Down the Rabbit Hole with REP's "Alice in Wonderland"!
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| RTYA Alice in Wonderland |
What if you could escape into a world of mad tea parties, tap-dancing cards, and a queen who only screams ‘Off with their heads!’? That’s exactly where my son Rhyme and I found ourselves on opening day of REP’s Alice in Wonderland.
Last August 23, 2025, my 11-year-old son Rhyme and I stepped into a world of whimsy as we watched the opening day of Alice in Wonderland at the REP Eastwood Theater. From the moment the curtain opened, we were transported straight into Wonderland -- full of color, charm, and delightful surprises.
What immediately caught our eyes were the costumes -- so vibrant, lively, and imaginative that it felt like the characters had popped right out of the storybook. Rhyme especially loved how the show wasn’t just about sitting and watching as some parts were interactive, making the kids (and even the grown-ups!) feel like we were part of Alice’s wild journey.
It was truly like escaping into Wonderland for a little while, and as a mom, I couldn’t help but marvel at how the play beautifully captured the creativity of a young child’s mind. Kids will surely love it, but adults will find themselves charmed too.
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| Justine Narciso as Alice |
And speaking of charm, on opening day we watched Justine Narciso as Alice. She shined on stage, effortlessly capturing the hearts of both kids and adults with her warmth, wit, and wonder. Rhyme whispered to me during the show, “She’s really Alice, Mom!,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
About the Show
Alice in Wonderland is Repertory Philippines’ newest musical under the Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) banner. It runs from August 23 to December 14, 2025 at the REP Eastwood Theater. |
| colorful costumes and vibrant acts |
The show is adapted for the stage with music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, directed by RTYA Creative Director Joy Virata and Cara Barredo.
Audiences are treated to the iconic characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass: the curious Alice, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Mock Turtle, and the Queen of Hearts.
Cast Highlights
- Alice – Played alternately by Reese De La Vega Iso, Justine Narciso, and Cheska Quimno
- Queen of Hearts – Cara Barredo, Pinky Marquez, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd
- Mad Hatter – Hans Eckstein, Gerhard Krysstopher
- White Rabbit – Steven Hotchkiss, Gabo Tiongson
- …plus an incredible ensemble of talented actors bringing Wonderland’s world to life!
The creative team includes Phoebe Bitoon (Musical Director), Stephen Viñas (Choreographer), Hershee Tantiado and Phillip Domingo (Costume Designers), and John Batalla (Lighting Designer) -- all of whom helped make the production dazzling, immersive, and fun.
Watching Alice in Wonderland with Rhyme wasn’t just a mother-son bonding experience, it was a joyful escape to a world where imagination runs free, colors come alive, and every child (and child-at-heart) can believe in a little bit of magic!
