Cover The cast of Repertory Philippines’ upcoming production of ‘Man of La Mancha’
The cast of Repertory Philippines’ upcoming production of ‘Man of La Mancha’
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Daring today’s audiences to believe in hope, Repertory Philippines is set to enliven the local theatre scene this June with a revitalised, much-anticipated staging of the seminal classic, ‘Man of La Mancha’
Repertory Philippines (REP) is enlivening the local theatre scene this June as it brings the inspiring and beloved story of literary hero Don Quixote back to the stage. Running for a strictly limited four-weekend engagement from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, this 2026 production of Man of La Mancha not only harks back to REP’s rich legacy but also offers a revitalised take for today’s theatregoers. It is billed as a “can’t-miss live theatre experience that dares today’s audiences to believe in hope”.
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Above Repertory Philippines enlivens the local theatre scene this June as it brings back the musical ‘Man of La Mancha’. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this Cervantine play stars 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino
Repertory Philippines enlivens the local theatre scene this June as it brings back the musical ‘Man of La Mancha’. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this Cervantine play stars 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino
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At the helm of this Cervantine musical is the young director Nelsito Gomez, lauded for his fresh, creative and relevant interpretations of literary masterworks, from Shakespeare to Goethe. With Gomez leading the production, the story of one man’s refusal to surrender his impossible dream promises to be even more impactful and meaningful for a new generation.
He directs the grand musical theatre comeback of Nonie Buencamino, the 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee. Known for his versatility across film, television and decades of theatre, Buencamino steps into the dual role of Alonso Quijano and Don Quixote, a man on a dedicated mission to restore honour, justice and beauty to a world tainted by cynicism and hatred.
Joining Buencamino on stage is Marvin Ong, known for his lauded lead performance in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, playing the iconic and loyal squire Sancho Panza. Acclaimed classical singer and actress Katrine Sunga takes on the role of Don Quixote’s muse, Aldonza.
Rounding out the stellar cast are Tarek El Tayech as Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre, Julio Laforteza as Pedro/Male Dancer, Dippy Arceo as Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Juan/Barber, Ralph Oliva as Paco, Khalil Tambio as Anselmo, Liway Perez as Maria/Female Dancer and Rafa Sumilong as Captain. Additionally, JV Fulgencio and Aly Wijangco join the production as the male and female swings, respectively.
Above Nonie Buencamino as Alonso Quijano / Don Quixote is joined by Katrine Sunga who plays his muse, Aldonza
Nonie Buencamino as Alonso Quijano / Don Quixote is joined by Katrine Sunga who plays his muse, Aldonza
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The musical itself is considered one of the world’s most popular, offering a soul-stirring experience featuring a fictionalised version of famed writer Miguel de Cervantes. Thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition, Cervantes must defend himself against his fellow prisoners by taking on the persona of Don Quixote through a play. Ultimately, this tale of imagination, chivalry and heroism transforms the people around him. The story is inspired by Cervantes’ novel The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, often hailed as the “best novel of all time” and the “best and most central work in world literature”.
Premiering on Broadway in 1965, the original production won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and features a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion. The show is famously known for introducing the standard The Impossible Dream, which has become a universal anthem of hope. Its Spanish-infused score also treats audiences to timeless classics like Dulcinea; I, Don Quixote and I’m Only Thinking of Him.
Bringing this score and world to life is a formidable artistic team, including musical director Farley Asuncion, vocal coach Arman Ferrer, choreographer Jim Ferrer, set and props designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Hershee Tantiado, sound designer Kabaitan Bautista and lighting designer and technical director D Cortezano.
Above Alfredo Reyes as Duke / Carrasco and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia
Alfredo Reyes as Duke / Carrasco and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia
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This production marks a proud return for the beloved show, which is a favourite among REP audiences, having been previously staged in 1987 at the Insular Life Theater and in 2005 at Onstage Greenbelt.
Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP President and CEO, captures the urgency of this revival: “We are deeply honoured to bring Man of La Mancha back to the REP stage—a production that remains very close to my heart as one of my all-time favourite musicals. In a moment when it’s easy to grow weary or guarded, Don Quixote invites us, in his quirky ‘quixotic’ manner, to hold fast to courage, imagination and the possibility of something better. Guided by an extraordinary team led by Nelsito Gomez and Nonie Buencamino, we’ve shaped a production that feels both intimate and urgent, and I’m truly excited to share it with our audiences,” she shares.
She notes emphatically, “This is a theatre experience you simply have to see”.
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Above Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper
Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper
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Theatre enthusiasts can catch Man of La Mancha exclusively at the REP Eastwood Theater located in Eastwood City Walk 2, Quezon City. Special discounted rates are available for Megaworld Titanium VIPs online, while Eastwood residents, tenants and employees can claim their special discount directly at the REP Box Office, located on the 4th floor of Eastwood Mall near SuperPark and Red Mango.
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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.
