Cover Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Quijano’s niece Antonia share their worry for the old gentleman’s mental state in ‘I’m Only Thinking of Him’ in Repertory Philippines’ revival of ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Quijano’s niece Antonia share their worry for the old gentleman’s mental state in ‘I’m Only Thinking of Him’ in Repertory Philippines’ revival of ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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Repertory Philippines brings ‘Man of La Mancha’ back to the stage, proving that the quest for the unbeatable foe and the power of literature remain as resonant as ever in our contemporary world
The 2026 musical offering from Repertory Philippines (REP) invites audiences to dream again with Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion’s seminal classic, Man of La Mancha. The production follows the remarkable exploits of the great literary hero, Don Quixote de La Mancha.
The narrative centres on the author himself, Miguel de Cervantes, who is thrown into a trial by the Spanish Inquisition and forced to defend himself to his fellow prisoners, who are tasked with deciding his final sentence. To do so, Cervantes assumes the role of Alonso Quijana, an ageing scholarly gentleman who weaves enchanting tales of errant knights and glorious conquests, taking on the persona of Don Quixote. Despite facing mockery and violence, Quixote persists with his mission of fighting injustice, loving purely and never surrendering to despair. His unwavering belief begins to transform those around him, helping them realise their dignity, power and self-worth.
Read more: The Impossible Dream returns: Repertory Philippines revives ‘Man of La Mancha’
Above ‘Man of La Mancha’ reminds us to hold on to hope with its principal song, ‘The Impossible Dream‘ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
‘Man of La Mancha’ reminds us to hold on to hope with its principal song, ‘The Impossible Dream‘ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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His unwavering belief begins to transform those around him, helping them realise their dignity, power and self-worth. The beloved musical features timeless classics such as The Impossible Dream, Dulcinea and I’m Only Thinking of Him.
This particular production serves as the second offering of REP’s 89th season. REP president Mindy Perez-Rubio expressed her excitement, stating, “Man of La Mancha has long been one of my favourite musicals, and I have always dreamed of seeing it produced by REP.” She further shared, “I am thrilled that this dream has finally become a reality as the second offering of our 89th Season.”
Above Alfredo Reyes joins REP’s ‘Man of La Mancha” as The Duke / Carrasco (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
Alfredo Reyes joins REP’s ‘Man of La Mancha” as The Duke / Carrasco (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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This production heavily emphasises the power of literature. Not only is the musical based on Cervantes’s timeless 17th-century novel Don Quixote, but literature itself holds an inimitable power to spark hope among its characters. Cervantes uses storytelling and theatrical roleplay as a literal shield against the bleak reality of his imprisonment. By sharing his text and reimagining humanity’s potential, he inspires the cynical modern minds around him to believe in a kinder world of empathy and understanding.
This classic theme corresponds directly to the urgent calls of today’s time. When first staged on Broadway in 1965, the play served as a resonant hallmark of musical theatre during a turbulent era ravaged by the Vietnam War, civil unrest and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Six decades later, our contemporary landscape remains similarly beleaguered by oppression, cynicism, prejudice and gross abuses of power. In 2026, the text acts as a mirror of our current social anxieties, offering a transformative journey that reframes passive aspiration as an active battle cry for justice. As director Nelsito Gomez observes, the story will always speak to the now when one is determined to excavate it.
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Above ‘Man of La Mancha’ reminds us to hold on to hope with its principal song, ‘The Impossible Dream‘ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
‘Man of La Mancha’ reminds us to hold on to hope with its principal song, ‘The Impossible Dream‘ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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REP artistic director Jeremy Domingo noted that after more than 60 years, the play continues to celebrate idealism and compassion. “We may have left the 20th century behind, but we are still at odds with a world beleaguered by oppression, cynicism, prejudice and gross abuses of power,” Domingo explained. “We invite you all to follow the transformative journey of our hero Alonso Quijana as he embarks on his idealistic quest for justice, dignity and a kinder world of empathy, understanding and humanity, in a piece that remains as urgently relevant in 2026 as it did six decades ago,” he added.
