Quick Review: Jepoy and the Magic Circle
Who'd have thought there's gold to be mined in a short story? Gilda Cordero Fernando's The Magic Circle is the basis of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences' (RTYA) Jepoy and the Magic Circle, as adapted by Rody Vera, with wonderful music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco and directed by Repertory Philippines' Joy Virata, founder and creative director of RTYA. In the musical, Jepoy anchors the audience as he discovers all things mystical and mythical in the forest, from the Tres Marias of Pinoy folklore, the faeries Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan, Maria Cacao to the aswangs, dwendes, kapres, and tikbalangs. It also includes some endangered animals native to the Philippines like the Philippine eagle, tarsiers, pawikan, etc. Throughout Jepoy's adventures, along with his trusted dog, Galis, he discovers what happened to his father who left him and his mother for the woods. Jepoy is one musical production for kids that can be enjoyed by adults. While the material is basical...