1. Daniella Gana is perfect as Alice. Not to be unfair to Chaye Mogg, Becca Coates, and Rachel Coates, who all also play Alice; it’s just that Daniella was the one performing when we caught the show — and boy, was she good. She’s very convincing as the curious and stubborn Alice. She’s got a great voice, too, especially when she sings in falsetto.
2. Bituin Escalante. Bituin is such a showstopper as the scary Queen of Hearts (she’ll remind you of Queen Amidala and Ursula). She’s got the best facial expressions. Of course, her voice is flaw-free — as usual.
3. A lot of the actors play multiple roles. Joel Trinidad, for example, plays the Mad Hatter, the Carpenter, and the French Mouse. Now that’s talent! He’s not the only one who’s versatile in this production, however. And that’s a good thing.
4. It’s not just for kids. Sure, it’s a Rep Theater for Young Audiences production, but adults will definitely enjoy Alice in Wonderland, too. No Johnny Depp here, but there are lots for grown-ups to appreciate.
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5. Great, catchy songs. Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy did a great job coming up with tunes that will have you singing along (even just in your head) and “suffering” from LSS afterward. Our “Alice” LSS: “I’m Mad, You’re Mad” and “Off With Your Head.”
6. The set is fabulous! Set designer Gino Gonzales used origami as the peg for the stage design and it looks very good! The moving backdrops look well-made. There are chairs so beautiful you’d wish they’re for sale. Bright colors are used. Your eyes are in for a visual treat, basically. Director Joy Virata shared that they went over budget — and it shows!
7. Even Lady Gaga will love the costumes. They’re not Lady Gaga crazy but they’re all very colorful and creatively well-made. The Walrus is such a fine sight to see. Tweedledum and Tweedledee look dazzling in black and silver (they kinda look like Tim Yap and Wally Bayola, too). The Queen of Hearts looks like a character straight out of Star Wars and The Little Mermaid — cross between Queen Amidala and Ursula, to be specific.
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Catch the Repertory Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 until December 15, 2013.
Photos by Mark Sablan
