Nonie Buencamino Makes a Remarkable Return to Musical Theater in REP's Man of La Mancha
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| Repertory Philippines enlivens the local theater scene this June as it brings back the musical Man of La Mancha. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this Cervantine play stars 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino |
Some stories endure for centuries because they continue to speak to every generation.
That enduring appeal was on full display during the opening night of Repertory Philippines' (REP) latest staging of Man of La Mancha, directed by Nelsito Gomez and headlined by acclaimed actor Nonie Buencamino in his much-anticipated return to musical theater. Running until June 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, the production breathes new life into the beloved classic while remaining faithful to the timeless themes that have made it one of the world's most celebrated musicals.
Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' iconic novel Don Quixote, the musical follows a fictionalized version of Cervantes himself, who is imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition and must defend himself before his fellow prisoners. Through a play-within-a-play, he transforms into Don Quixote, an aging dreamer determined to restore honor, justice, and beauty to a world that has grown cynical.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic
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| REP Man of La Mancha runs until June 28, 2026! |
REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio described the production as a story that encourages audiences "to hold fast to courage, imagination, and the possibility of something better."
We are deeply honored to bring Man of La Mancha back to the REP stage -- a production that remains very close to my heart as one of my all-time favorite musicals
Perez-Rubio shared.
In a moment when it's easy to grow weary or guarded, Don Quixote invites us, in his quirky 'quixotic' manner, to hold fast to courage, imagination, and the possibility of something better.
The production opens inside a prison, immediately setting a darker tone than one might expect. A large cage initially separates the performers from the audience. To be honest, it took me a few moments to adjust as it partially obscured the actors' expressions. But once Cervantes begins telling the story of Don Quixote and the staging opens up, the audience is drawn into a world where imagination and idealism take center stage.
Like many students, I was introduced to Don Quixote in high school. While I knew it was considered one of literature's greatest works, I never fully grasped its significance. Watching Man of La Mancha on stage finally helped me understand why this story has endured for generations.
Nonie Buencamino Embodies Don Quixote
At the heart of the production is Nonie Buencamino, who returns to musical theater as Alonso Quijano, better known as Don Quixote. |
| Nonie Buencamino as Don Quixote, and Katrine Sunga as Aldonza |
From the moment he steps onto the stage, Buencamino commands attention with a performance that feels effortless yet deeply affecting. There is a sincerity in his portrayal that makes Don Quixote's unwavering belief in goodness, justice, and impossible dreams feel completely genuine.
More than simply playing the role, Buencamino embodies the character. His passion, conviction, vulnerability, and emotional depth shine through every scene, creating a portrayal that is both inspiring and profoundly human. It is difficult to adequately describe the amount of soul he pours into the role.
For me, Buencamino's performance became the anchor that made Don Quixote's journey accessible and emotionally resonant. By the end of the evening, it was impossible not to admire the character's relentless pursuit of hope in a world determined to crush it.
A Cast That Brings the Story to Life
Buencamino is joined by a stellar cast led by Marvin Ong as Sancho Panza and Katrine Sunga as Aldonza.Ong brings heart, humor, and warmth to the loyal squire, creating a wonderful dynamic with Buencamino throughout the show. Their chemistry is remarkable, and many of the production's most memorable moments come from the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho.
Meanwhile, Sunga delivers a powerful performance as Aldonza, bringing strength, vulnerability, and commanding vocals to the role. Her presence adds emotional depth to the story and provides some of the musical's most compelling moments.
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| the powerful cast of Man of La Mancha |
Rounding out the cast are Tarek El Tayech as Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre, Julio Laforteza as Pedro/Male Dancer, Dippy Arceo as Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Juan/Barber, Ralph Oliva as Paco, Khalil Tambio as Anselmo, Liway Perez as Maria/Female Dancer, and Rafa Sumilong as Captain. Joining them as swings are JV Fulgencio and Aly Wijangco.
Every member of the cast contributed to the storytelling. Whether in major musical numbers, ensemble scenes, or smaller character moments, each performer helped create a production that felt cohesive, engaging, and emotionally resonant.
A Quest That Becomes the Audience's Journey
What makes Man of La Mancha particularly moving is how Don Quixote's quest gradually becomes the audience's journey as well.
As the story unfolds, viewers are taken through moments of humor, pain, despair, hope, and enlightenment. What begins as the tale of a man chasing an impossible dream slowly transforms into a reflection on courage, perseverance, and the power of seeing the world not only as it is, but as it could be.
The relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho provides many of the production's lighter moments, while the story's emotional turns ensure that the audience remains invested in the characters' struggles and aspirations. By the end of the evening, Don Quixote's quest no longer feels like his alone -- it becomes a journey shared by everyone watching.
The Music That Carries the Story
The musicality of the production plays a significant role in creating that emotional connection. Featuring music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, Man of La Mancha is known for introducing the iconic anthem The Impossible Dream, alongside beloved songs such as Dulcinea and I, Don Quixote.The live music and vocal performances elevate the storytelling throughout the evening, adding weight and emotion to the characters' journeys. The songs never feel like interruptions to the narrative; instead, they deepen the audience's understanding of the characters and their motivations.
And when The Impossible Dream fills the air, it feels like the perfect expression of everything Don Quixote stands for -- hope, conviction, and the courage to keep dreaming despite impossible odds.
Behind the Music and Magic
The production's emotional impact is also a testament to the work happening behind the scenes. The artistic team includes Musical Director Farley Asuncion, Vocal Coach Arman Ferrer, Choreographer Jim Ferrer, Set and Props Designer Julio Garcia, Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Sound Designer Kabaitan Bautista, and Lighting Designer and Technical Director D Cortezano.Together, they create a theatrical world that feels immersive and lived-in. From the prison setting that frames the story to the live music that carries its emotional weight, every element works in harmony to support Don Quixote's journey. The thoughtful staging, evocative lighting, and strong musical direction help transform a decades-old classic into an experience that feels fresh and relevant for today's audiences.
A Theater Experience Worth Taking
Considered one of the world's most beloved musicals, Man of La Mancha continues to resonate because its message remains universal. It is a story about believing in something better, even when the world gives you every reason not to.Under Nelsito Gomez's thoughtful direction and anchored by Nonie Buencamino's remarkable return to musical theater, REP's latest staging succeeds in making that message feel both timeless and timely.
Whether you're revisiting a favorite musical or discovering Don Quixote's story for the first time, Man of La Mancha offers an emotional and rewarding journey well worth taking.
Man of La Mancha runs until June 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood City, Quezon City. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, Ticket2Me, and the REP Box Office.
