Repertory Philippines’ Theater for Young Audiences opens its first production after the COVID-19 pandemic with a new version of a classic fairy tale. Snow White and the Prince is a love story between these two iconic characters. Written by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the same authors of RTYA’s very successful 2017 production Rapunzel, Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale, is a musical comedy for the young and the young at heart and will be enjoyed by the whole family.
On the eve of her birthday celebration, Snow White anticipates her first ball, and dreams of romance. She meets a charming prince at the ball but her dreams are shattered by her stepmother who is jealous of her beauty. For her protection, her loving nursemaid sends her to the forest to find the nurse’s seven (of course) friends. Also, in the picture are a magic mirror who can never lie and, the symbol of evil, an apple.
The guiding principle behind all RTYA productions is that children deserve as good a theater as adults and this production strives to do just that. Joy Virata, Director and RTYA’s Creative Director, has gathered a group of both veteran and young actors to tell the story through simple and humorous dialogue and delightfully tuneful songs. Cara Barredo, Asst. Director and Musical Director, was charged with bringing out the best of every actor in terms of vocal quality and interpretation. Stephen Viñas, has created wonderfully interpretive musical staging and lively choreography. Everything will be enhanced by the highly imaginative and colorful costume design by Raven Ong and the art-deco set design by Kayla Teodoro augmented by a paint brush in the talented hands of brilliant set artist Adul Lasin. As in all RTYA productions, multi-awarded John Batalla (who doubles as Technical Director) will add to the magic with his lights.
Leading the cast are REP and RTYA regulars Carla Gueverra Laforteza and PinkyvMarquez as the Queen with newcomer Julia Serad alternating. Veterans Chino Veguillasvand Franco Ramos play the all-important Mirror along with newbie Sebastian Katigbak.
In the title roles are Kiara Dario, Pappel (Ashlee Factor), Jillian Ita-as and Anyah as Snow White and MC Dela Cruz, Neo Rivera, and Rapah Manalo as the Prince. Abi Sulit, Ring Antonio and Cara Barredo alternate as the Nurse. Fourteen (seven times two) actors of all heights, weights, genders, and ages (and with varying theater backgrounds), play the friends.
RTYA looks forward to greeting thousands of viewers, young and old, for the next four months. For parents and teachers who are familiar with our productions, they know the children will thoroughly enjoy the experience—many for the first time. They know that the children will be exposed to art (we feature different artistic themes every production), music (classical, “Broadway,” and modern), classical dance (a ballet performance on points and lively modern choreography in every production), literature (stories from classical folklore), and the ever popular “Audience Participation” where an actor interacts with the audience. And, as in all good literature, there are always lessons to be learned.
So, RTYA encourages parents and teachers to bring their children of all ages to the theater. It is an experience they will not forget.
The production and theater team of SNOW WHITE AND THE PRINCE is led by Ayam Eckstein (Production and Company Manager), Patricia Gregorio (Assistant Production Manager), Jojo Amboy (Stage Manager), Ronnie Cruz (Assistant Stage Manager), Jerry Frias (Set Supervisor), Pablito Salvador Jr. (Lighting Technician and Custodian), Tess Andalaza (Costume Mistress), Pol Roxas & Arnel Carrion (Sound Technician) and Banjo Basilio (Electrician).
