played Peter Pan in the past include Edward Malagkit, Ramon Victoria, Conrad Dy-Liacco, Elmer Domdom, Dwight Rodrigazo, Ardee Dionisio, Clark Rambuyon, Philip Rocamora, and two females: Grethel Domingo and Christine Crame.
“[Peter Pan is] not mine anymore. It belongs to the nation, the Baby Boomers and the Millennials,” wrote Edna Vida Froilan on a Facebook post. “It is now 32 years old in its sixth restaging. The dancers and staff look forward to each production and audiences request for it every year. Most Wendys have their own children in tow by now. The original Peters are in their 50s; Hook is 60-plus. Two males, by this season, would have done the roles of the toddler Michael, the preadolescent John and the fearlessly cocky Peter Pan. I had females do it, too. They all grew up, went abroad or got married and had kids. I, the fledgling 28-year-old choreographer, am now a full-blown senior citizen. But there will always be a Peter Pan because he is forever.”
The production is restaged by Ramon Victoria and Edana Mae Labitoria under the artistic direction of Paul Alexander Morales. Sets and Costumes were designed by Salvador Bernal, lighting design by John Batalla, and musical research by Rudy Vidad. Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.
Peter Pan runs at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) from Dec.4 to 13. For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, email info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
