The Royal Ball Awaits at REP’s Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper
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| RTYA Cinderella |
I grew up with Cinderella. The glass slipper, the royal ball, the wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters, the Fairy Godmother, and, of course, the Prince were all familiar parts of a story I knew well. My 12-year-old son, however, had no idea about Cinderella. So when we watched the opening show of Repertory Philippines’ Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper on August 22 at the REP Eastwood Theater, I wasn't just revisiting a childhood favorite. I was watching my son discover it for the first time.
A New Take on a Familiar Cinderella Story
Running from August 22 to December 13, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper is REP's latest Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) production, created for young audiences and the entire family. Directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the musical offers a fresh take on the classic fairytale, filled with a royal ball, plenty of twists, and a story centered on kindness and courage.The show was created by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics. The pair are also known for adapting beloved children's stories into musicals, including REP's Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Prince.
What makes this production especially suited for younger theatergoers is its format. The show features eight main characters and quick, short scenes designed to keep young audiences engaged and entertained, while also highlighting lessons about consideration for others and resilience.
And while Cinderella has all the familiar characters you'd expect, there's also a delightful addition: Putterman, a mischievous rat who helps Cinderella along her journey.
Meet Cinderella, the Prince, and Putterman
REP has brought together seasoned theater actors, performers, and emerging stars for this production.The title role of Cinderella is shared by Katie Bradshaw, Ornella Brianna, and Julia Santiago, while the Prince is played by Khalil Tambio and Radson Flores, with Lance Soliman as cover. Putterman is played by Stephen Viñas and Jay Pangilinan, with Steven Hotchkiss as cover.
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| Cinderella |
The production also features Cara Barredo and Mayen Cadd as the Fairy Godmother; Hans Eckstein, Steven Hotchkiss, and Hades Kitane as Frederick; Pinky Marquez and Ring Antonio as the Stepmother; Arielle Magno and Barbara Jance as Stepsister 1; and Sebastian Katigbak and Paul Atienza as Stepsister 2, with Jay Barrameda as cover for both Stepsisters.
Behind the performers is a creative team that completes the world of Cinderella through music, choreography, costumes, lighting, set design, hair and makeup, puppetry, and projections. The team includes choreographer Stephen Viñas, musical director Phoebe Bitoon, lighting and technical director John Batalla, costume designer Raven Ong, set designer Lawyn Cruz, puppet designer Kayla Teodoro, and projections designer Jana Jimenez, among others.
Watching Cinderella With My Son
Cinderella is one of the fairytales I grew up with. What made this particular theater experience special was realizing that my 12-year-old son didn't even know the story. So while I was watching a familiar fairytale, he was discovering Cinderella for the first time.And REP's production made that introduction particularly enjoyable.
During the August 22 performance, Pinky Marquez as the Stepmother, together with Arielle Magno and Paul Atienza as the Stepsisters, created an entertaining trio you'll love to hate. They were the kind of characters that could make you feel annoyed at what they were doing to Cinderella while still making you enjoy every scene they were in.
Cara Barredo as the Fairy Godmother was another highlight for me. Her presence on stage, paired with her beautiful voice, really put the magic into the show. Knowing that she also co-directed the production with Joy Virata made her performance even more special to appreciate.
Stephen Viñas' Putterman was another highlight. His character brought charm, humor, and comic relief to the scenes, making him a fun addition to Cinderella's journey.
And then there was the romance.
Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella and Radson Flores as the Prince brought the kind of chemistry that delivered kilig to both the adults and young audiences.
There's something different about watching that connection develop in a live performance. You're not simply watching a familiar love story unfold on a screen; you're sharing the moment with the actors and the rest of the audience.
During the August 22 performance, Pinky Marquez as the Stepmother, together with Arielle Magno and Paul Atienza as the Stepsisters, created an entertaining trio you'll love to hate. They were the kind of characters that could make you feel annoyed at what they were doing to Cinderella while still making you enjoy every scene they were in.
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| Stepmother and Stepsisters |
Cara Barredo as the Fairy Godmother was another highlight for me. Her presence on stage, paired with her beautiful voice, really put the magic into the show. Knowing that she also co-directed the production with Joy Virata made her performance even more special to appreciate.
Stephen Viñas' Putterman was another highlight. His character brought charm, humor, and comic relief to the scenes, making him a fun addition to Cinderella's journey.
And then there was the romance.
Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella and Radson Flores as the Prince brought the kind of chemistry that delivered kilig to both the adults and young audiences.
There's something different about watching that connection develop in a live performance. You're not simply watching a familiar love story unfold on a screen; you're sharing the moment with the actors and the rest of the audience.
There's More Than Just Watching
As with REP's Theater for Young Audiences productions, the audience can expect interactive moments in Cinderella, too. I won't spoil exactly what happens because discovering it for yourself is part of the fun. But here's a little hint: If you can, choose a seat near the front or along the aisles. 😉
REP describes Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper as a production for both children and the entire family, whether it is a child's first theater experience or part of a family's tradition of watching live shows together. This year's RTYA production celebrates compassion for others and the courage it takes to follow one's dreams.
For me, one of the loveliest parts was simply being able to share something from my childhood with my son. Kids today have so many ways to discover stories, but watching a musical live offers a different kind of experience. They get to see performers up close, hear the music fill the theater, react together with an audience, and -- especially with RTYA -- become part of the experience itself.
And for parents, there's that added joy of watching a familiar story through a child's eyes.
Sometimes, the best way to pass on a childhood favorite isn't by telling them the story. It's by sharing the experience.
Your Invitation to the Royal Ball
If you're looking for a family theater experience this season, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper offers plenty to enjoy: music, humor, romance, colorful characters, interactive surprises, and meaningful lessons wrapped in a story children can easily connect with.And yes, there is a glass slipper, a royal ball, and a Prince.
Just don't wait too long.
Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper
Presented by: Repertory Philippines – Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA)
Venue: REP Eastwood Theater
Run: August 22–December 13, 2026
Tickets are available through TicketWorld and the REP Box Office at the 4/F Eastwood Mall, open Wednesday to Sunday from 1 PM to 8 PM. For ticket inquiries, REP may be reached at 0966-9054013 or 0962-6918540, or through [email protected] and [email protected].
