Meet a friendly and enchanting troupe of tikbalang, kapre, and engkanto as they fight for their home and discover the fantastic world of Filipino folklore as Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) presents Jepoy and the Magic Circle starting October 5. This production is the first-ever Repertory Philippines (REP) show to be staged at its new home, REP Theater at Citywalk, Eastwood City in Quezon City.
Directed by the esteemed Joy Virata, the interactive fantasy musical for children of all ages is based on the Palanca Award-winning short story The Magic Circle by cultural icon and literary legend Gilda Cordero Fernando. The English adaptation is written by the award-winning playwright and director Rody Vera, marking his first collaboration with REP. Ejay Yatco is behind the Music and Lyrics and serves as the musical director.
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Jepoy and the Magic Circle tells the story of Jepoy, a young boy who lives with his mother, Aling Barang, and their dog, Galis, at the edge of a vast forest. What begins as an ordinary laundry day quickly turns into an extraordinary adventure when Galis snatches a dress and runs into the woods. As Jepoy follows, he stumbles into a magical realm brimming with legendary Filipino characters and creatures who are fighting for the preservation of their home.
“Jepoy and the Magic Circle introduces children to Filipino magical creatures and animals through vibrant costumes, songs, dances, and puppetry,” says Virata. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to gain an appreciation of their Filipino culture and heritage and understand the importance of taking good care of the environment, and of course, experience quality children’s theater.”
Sharing the role of Jepoy are Noel Comia Jr., a three-time Aliw Award winner and the youngest-ever Cinemalaya Best Actor; Elian Dominguez; a Philippine LEAF Award nominee who honed his talent in university theater; and Yhuan Gatbunton, a singer-songwriter, music producer, and actor who has appeared in various TV, commercial, and theater projects. Joining them are Gawad Buhay awardee Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Aling Barang, with Abi Sulit and Ring Antonio alternating in the role. Different versions of the mischievous dog Galis are brought to life by versatile actors Francis Gatmaytan and Cara Barredo.
The Kapre, a central figure in the story, is depicted by the experienced Hans Eckstein, Julienne Mendoza, and Joey Vargas; while Paqui is portrayed by Joshua Cabiladas, Stephen Viñas, Luis Marcelo, and Franco Ramos. The enigmatic Doña Geronima is played by the renowned Pinky Marquez, along with Sulit and Antonio. Playing Pedro are Lance Soliman and Sean Nolasco, while Silveria is brought to life by Monica Tulio and Ayla Garcia. Bradshaw-Volante and Paula Paguio alternate as Maria Sinukuan, Barredo and Barbara Jance are Maria Makiling, and Jay Barrameda and Mica Fajardo are Maria Cacao.
The ensemble includes a diverse and talented group of performers. Completing the cast are Chesko Rodriguez, Broey Divinagracia, Ado Villanueva, JV Fulgencio, Jae Valencia, Deo Dela Cruz, VJ Cortel, Kenny Isidoro, Jay Pangilinan, Chan Rabutazo, Dindo Divinagracia, Gabo Tiongson, Pablo Palacpac, Sebastian Katigbak, Ian Hermogenes, Bea Remollo, Jana Cabiladas, Katie Bradshaw, Alyanna Wijanco, Nyla Festejo, Jacqui Jacinto, Cheska Quimno, Meg Salud, Francesca Mata, Daniella Albano and Ayam Eckstein.
The creative team is equally impressive, with Barredo assisting in the direction and Viñas handling the choreography with Gatmaytan as associate choreographer. The magical world is brought to life by Mio Infante for set design, Raven Ong for costume design with Hershee Tantiado as associate costume designer, Kayla Teodoro for puppet design, GA Fallarme for projection design and John Batalla for lighting design.
REP President & CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio expresses how Jepoy and the Magic Circle marks an exciting new chapter for the theater company as the first production to be staged in Eastwood.
“The REP Theater at Citywalk, Eastwood City marks a significant milestone for REP. We can’t wait to welcome a new generation of theater enthusiasts and further contribute to the thriving theater scene in the Philippines,” says Perez-Rubio. “We’re proud to celebrate a new dawn for REP with a production that puts our Filipino culture and heritage front and center, as we look forward to enriching more lives through the power and magic of theater.”
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