Domingo also expressed enthusiasm for the current team. “We warmly welcome our guest director Nelsito Gomez and a stellar cast including Nonie Buencamino (who previously played Padre in our 1987 production of Man of La Mancha), Katrine Sunga and Marvin Ong leading a cast of versatile triple-threat performers,” he stated. He joyfully concluded, “It’s time to dream again.”
Above Gawad Buhay winner Marvin Ong plays Don Quixote’s faithful squire, Sancho Panza, joining his master in his many adventures (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
Gawad Buhay winner Marvin Ong plays Don Quixote’s faithful squire, Sancho Panza, joining his master in his many adventures (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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Gomez’s penchant for reframing classics is immediately evident in the production’s physical layout, guided by a dream team of designers. The set design by Julio Garcia is minimalist and immaculately white, yet the clever geometrical perspectives add immense visual depth to the space. Initially covered by a jail cell screen to anchor the present time of the Inquisition, the set pieces are dynamically removed for the fictional retelling of Don Quixote, transforming the stage with period props and costumes that bring out the production’s colour and texture. This staging choice proves remarkably effective in signalling the fluid time shifts in the musical, letting the meta-theatrical conceit breathe.
The show is further anchored by unbelievable onstage chemistry from the leading men. Nonie Buencamino delivers an impressive and deeply soulful performance as Don Quixote, never holding back and willing to risk it all. Opposite him, Marvin Ong is equally impressive as Sancho Panza, anchoring the comedy and loyalty with award-winning precision.
Above Esteemed classical singer and actor Katrine Sunga takes the role of Don Quixote’s muse, Dulcinea, in ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
Esteemed classical singer and actor Katrine Sunga takes the role of Don Quixote’s muse, Dulcinea, in ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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Equally affecting are the supporting performances, particularly Katrine Sunga as Aldonza and Alfredo Reyes as Dr Carrasco / The Duke. Both actors are highly effective in embodying their characters’ clashing perspectives in life. Sunga captures the raw, defensive cynicism of Aldonza, while Reyes provides the sharp, cold rationalism of Carrasco. Because these defensive mindsets perfectly mirror the audience’s own real-world scepticism, their eventual transformation under Quixote’s idealism feels incredibly poignant.
The production’s most powerful moment is saved for its ending. In a striking theatrical choice, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza break the fourth wall, coming off the stage and walking directly into the audience. It feels as if the fictional literary characters have leapt off the stage and into the real world.
Above A favourite among REP audiences, ‘Man of La Mancha’ in its third restaging dares audiences to believe in hope (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
A favourite among REP audiences, ‘Man of La Mancha’ in its third restaging dares audiences to believe in hope (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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By doing so, the production successfully bridges the fictional narrative, the real-life historical event in Cervantes’ life, and the live space of the theatre. The unifying message of the play becomes instantly resonant across borders, prompting spectators to confront the realities of their own world.
REP’s 2026 revival does not promise simple answers to modern suffering, but it reinforces the absolute necessity of imagination, perseverance and hope in the most trying of circumstances. It stands as an urgent reminder that sometimes, when the world grows too cynical, you just have to fight the damn windmills.
The stellar ensemble is further supported by talented performers taking on multiple dynamic roles. Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante shines as Antonia, while Reyes commands the stage as Carrasco and the Duke. Tarek El Tayech takes on the dual roles of the Governor and the Innkeeper.
Above Tarek El Tayech (first from left) portrays the characters of the Governor and the Innkeeper in ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
Tarek El Tayech (first from left) portrays the characters of the Governor and the Innkeeper in ‘Man of La Mancha’ (Photo: Krizhal Daryl Ordas of Indio Creatives)
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Behind the scenes, a formidable creative team has been assembled to bring the world of Man of La Mancha to life. Musical Director Farley Asuncion and Vocal Coach Arman Ferrer lead the auditory experience. The visual and technical elements are crafted by set designer Julio Garcia, assistant set designer Patrick Jusay, costume designer Hershee Tantiado and lighting Designer D Cortezano.
Intimacy director Jenny Jamora, choreographer Jim Ferrer and sound designer Kabaitan Bautista also provide crucial expertise to the staging. The production is seamlessly coordinated by production manager Patricia Gregorio and stage manager Katreana Gamban.
Man of La Mancha runs until June 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
